Micorsoft Robot to Watch Kids

[Merika]

Microsoft Showcases Robots to Watch Kids

Mar 3, 8:27 AM (ET)

By ALLISON LINN

(AP) Stored inside the hat and eyes of Teddy, an interactive Microsoft bear, are four microphones and...

REDMOND, Wash. (AP) - The teddy bear sitting in the corner of the child's room might look normal, until his head starts following the kid around using a face recognition program, perhaps also allowing a parent talk to the child through a special phone, or monitor the child via a camera and wireless Internet connection.

The plush prototype, on display at Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)'s annual gadget showcase Wednesday, is one of several ideas researchers have for robots. The idea is to create a virtual being that can visit the neighboring cubicle for a live telephone chat even as its owner is traveling thousands of miles away, or let the plumber into the house while its owner enjoys a pleasant afternoon in the sun.

Plenty of companies are already building robots for the work place, and toy companies have created plush dolls that know a child's name or can incorporate other personal information. But Steven Bathiche, a research and development program manager with Redmond-based Microsoft, said his company's projects go further.

"The vision behind this is to be two places at once," Bathiche said.

Link for rest of story: http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050303/D88JH1MG0.html
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I have mixed feelings about it......from the fabulous to the 'Oh No!'.....what do you guys think?

[Samson]

Sounds great: a lot easier (and cheaper) to monitor kids activity and be proactive about misbehavior than waiting 'til their 15 years old, slamming doors, etc., etc.

But I agree that there is no substitute for a parent actually being WITH their child, and monitoring them. This seems to offer an easy substitute for the optimal solution, and allows some parenting off the hook. On the other hand, some parents have no option, and this monitoring of child/nanny/daycare center can be done from their workplace.

[Stone]

although I think this is completely ridiculious, I will closley monitor this product. It would be a great stock to buy. :wink:

[Merika]

I don't know....it sounds like a good idea....but kinda CREEPY.....like that Chuckie doll.

Plus, if it moves around and talks.... wouldn't that give a child the wrong idea regarding real and unreal....at an age before they know the difference?

Again, I just don't know.

[darkangelism]

SH, since when has M$ stock been a bad buy?

[Duke]

I think it's a great idea, not just to monitor kids, but babysitters and family members who may be a little closer to the kid than they need be.

[Samson]

....but kinda CREEPY.....like that Chuckie doll

<<<<SIGH>>>> the programming doesn't include stabbing obnoxious teenagers as they engage in promiscuous sexual activity does it?

[Stone]

Originally Posted by darkangelism

SH, since when has M$ stock been a bad buy?

It's never was but I buy stock on NEWS I just bought Martha Stewart stock to..... Maby we should start another thread :?

[Duke]

Originally Posted by Samson

<<<<SIGH>>>> the programming doesn't include stabbing obnoxious teenagers as they engage in promiscuous sexual activity does it?

What if it has a learning CPU?

[Samson]

Then I hope Microsoft is working on the Pamela Anderson or Terri Hatcher models of the doll.

[Merika]

Originally Posted by Duke

What if it has a learning CPU?

I think parents who spend thousands of dollars on learning toys because they no longer have time to raise their own children......is not a sign of human advancement. I think it's a guilt cop-out.

Parents do it....and I've done it.....but it's still sad. I made good money working all the time. I spent a whole lot making great purchases for my kids. They both faltered and failed, even though they were in gifted, because I wasn't there. Nothing replaces a parent's presence and time.

Young parents who are raising their kids this way.....are only fooling themselves.

[Samson]

Oh, Merika, just for you I'm sure microsoft could put together a Richard Gere doll with a learning CPU, and dress him up in the same white navy ensign's uniform he wore in "Officer and a Gentleman!!"

Perhaps the package would even include cupons for a six pack of Ice House?

[Duke]

I disagree with that Merika, my daughter got one of those mini computers with cards that had everything from math to reading and spelling, not to mention music. It was just a cute gift but it really helped her learn quickly and I believe it also may have contributed to her enjoyment in reading.

I would agree with you if this is what parents were doing instead of actually working with their kids at all.

[Merika]

NOOOO....I didn't mean that learning toys were bad. I just meant that some parents seem to focus on them more than actually spending time with their children. A silly song is better for a kid's soul....than a V-card. But a V-card AFTER the silly song....is what happy kid's life is made of.

I mentioned my own situation only in that I thought since my kids were in 'gifted' ...all was well. I thought I had done a great job.....and I almost missed the fact that academic acheivement doesn't mean kids are happy. Throwing jello at each other in the yard.....not THAT'S good happy kids. HAHA!

[Duke]

Some parents just aren't interested in their kids for a variety of reasons. I'm not sure what made me change to caring about my child but I not only didn't want her when her mom was pregnant, but I didn't like her much the first 8 months or so. I even tried to persuade her mother to abort the pregnancy.

I look back on that time of my life now and can't imagine where my head was. I'm thankful for my daughter and love her more than life itself but it certainly wasn't always that way. I snapped out of it but I'm sure that many people don't.