For Science!
NASA has developed a robotic “skin” that allows the robot to sense the presence of a human and move away from it. The idea is that robots so equipped will be able to safely work with humans on, say, a mission to Mars.
So far, no objection. Seems like cool technology.
The choice to demonstrate this technology by having a ballerina dance around the robot? Well, ok, it seems gimmicky, but I can kind of see what they might have been getting at. Quoth the designer, Vladimir Lumelsky:
“The astronaut must be able to turn his back to the robot and expect it to act adequately, like a dance partner. Our system does this; no other such systems exist.”
Yeah. Well, ok, whatever, seems a little odd, but I can let that go. You’re an odd duck, Lumelsky.
What I can’t dismiss so quickly is the decision to demonstrate the system by having a ballerina dance around a robot shaped like a giant penis. The thing even gets … well, erect and then flaccid as her hands flow around its… well, its shaft, pretty much.
There is no excuse to subjecting this woman to the indignity of fondling a giant robotic penis, and there is no excuse for foisting a video of the event on the general public.
Popularity: 10% [?]
Are you kidding me - of COURSE you want a pink clad ballerina dancing around ANYTHING that resembles a huge dildo in a black cape.
The whole time I was thinking “I’m not touching yooou. I’m not touching yoooou.”
How’s the basement?
I have seen alot of awful things on the internet. This is, by far, the awfulest. Who is this trying to sell the concept to? Art lovers, robot lovers, porn lovers. I’m confused.