New system uses gestures to control a robot

Tsuyoshi Horo, an engineer at Tokyo University, has developed a system that allows a person to control a robot using simple hand and body gestures.

Currently embedded in a stool-like robot (complete with wheels on the bottom to move it around), the system uses a circular array of cameras to detect motion in the robot’s environment. It then converts those movements into directional commands for the robot to follow.

At the moment the robot can’t do much. It can roll around the room and spin around in one place. You can also sit on it and wave your hand in different directions to make it go there.

However, the possibilities for a system like this are virtually endless. Imagine a robotic maid in your home, following your gestures into various areas of the house where something needs to be done. Maybe even a chef-robot that will help you cook based on the motions you are using. Check out some videos of the robot in action after the jump.