Newspapers / Grimsley High School Student … / April 30, 2009, edition 1 / Page 2
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April 30, 2009 2 news Japanese scientists work to create iifeiike robot, problems remain IRYCRAC.F.F.ACAN Staff Writer/Photographer Standing 62.2 inches tall and weighing 95 pounds, HRP-4C sounds like an ordinary model, but the similarities end at her pretty face. HRP-4C is, in fact, the most recent development in Japanese robotic technology. Scientists claim that "she" will eventually be able to wear clothes and walk a catwalk; however, her rather bulky sil ver and black body and awk ward, mechanical movement make these two tasks impos sible right now. HRP-4C was first unveiled at a photo opportunity in Tsukuba, Japan. True to supermodel form, she agreed to offer a "Hello, everyone" to reporters but then refused to cooperate in her own demon stration. Even though she is ca pable of many human facial ex pressions, HRP-4C only showed off her surprised look when asked to express happi ness and anger. After about 15 minutes with reporters, the ro bot waddled back into her cur tained enclosure. While technological ad vancements like this robot are astounding, scientists believe they still have a long way to go. Creators of HRP-4C explain their goal is to develop helpful robots to care for the elderly, to teach in school, and to lead ex ercise classes. Even so, the re alization of this dream may be delayed until the means to ful fil it are available. "Technologically, it hasn't reached that level," said Hirohisa Hirukawa, who is one of HRC-4C's creators. He fur ther clarified that even in the case of HRC-4C, responses from the audience were less than glowing. "Even as a fashion model, people in the industry told us she was short and had a rather ordinary figure," rather harsh words for any aspiring model, even a robot. Regarding cases of HRP- 4C's predecessors, technology was traded for looks. For ex ample, Honda Motors's robot, Asimo, does not even try to emulate an authentic human visage. In fact, at first glance, it is slightly reminiscent of a friendly, less menacing Storm Trooper. There may be a human in there, but no one is really quite sure. Another instance refers to Partner Ballroom Dance Robot, whose function is exactly as the name implies. This robot takes on a more human persona, but her three wheels and hot pink metal exterior are rather limit ing. Therefore, HRP-4C has a leg up on the other competition by combining good looks and excellent functionality. Motion plays a large role in imitating a human-like appear ance, and to do so, scientists gave HRP-4C 38 motors that allow her to move and walk, with eight separate motors in her face alone that allows her to pout at reporters in her pub lic debut. Though she was stub born and refused to demon strate her full range of "emo tions," the public was im pressed with the authenticity of her expressions. She blinks and even raises her eyebrows, which makes her look slightly like an animated character. Questions continue to arise from critics whether the ma chine is capable of disobeying her operator's commands on purpose. Scientists doubt that it is a show of artificial intelli gence, but instead it serves to demonstrate the high level of HRP-4C is a Japanese designed robot made to look and act like a real human. Its technology could revolutionize the world of robotics. Internet photo technology employed in such a unique robot. Managers in the fashion in dustry shunned HRP-4C for her stiff, awkward movement, space suit-like body, and price ($6,000 per model). Although she may not grace the fashion scenes in Paris, scientists have hope that HRP-4C may set an example for a whole new gen eration of robotics. Eventually, robots may even replace flight attendants. While this concept may seem like a viable threat to the humans currently holding these posi- ■ tions, scientists can assure any one that technology, while it has advanced, will never re place humans. For now, the world can be content to see robots like HRP-4C demonstrate how much science has accom plished. Maybe one day fashionistas can expect to see their favorite designer fashions under the lights with robots walking the catwalk Aeropostale makes cuts to stay competitive ■BYANNAKANODE Photographer Aeropostale recently decided to close down its Jimmy'Z chain of eleven stores in favor of catering to a younger crowd. In hopes of increasing their profits and customer base, they will open PS. Aeropostale, which is slightly different from Jimmy'Z in the age range of its customers. The lat ter was a shoot off concept that Aeropostale devel oped in order to attempt to gain a wider variety of unique customers. Jimmy'Z carried mer chandise with skulls and crosses in patterns that gave them a sharp edge, similar to fashions one might find in stores sell ing Gothic wear. Judging from this chain's lack of success, it appear as though the customers who typically bought Aeropostale apparel did not like the new line's style, and the shoppers who did appreciate the style did not want to buy it from any store associ ated with Aeropostale. Consequently, Aeropostale has been suf fering, but according to reuters.com, the company still expects to gain about $8 million dollars annu ally before tax payments once they discontinue the chain. Even with these fore mentioned losses, Aefopostale has enjoyed more success than com petitors that have similar style and are in the same price range. They boast better sales then stores like American Eagle. While Aeropostale's in-store rev enue rose six percent, America Eagle's dropped 16 percent Even with this gain, Aeropostale determined it must work even harder to maintain or surpass their profits. To do so, the strat egy is to study its compe tition while still acknowl edging the current state of the economy. By discon tinuing the Jimmy'Z chain, Aeropostale has re lieved some of their eco nomic woes; however. now the company must seek ways to beat their competitors; thus, the quick fix will be the new chain, RS. Aeropostale. While Jimmy'Z was ap pealing to some teengers, P.S. Aeropostale will be directed at consumers whose ages range from seven to 12 years. By broadening the age range for its stores, Aeropostale hopes to gain more cus tomers each year by as suming children who be come comfortable having their mothers dressing them in P.S. Aeropostale will eventually want to wear other Aeropostale clothes as they mature. Although Aeropostale is not presently facing financial difficulties, the company does hold some doubts about the future in the current state of the economy. Time will tell whether or not these bold business deci sions will pay off; how ever, this new chain of -stores will either be Aeropostale's saving grace or its Achilles' heel. Lsk© J03n6tt6 ORTHODONTICS & PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY • Open at 7 ajm. two days a week. ' until 6 p.m. two days a week • Open on Fridays • We file insumnce for yoM • Corr^rehenuve dental care Itn children Michael A. igneUi, Jr.. DOS. PhD. PA Bo«d Ccrtitieo ntify dusi-uymed oitnofionti^t and donfisf tt tht- fu.sd 3S01 l^orth Elm Street, Greensboro 336.286.0200 www.smilegreemboro.com liiOfilii Comprehensive orthodontic treatment for a child, teen or adult
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