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TOPIC:

8-track-player-cum-personal-robote

3
ruukuPerson was signed in when posted
03-24-2003
09:49 PM ET (US)
 Just a quick look at the original press release here:
http://www.toshiba.co.jp/about/press/2003_03/pr_j2001.htm

I'll do a quick-n-dirty translation of it here.

Toshiba developed the home robot concept model "ApriAlpha" with the voice/face recognition and human communication technology. They will display the ApriAlpha at the "ROBODEX2003" show that will be held at Pacifico Yokohama from April 3rd, 2003.

The concept is not really a "ROBOT" per se, but more like a multi-appliance control interface. Something that lets anyone easily control all your various networked appliances. That's why it is outfitted with voice/face recognition technology, 802.11b, Bluetooth, infrared remote capability, and etc.

Because they want ApriAlpha to be easily expandable, they built it with this "Open Robot Controller Architecture". They were able to minimize the R&D because of their past experience in various robotic and technical fields.

They claim with ORCA, you can easily modify the internal software or add in 3rd party software within short development schedule.

Toshiba believes that an Open Control Architecture (like ORCA) will be necessary in future advancement in the robotic field, and they will be inviting various electronics manufacturers, universities, research laboratories, and businesses to join them in popularizing the ORCA platform.

BTW, the "Apri" most likely stands for Application, not April as Mr. Flint mentioned. Japanese has a way of mangling the original word when they incorporate it into their own language.
2
Happy EngineerPerson was signed in when posted
03-24-2003
10:59 AM ET (US)
 Wouldn't it be cool if someone actually *PUT* an 8-track tape player into one of these things? Finding one to play on it would be difficult, though.
1
Peter FlintPerson was signed in when posted
03-24-2003
10:44 AM ET (US)
 Isn't this a little early for the April Fool posts to kick in? I mean, come on - ApriAlpha? Alpha meaning 'first'...
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