Australian robot interacts with humans

The Tasman Sea is your first clue for today’s Geo Quiz. The city we’re hoping you might name is the largest city in Oceania. And it’s also the most populous city on what NASA satellite photos reveal is the flattest continent. About 4.5 million people are spread out in this city. The median age is 34, but consider that more than half a million are over 65. Meeting the needs of an elderly population can be a challenge. Which is why some researchers are trying to design a robot, one that might serve as a good companion to seniors.

And the researchers are working on a new robot in Sydney, Australia, the answer to our Geo Quiz. The new prototype is called “The Articulated Head.” Doesn’t really give you a warm feeling. Still, the team’s hoping this robot might eventually be used to help provide home care for the elderly. Phil Mercer went to see a demonstration of the robot. (Photo: Univ. of Technology Sydney)

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• Univ. of West Sydney release
• Marcs Auditory Laboratory research page
• Sydney performance artist Stelarc’s website