A Solution for Mr. Lonely?

Hello, Ladies and Gentlemen. So, this happens to be our third post on this blog and it’s the first time we’ll be going into a technology topic. So for all those who hate driving solo, with no one to talk to, in the midst of the 6 to 7pm traffic jam, worry no more! Toyota may have invented something for you to evade the depression of the Maltese roads.

That’s right!!! The Japanese based company are preparing to launch Kirobo Mini, a 10cm high robot that has been designed to provide companionship, as per the company’s statement. Toyota stated that the robot could engage in a “casual conversation” using gestures, facial expressions and blinking, remember user preferences as well as use data from other devices to generate comments. On top of this, Kirobo Mini wobbles so as if it was a child so as to summon emotional interface. I mean come on!!!

There has been claims that the main intention of this robot was to help mothers or women get through their drives. If it was me, I’ll just turn on radio and listen to some songs or news or whatever. Firstly, I think its very disrespectful and offensive for mankind to replace children with robots! As silly as it gets, if i’m being honest. I mean I understand that they are not replacing exactly but simulating th reltionship but still!!! Robots are robots and People are people, one is not the equivelent of the other. Over and above this sort of ethical issue, I beleive these Kirobo Minis, will cause even more incidents. I mean driving here in Malta is a daunting task in itself given the laissez-faire driving patterns adopted by the Maltese drivers. Imagine having people talking to these small technological child wannabes about what they told the electrician the other day or whether or not they should chose to buy this and not that! I mean it’s like Selena Gomez’s song, Kill em with kindness (or silliness I think)!!!

Well at least for the time being rest assured that we won’t be seeing this “child” on our roads. Toyata will start selling this thing as from this coming winter; however for the time being it will only be sold in Japan for around 39800 Japanese Yens (€345.31). Since the product will only be available for the Japanese, this robot will only be capable of speaking in Japanese. So unless you understand this; こんにちは、私の名前はキロボミニです, which is pronounced like this; Kon'nichiwa, watashinonamaeha kirobominidesu, you are probably not going to be buying this technological mechanical device. However, if the project is deemed to be a success, Toyata is planning to broaden its Kirobo Mini project, and therefore, start to sell it in different countries (obviously, with more languages).

So PLEASE guys, if this invention is available in Malta one day, make sure that you think of the road and not your guilty pleasure only when you are purchasing the item. I’m not trying to put forward a negative image on the company in subject; I’m just given indications of the causes that may arise due to this product. So if you do want to buy this technological friend, child call it whatever you like, don’t let me hamper your purchase desires (as if!).

So, that brings to an end another post. Feel free to splash forward your views on the subject. Hope you enjoyed this instalment and I’ll be posting another one before too long. Until then, drive safely lads and Ta daaaaa!!!