Khaberni - The emerging technology company Fauna Robotics announced the launch of an innovative humanoid robot, which is among the first of its kind that people might want in their homes, as an alternative to the usual cold or scary industrial robots often associated with science fiction or industrial use.
This robot is known as Sprout, and it made its debut after years of secretive development, focusing on being friendly, safe, and interacting in a human-like manner.
Unique Design
Sprout significantly differs from traditional humanoid models that might seem scary or overly realistic. The robot is about 1.07 meters tall and weighs approximately 22.7 kg, making it comparatively small in size to the massive industrial robots.
Instead of trying to mimic a human face, Sprout features circular LED screens and movable eyebrows resembling windshield wipers, used to express its emotions or intentions, giving it a character more akin to a beloved cartoon figure rather than a soulless machine.
The robot boasts a soft, padded design that allows users, including children and pets, to safely interact with it.
Technical Capabilities and Control
Sprout includes a range of advanced processors and sensors. It is powered by a strong NVIDIA Jetson AGX Orin processor, relies on stereoscopic vision with sensors that allow it to navigate complex environments, avoid obstacles, and interact in open spaces without the need for restricted areas.
The robot also supports control via smartphone apps or using virtual reality headsets, allowing developers and researchers to experiment with the capabilities of embodied artificial intelligence in real environments.
Real-world Testing
Reports indicate that several institutions, such as the University of California in San Diego, Disney, and Boston Dynamics, have already begun testing Sprout in various applications, from research to services and entertainment.
Although the current version targets developers and researchers more than ordinary consumers, this step represents a significant advancement in the path of humanoid robots toward home use.
It is noted that this initiative comes at a time when many experts believe that robots could transcend their industrial roles to become part of everyday life in people's homes in the coming years, with advances in artificial intelligence and sensory perception technologies.
Accepting Robots
Despite technological advancements, there are still questions about the public's readiness to accept humanoid robots in everyday life, especially regarding privacy, social interactions, and usage costs.
While Sprout remains an experimental initiative for now, its innovative design could be an important first step in bridging the gap between humans and robots in the near future.
