Smile-controlled robots

Clumsy robots can now be trained with a smile-detecting device from the University of Tsukuba AI Lab. Anna Gruebler and her colleagues have developed a wireless headband that captures electromyographic (EMG) signals from the side of the face, detecting when you’re smiling with delight or frowning with disapproval.

The trainer tries to teach the robot her preference: give the ball or throw it. Although the robot starts out slow and hesitant, it speeds up after acquiring experience and feedback from the trainer.

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