Newsgroups: comp.robotics
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From: nagle@netcom.com (John Nagle)
Subject: Re: QUESTION: REAL applications for mobile robots?
Message-ID: <nagleCtMo8y.Dr3@netcom.com>
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest)
References: <CtG5Ao.IxF@aisb.ed.ac.uk> <1994Jul24.163912.26484@news.csuohio.edu> <GAMIN.94Jul25115317@amadeus.ireq-robot.hydro.qc.ca> <BS2R7Or.macduff6912@delphi.com>
Date: Thu, 28 Jul 1994 02:00:33 GMT
Lines: 20

MACDUFF6912 <macduff6912@delphi.com> writes:
>How about a somewhat silly, but very likely task?  I'm thinking along
>the lines of robotic pets.  A cat or dog robot for those places where
>real animals are not allowed (apartments) or those places where a real,
>mischevious animal would be 'dangerous'.  A non-living companion for
>such areas makes a great deal of sense, as psycholgically speaking, humans
>need some type of companionship.  Just a thought to be pondered.

      Maybe it's time to try that one again.  About a decade ago,
Worlds of Wonder, one of Nolan Bushnell's startups, produced the
"Petster".  Publicity claimed "80% of the functionality of a dog or cat",
for something that moved when it detected a noise and could be steered
by hand-clapping.  

      You could do more now, but probably not enough that it wouldn't
get boring quickly.

      Something that could at least recharge itself would be desirable.

					John Nagle
