# A Scientist Created a Robot Doppelgänger to Deliver Lectures and Respond to Audience Inquiries
In the rapidly advancing field of robotics and artificial intelligence, one scientist has made a significant leap toward enhancing human-robot interaction. Hiroshi Ishiguro, a renowned Japanese roboticist celebrated for his creation of lifelike androids, has developed a series of robot doubles, termed “Geminoids,” that are modeled after himself. His latest innovation, the **Geminoid HI-6**, is capable of delivering lectures and responding to audience inquiries, positioning it as one of the most sophisticated humanoid robots developed thus far.
## The Journey of Hiroshi Ishiguro
For over 35 years, Hiroshi Ishiguro has been at the forefront of robotics. His passion for creating human-resembling robots has led him to craft six distinct android versions of himself in the past 18 years. These robots, referred to as Geminoids, are engineered to mimic his looks, gestures, and even his vocal patterns. The newest iteration, Geminoid HI-6, represents the pinnacle of his work, featuring advanced conversational functionality.
Ishiguro’s drive to create these robots arises from a wish to simplify his life. In a **CNBC** interview, he mentioned that the robot was created to handle tasks he can no longer perform due to time constraints, such as giving lectures. By assigning these duties to his robotic counterpart, Ishiguro can concentrate on different areas of his research.
## The Capabilities of Geminoid HI-6
A notable aspect of the Geminoid HI-6 is its ability to converse. Ishiguro and his engineering team have equipped the robot with a **large language model** (LLM), akin to the technology employed by popular AI chatbots like OpenAI’s GPT. To bolster the robot’s conversational skills, Ishiguro fed the model a comprehensive array of information, incorporating all of his media interviews and ten of his authored books.
This expansive knowledge base enables the robot to respond to inquiries regarding Ishiguro’s work nearly as effectively as the scientist himself. Initially, the robot was solely dedicated to delivering lectures when Ishiguro was preoccupied. However, thanks to the integration of the LLM, the Geminoid HI-6 can now engage with audiences, providing real-time answers to their questions.
In a video interview, Ishiguro showcased the robot’s abilities, illustrating its competence in responding to intricate questions about his research and inventions. Although the robot still displays a somewhat mechanical appearance, its capacity to mimic Ishiguro’s facial expressions and gestures lends an unsettling degree of realism.
## The Future of Humanoid Robots
Despite its remarkable features, the Geminoid HI-6 has its drawbacks. For example, the robot is currently unable to walk, but Ishiguro aspires to incorporate a **biped mechanism** soon, enabling it to move more autonomously. This advancement would bring the robot closer to functioning as a fully autonomous humanoid.
While Ishiguro’s endeavors focus on the creation of lifelike androids for educational and research objectives, other innovators are investigating diverse applications for robotics. For instance, certain companies are designing **armed robots** and even **flamethrower-equipped robotic dogs** for military and industrial applications.
As technological progress continues, the distinction between humans and robots may increasingly blur. Ishiguro’s work with the Geminoid series exemplifies the potential of humanoid robots—not merely as tools but as interactive beings capable of executing intricate tasks and engaging deeply with humans.
## The Uncanny Valley Effect
One of the most compelling aspects of the Geminoid HI-6 is its capacity to replicate Ishiguro’s facial expressions. Although this feature enhances the robot’s realism, it also evokes an unsettling phenomenon known as the **uncanny valley**, where a robot or animated figure appears almost human but not completely, leading to unease among viewers.
Nonetheless, Ishiguro remains hopeful regarding the future of humanoid robots. He posits that as technology advances, robots like the Geminoid HI-6 will evolve to become even more lifelike and proficient in performing a broader array of tasks.
## Conclusion
Hiroshi Ishiguro’s Geminoid HI-6 marks a significant advancement in the sphere of humanoid robots. With its sophisticated conversational skills and lifelike aesthetics, the robot is already being utilized for delivering lectures and engaging with audiences, allowing its human counterpart to save time. Even though there are still developments needed, particularly regarding mobility, the outlook for humanoid robots is optimistic.
As we delve deeper into the realms of artificial intelligence and robotics, innovations such as the Geminoid HI-6 provide a preview of a future where robots might not only assist us in our everyday activities but also interact with us in meaningful ways.
