Meet Jupiter, Korea's smiley robot overlord, er, domestic servant

Last time we checked out the prototype for Korea's planned robot-in-every-home initiative, the little fella didn't look like much; just a computer-rendered mockup with a big ol' smiley face to disarm suspicious robophobes. But the tiny terminator has come a long way in just a few short weeks. It now has a name -- Jupiter -- and there are photos of what looks to be an actual working prototype interacting with a human who foolishly thinks she's controlling it. Jupiter can reportedly emulate emotions, body language and do lots of other creepy stuff, including recite stories to the kids. It also comes equipped with a handy flip out LCD display, so it can double as an entertainment unit -- and boasts pointy appendages that we can only assume are used both as sensory devices and for defensive (and offensive) purposes. Jupe is able to plug itself in to recharge without help, and can respond to voice commands -- or pleas for mercy. As previously noted, the bot will get its marching orders wirelessly over the net. The invasion begins in October.

[carol @ Apr 10th 2006 11:54AM]

Oh god! This thing is sooooo cute!

[ResidentGamer @ Apr 10th 2006 11:56AM]

He looks like R2D2's cousin. What's up with all these robots. Did we watch the matrix

[Todd @ Apr 10th 2006 12:28PM]

In Roman mythology, Jupiter held the same role as Zeus in the Greek pantheon. He was called Jupiter Optimus Maximus (Jupiter Highest, Greatest) as the patron deity of the Roman state, in charge of laws and social order. Jupiter is, properly speaking, a derivation of Jove and pater (Latin for father)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jupiter_(god)

[Victor Agreda, Jr. @ Apr 10th 2006 12:36PM]

I love the LCD screen. I've had plans on the books for years to put a LCD projector inside an R2 dome, and use it as a moving projector... Haven't we all?

Those arms look like they could take your temperature. Which one is oral?

[Macbeb @ Apr 10th 2006 12:38PM]

I'd love one to walk my aibo.

But, WAIT A MINUTE !
South Korea will rule the world ! (For one or two days at least...)
And France will go on strike to protest against this new change in a global / to much fast mooving world, and a new proof of global (everything is global, today you now ! Except French conception/understanding (?) of the world ...) capitalistico robotico manipulation taking place today lead by USA and Asian fanatics (of course).
STOP ROBOT BEFORE THE LAND OF HUMAN RIGHT (France for all of U ignorant, aka not French) DO IT ! (Or try for one or two years at least ...)

Why am I saying all these craps ?
Don't know. I started dreaming on this Robot in my place ... and it came to the old (too old !!!) country I'm part of ...
But be sure of one thing : When robots will be everywhere (except in France), everybody here will explain you (stupid foreigners that don't understand the world in which we are living .... stop beb stop, be quite...). So we'll explain you that it was a French who first invents robots (maybe Jules Vernes ???), and that ther's nothing new in it. That's why we don't give a s.... (aka a Euro in R&D) in this sort of primitiv artefacts ...

I need my passport. Or maybe just this bot

Enjoy your day, You poor foreigner .... stop beb stop.

[Peter @ Apr 10th 2006 1:14PM]

I'd just like to go on record saying that it's good that our Korean Overlords are making all these robots.

[JR @ Apr 10th 2006 1:38PM]

1) Am I the only one who notices a singing miniature Dr. Doom in the picture on the robot's viewscreen?

2) Until they make insect robots, I, for one, cannot in good welcome these new overlords. Come on, Korea--get on the stick! They have to be insects!

[dontnukemloveem @ Apr 10th 2006 2:21PM]

the screen and speakers erm --> subliminal mind controling programs anybody? that crafty smily face and cute disposition don't fool me!! ... aww looky roboty so charming, stab!! It can respond to pleas for mercy eh? suure until my pleas stop and my body lay lifeless ...

ahh robots ...

[kevlar @ Apr 10th 2006 2:35PM]

And he runs Windows XP, of all things!

(third picture down on the article, after the row of 3 smaller ones, you can clearly see a start-button, taskbar and security notification baloon at the top of the LCD)

[FTGreen @ Apr 10th 2006 3:32PM]

I see this type of robotic fear-mongering everytime this and other Ameri-centric blogs posted something about robots in Asia. This is the reason why the US will never lead in the development of robotic research, which is great to all the robot-friendly Asian techno-powers. Go head, feed into your Hollywood induced techno-phobia while the Asians takes over the technology world. China will be the leading Space power when they start their moon colonization in 2020, Japan is actively developing a true hypersonic jet to kill Boeing with, while entire nation of Korea is devoted to develop commerically-viable robotic technology. Mean while, the 'Merkins are busy killing Muslims and being obsessed with Google becoming the real-life Skynet. No wonder there's a whole issue of time devoted to the eventual lost of American technological leadership.

[Derrick @ Apr 10th 2006 3:44PM]

Note FTGreen:

http://www.pissnvinegar.com/wp-content/seriousbusiness.jpg

Clearly the Americans will never lead anything b/c we're too busy using our enhanced sarcasam skills.

[MacroEQ @ Apr 10th 2006 5:41PM]

Porn on the screen with the flip up table to fetch me a beer when needed. Where do I get one?

[clicclic @ Apr 11th 2006 7:30AM]

So when this new babysitter (aka a moving TV) starts wandering out into the street, the kids will at least get some exercise.

[Michael Reilly @ Apr 11th 2006 11:20AM]

Looks a little like Rosie, the Jetsons' robotic housekeeper, only smaller.

[Mr. Kim @ Apr 11th 2006 9:49PM]

Dear FTGreen
I understand your point, however, there is a great possibility that these robots might rise another big security issues, especially when they are connected to WiBro in Korea. (By the way I am Korean, please forgive my bad english skill.)

I don't know exactly what sort of O/S these Robots operate but I know one thing for sure that when they are connected to Wibro, the robots can never be 100percent secure from hackers not just from korea but from all around the world.

I agree that many asian countries(both people and government) have faster response and adaption ability compared to other western countries in terms of technology.
But, there is no doubt that US still is the focal point of all kind of researches. Especially in Killing technology US has always been #1. so Don't worry.

And To Derrick,(I might know you. are you from NC?)
Tahnk you for both funny and sad picture. I laughed so hard.

[Bridawg @ Apr 12th 2006 7:43AM]

those robot overlords sure are out to get us:
http://www.jonathancoulton.com/lyrics/chiron-beta-prime

[Rich @ May 17th 2006 9:47PM]

all I am going to say is I know robotics R getting better all the time, I wont to know where to get one, really, how do U go about buying one