Robot, Paper, Scissors

Last Updated (Wednesday, 08 July 2009 15:43) Written by Raymond Nakamura

My almost five year old is getting better at playing rock, paper, scissors (rps to fanatics). Soon, I may have to resort to using a robot. 

Berti (Bristol Elumotion Robotic Torso I) was developed in Britain to develop robots with more intuitive interactions with people. Recent it was set up at a Science Centre in Bristol to play rock, paper, scissors with human opponents. The human wears a glove with sensors. The robot tells who won with a synthesized voice.

I don't know if Berti plays at random, uses some kind of strategy, or can read the mind of the opponent. Japanese researchers developed a robotic hand that formed the rock, paper, scissors gestures based on the MRI images of someone thinking about one of these gestures. It's part of research into developing methods to mentally control prosthetic devices.

As a kid, I learned rock, paper, scissors as jan ken pon, the Japanese phrase for it. Later, when I studied in Japan, I noticed they play it all kinds of situations, including cases where you might flip a coin here. I'd like to see them start the Super Bowl with rock, paper, scissors to decide who kicks.

My daughter seems to be learning not to always lead with paper. But it may be a while before she, or the robot, are ready for the World Championships.

How do you feel about robots developing more human features?