Robot Reviews

Planning a trip to Taiwan in the future? Don't be surprised if you're given a cold reception when you get there.

Well actually, that's because you could be met by Hsiao Mei, a tour guide partially made of cold metal parts.

Engineering students from the prestigious National Taiwan University, under the tutelage of their professor, constructed Hsiao Mei, a robot capable of scanning & mapping its surroundings, recording key locations into memory, and using the information gathered to perform guided tours. 

Professor Huang Han-pang explains that Hsiao Mei's "mapping function is definitely its most exceptional capability."

Its navigation system makes use of laser mapping and GPS technologies. Basically, low energy laser beams are initially emitted from the robot. After reflecting them on the surrounding surfaces, they are received and analyzed to construct 2D and 3D maps - similar to the way radar works. 

You'll be able to monitor its newly-drawn maps on the LCD touchscreen mounted on its back. The screen will also display relevant information ... some historical notes, perhaps? 

If it's any consolation, the students actually made efforts to impart some semblance of emotion to the machine. It's mechanical face can project simple expressions like anger, happiness, sadness, & surprise. In addition, they also attached CCDs (charge-coupled devices) so that it could locate your head and turn its face towards your direction as if it were really communicating with you.