A Japanese museum recently announced they have created the world's first android newscaster, realistic looking robots that can read the news. Created as the result of a collaboration between robotics expert Dr. Hiroshi Ishiguru and the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan), Kodomoroid and Ontonaroid will be permanently on display at the museum along with the earlier developed robot Telenoid.
Kodomoroid looks like a young female child and will act as an android newscaster while the adult-resembling Ontonaroid performs as a science communicator. Beginning June 25, 2014, museum visitors will be able to see Kodomoroid report news stories in different languages and voices. Guests can also interact with all three of the android robots by having conversations with them and operating them.
Realistic Reporting Robots
This Japanese Museum is Exhibiting a Lifelike Android Newscaster
Trend Themes
1. Realistic Android Reporters - This trend presents opportunities for companies in the journalism industry to create new, lifelike android reporters for news broadcasting.
2. Interactive Androids - The trend toward androids that can interact with humans creates opportunities for companies in the hospitality industry to create lifelike android customer service representatives.
3. Android Storytellers - The trend of creating androids as communicators presents opportunities for companies focused in education to create digital teachers who can engage and communicate with students differently.
Industry Implications
1. Journalism - The development of android newscasters has disruptive innovation potential for journalism companies looking to attract and retain younger audiences who are receptive to new reporting formats.
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3. Education - The trend of android communicators presents opportunities for education companies looking to provide students with innovative, interactive, and personalized learning experiences.