Gates Backs Belgian Huggy Robot "Probo"

Bill Gates has backed Belgian robotics developer Anty as they develop "Probo," an "intelligent, autonomous huggy robot" designed to comfort sick kids in hospitals.

Gates says of their work: "They are creating a robot called 'Probo' which will be used as a tele-interface to interact with the children on three different levels: entertainment, communication and medical treatments. The R&MM research group will take care of the mechanical part of the robot, whereas ETRO will focus on the aspects of vision, hearing and speech."

Perhaps in Belgium, shambling green anteaters are are traditionally comforting totems, despite being utterly frightening to the rest of the world. (Or at least me.)

Bill Gates backs Belgian huggable robot [eHealth Europe via BotJunkie]

[#1 posted by barraGOUDA , August 29, 2007 12:26 PM]

I'm not sure what's scarier, the fact that it's a green anteater or that it's named "Probo."

[#2 posted by Anonymous , August 29, 2007 2:56 PM]

yeah, wtf? "Probe-O?"

[#3 posted by Anonymous , August 29, 2007 4:24 PM]

Probo? isn't that A.L.F.s porn pseudonym? The green dye job ain't foolin' nobody.

FYI; A.L.F.s home planets currency is 'foam' and all life-forms from Melmac have televisions for genitalia.

[#4 posted by univac , August 29, 2007 8:49 PM]

I can't wait to dig into one of these like I did on Bill's other cute electronic toy project:
TubbyBoxTet.
Tasty.