KURASHIKI: Humanoid robots have demonstrated their ability to perform a traditional Japanese dance and hold conversations at an event in Kurashiki, Okayama Prefecture, as organisers seek to familiarise the public with next-generation robotics and artificial intelligence.
A humanoid robot performed daikan bayashi, a local traditional dance, at an event hosted by Kurashiki-based MASC, a general incorporated association seeking to commercialise flying cars, at the Kurashiki Chamber of Commerce and Industry on June 23.
More than one robot was introduced at the event. In addition to the dance performance, another robot demonstrated its conversational abilities using voice-recognition technology.
Two robots are scheduled to perform daikan bayashi again at the Kurashiki Tenryo Summer Festival on Saturday.
Manufactured by China's Unitree Robotics, the robots use advanced motion-control and artificial-intelligence technologies to achieve human-like movements and conversations.
MASC said it introduced the robots to create an environment where people could become more familiar with next-generation technologies such as AI and robotics.
One of the robots performed a graceful dance, moving its feet and waving its arms to the slow tempo of the music.
Another demonstrated natural conversation through voice-recognition technology.
"I want many people to experience a society where we live alongside robots," said Kazuaki Sakamoto, 72, vice-director of MASC.
A robot has also been serving as a guide at the Kurashiki flying-car exhibition hall since July 1, providing explanations of the cars in 50 languages and communicating with visitors.- Japan News/ANN
