David Hanson and Hanson Robotics built the robot's head (which includes 27 moving parts to create eerily human-like expressions). High-def cameras allow the robot to see human gestures and expressions, and then use artificial intelligence (modeled on human babies) to learn and respond intuitively.
The robot baby is just one of many interrelated projects at the Machine Perception Lab. Researchers there are also working on 2D face tracking, head tracking, human-robot interactions, and computer modeling of cognitive processes.
Hanson was also responsible for the "emotionally responsive" Einstein robot that appeared at the 2009 TED event.
You can see Diego-san in the video below:
Source: The Verge

Brian Albright is the editorial director of Digital Engineering.
Contact him at [email protected].

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