Mini-Me: The robot doll that looks and sounds just like you

Mini-Me: The robot doll that looks and sounds just like you

By Claire Bates
Last updated at 5:06 PM on 06th February 2009

For some it would be the stuff of childhood nightmares, but a Japanese company is creating robot dolls that look just like their customers.

The 'Look A Like' dolls were displayed by LittleIsland president Hiroaki Koike at the annual Gift Show in Tokyo.

Customers place their order for a robot doll along with a photo of who they would like it to resemble and six months later they receive a spookily similar 'Mini-Me' in the post.


Hiroaki Koike displays his look-alike robot that can recognize human voices


Uncanny valley: An employee of Japan's robot venture displays a bride version of her look-alike robot doll

If that wasn't creepy enough, it can even be taught to sound like you, using an inbuilt microphone, Windows XP computer and voice recognition software.

After connecting to a Local Area Network it will then mimic your voice as it reads out RSS feeds such as weather reports, although it cannot move its mouth.

The dolls, which are created in a technology centre just north of Tokyo, are equipped with 80GB of storage and a webcam. They also have touch sensors and will nod and wave on demand. There is even a bride version who can presumably be used to startle your guests at your wedding.

If that wasn't enough to put you off a trip down uncanny valley perhaps the price will. The toy retails at £1,500.

Source: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1137747/Mini-Me-The-robot-doll-looks-sounds-just-like-you.html