Technology Stuff

May 11 2004 3 Comments

Mitsuoka’s mini monster

Japan’s Mitsuoka Motor Company unveiled a new electric car this week. Clocking in at a tiny 1.99 metres long and 0.88 metres wide, it’s ideally suited for driving around the congested city. And its lithium-ion battery gives the car an impressive 100 kilometres per charge.

That leaves just one problem. The design. I mean, just take a look at it.

Ok, the production vehicles will have a different colour scheme (and presumably won’t have 100 kilometres emblazoned on the side), but it still doesn’t change the fact that it’s an ugly machine. And in appearance conscious Japan, I can’t see many cool cats wanting to be seen trundling around town in one of these.

I think I’ll stick with my bicycle.

Apr 30 2004 3 Comments

Watch TV?

Ever felt that your watch would be so much better if it had a built in TV? No, me neither. But if you ever do, the clever folk at Tokyo’s NHJ Limited have come up with this nifty little number.

That is a football game that’s showing though. You know what? It might not be such a bad idea after all.

And apologies for the corny title. But it’s quite a clever play on words don’t you think?

Oh, ok then.

Apr 25 2004 31 Comments

Mildly amusing Japanese-English #8

Dutch wife

For reasons unknown, a blow up doll in Japan is called a dutch wife. There probably is a simple explanation for such an unusual name, but I think I’d prefer not to know. That way it’s more intriguing, and also funnier. Unless you happen to be a real Dutch wife I suppose.

But in technology driven Japan, dutch wives are not freakish looking inflatable monsters. Instead they are silicone-molded beauties, that apparently have a texture very similar to real skin and are completely seam free. These state of the art dutch wives do come at a price though. The latest Jewel model will set you back a libido quelling 600,000 yen (3,000 pound).

For anybody in the market for a dutch wife, here’s what you can expect for your money.

And as you can see from these pictures, you can take your bride out on a date, or even to the beach.

Orient Industry who make these companions offer a lifelong after-service, and anticipate a time when the doll will outlive its owner. But for any unwanted dutch wives, the company will discreetly take them back free of charge. And rather than just throw them away, twice a year it has a Buddhist memorial service, where the ‘souls’ of the dolls are consecrated.

Apr 24 2004 4 Comments

Robotic rapture

When it comes to gadgets I find it very hard to resist, and if it wasn’t for the hefty price tag, I’m sure I’d have been the proud owner of a Sony Aibo a long long time ago. When it comes to animals though, a lot of people feel that having a robotic pet is odd to say the least. And so wouldn’t even consider getting one.

Now I’ll readily admit that pretty much all the points put forward by those supporting real pets over robotic ones are valid, and I can’t really argue with any of them. But this picture I saw yesterday of some hospitalized kids playing with an Aibo proves that such pets aren’t all bad. The sheer joy on the children’s faces is there for all to see.

But before I get uncharacteristically sentimental, I should move on and say that the use of robotic pets in Japan is not just restricted to kids. Professor Toshiyo Tamura has done extensive research on the effects of robotic therapy on elderly patients, and he has found that whilst useful, older people prefer robots that are furry and huggable. So as you can see from the picture below, the professor has got around this problem by wrapping an Aibo in a cuddly little coat.

But for his patients’ sake, I hope he doesn’t intend using those scary looking dolls on the left as part of his research. Just looking at them makes me feel uneasy, and I don’t care how furry their coats may be, I certainly wouldn’t want to be hugging one those devilish looking things. Especially if their eyes move!

Mar 13 2004 2 Comments

What’s next? This is

A matter of days after Sony’s Qrio conducted the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra, Toyota has gone and topped it with their new robot band.

This isn’t some kind of stunt, the little fellas are really playing those trumpets. They have artificial lungs allowing them to produce the necessary air, and also lips to form the notes. The robots apparently wowed the crowd with a rousing rendition of When You Wish Upon a Star.

When the performance was over, the robots bowed and waved to the audience. No doubt thinking to themselves that it will only be a matter of time before it is the humans who are bowing to them, their robotic (and trumpet playing) masters.

Mar 11 2004 1 Comment

What next?

A while ago I reported the rumour concerning Sony’s Qrio robot, and its alleged place in the national football team. If you want to see the picture and story, just click here.

Now maybe I lack ambition, but personally, playing for the national team would be more than enough for me. Young Qrio however appears to think very differently. As just recently (presumably between training sessions) the robotic wonder conducted the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra.

There can be no charge of Qrio taking the easy option either, as the piece in question was Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5.

And people say robots won’t take over the world. Going by this story, it’s hard to imagine them being content with cleaning the house and looking after old people.

Look at the little smart arse

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