Showing papers on "Kismet published in 2009"

Towards retro-projected robot faces: An alternative to mechatronic and android faces

Abstract: This paper presents a new implementation of a robot face using retro-projection of a video stream onto a semitransparent facial mask. The technology is contrasted against mechatronic robot faces, of which Kismet is a typical example, and android robot faces, as used on the Ishiguro robots. The paper highlights the strengths of Retro-projected Animated Faces (RAF) technology (with cost, flexibility and robustness being notably strong) and discusses potential developments.

Looking Forward to Sociable Robots

Abstract: This work examines humanoid social robots in Japan and the North America with a view to comparing and contrasting the projects cross culturally. In North America, I look at the work of Cynthia Breazeal at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and her sociable robot project: Kismet. In Japan, at the Osaka University, I consider the project of Hiroshi Ishiguro: Repliee-Q2. I first distinguish between utilitarian and affective social robots. Then, drawing on published works of Breazeal and Ishiguro I examine the proposed vision of each project. Next, I examine specific characteristics (embodied and social intelligence, morphology and aesthetics, and moral equivalence) of Kismet and Repliee with a view to comparing the underlying concepts associated with each. These features are in turn connected to the societal preconditions of robots generally. Specifically, the role that history of robots, theology/spirituality, and popular culture plays in the reception and attitude toward robots is considered.

KISMET: An Open Source Process for Faculty Participation in ABET Accreditation

Abstract: A few ABET-experienced faculty members typically guide the ABET documentation process. Consequently, this becomes an abstract process that is of little concern to remainder of the faculty members. When one considers that ABET accreditation process can indeed provide an impetus for continuous improvement, which in turn, can make the next ABET accreditation cycle relatively smooth, the department’s wider community becomes an indispensable resource to involve and learn from. A typical department has many relevant on-going concurrent activities. Synergistic interactions among these can help address the overall goal of continuous improvement, and in turn secure ABET accreditation. KISMET (Keep It Simple and Measurable for Effective Teaching) takes a holistic approach to make ABET documentation a living document and to empower all faculty and staff members to participate, discuss, improve, and benefit from it. We have benefitted from the use of KISMET. We use OPM (object process methodology) to graphically present this in our paper.