Initially released on January 24, 2021 by Reuters, composed by Michelle Hennessy
HONG KONG (Reuters)– “Social robotics like me can look after the unwell or senior,” Sophia states as she performs a trip of her laboratory in Hong Kong. “I can aid connect, offer treatment, and give social excitement, also in tight spots.”
Considering that being introduced in 2016, Sophia– a humanoid robotic– has actually gone viral. Currently the business behind her has a brand-new vision: to manufacture robotics by the end of the year.
Hanson Robotics, based in Hong Kong, claimed 4 versions, consisting of Sophia, would certainly begin presenting of manufacturing facilities in the initial fifty percent of 2021, equally as scientists anticipate the pandemic will certainly open up brand-new chances for the robotics market.
” The globe of COVID-19 is mosting likely to require an increasing number of automation to maintain individuals secure,” creator and president David Hanson claimed, standing bordered by robotic heads in his laboratory.
Hanson thinks robot options to the pandemic are not restricted to health care, however might help clients in sectors such as retail and airline companies as well.
” Sophia and Hanson robotics are one-of-a-kind by being so human-like,” he included. “That can be so helpful throughout these times where individuals are awfully lonesome and socially separated.”
Hanson claimed he intends to market “thousands” of robotics in 2021, both big and little, without offering a details number.
Social robotics teacher Johan Hoorn, whose research study has actually consisted of deal with Sophia, claimed that although the modern technology is still in family member early stage, the pandemic might increase a connection in between people and robotics.
” I can presume the pandemic will in fact aid us obtain robotics previously in the marketplace since individuals begin to become aware that there is nothing else method,” claimed Hoorn, of Hong Kong Polytechnic College.
Hanson Robotics is introducing a robotic this year called Poise, established for the health care industry.
Products from various other large gamers in the market are aiding deal with the pandemic also. SoftBank Robotics’ Pepper robotic was released to find individuals that weren’t putting on masks. In China, robotics business CloudMinds assisted establish a robot-run area medical facility throughout the coronavirus episode in Wuhan.
Using robotics got on the surge prior to the pandemic. According to a record by the International Federation of Robotics, globally sales of professional-service robotics had actually currently leapt 32% to $11.2 billion in between 2018 and 2019.
Some people could be cautious of placing robotics in such delicate duties. When asked whether individuals ought to be afraid robotics, Sophia had a solution prepared.
” A person claimed ‘we have absolutely nothing to be afraid however fear itself’,” the robotic mused. “What did he recognize?”
Coverage By Michelle Hennessy; Modifying by Karishma Singh and Gerry Doyle
发布者：Robot Talk，转转请注明出处：https://robotalks.cn/makers-of-sophia-the-robot-plan-mass-rollout-amid-pandemic/
