Leave it to the Japanese to create the most intriguing and advanced technology. Behold, the Yotaro baby simulator.
Created at the University of Tsukuba, a city about an hour outside of Tokyo where research reigns supreme, the Yotaro baby doesn’t quite look like a baby at all… But rather, it mimics actions true-to-life to that of a baby. According to the University of Tsukuba website, Yotaro even holds a body temperature!
Yotaro reacts with facial expressions, movements and moods computed through human interaction and outside stimulation. His cheeks are soft to the touch and cute enough to pinch. His skin changes color when you touch him, just like when your skin whitens briefly at where you apply pressure (as demonstrated in the video). Snot runs from his nose. He also cries and sneezes. He giggles when you play with him, whether by rubbing his belly or rattling toys in front of him. The video proclaims, since it does not understand spoken words, anyone can play with him! It’s quite the complicated operation, all under a cuddly baby blanket. I suppose it’s like an evolved tamagotchi trapped in the baby stage? Use your imagination; I don’t think it’ll ever replace (nor is meant to replace) having a real one but it’s definitely intriguing technology!
