The Emotive Robotic Avatar

This is the robotic puppet that conveys nuanced emotions controlled by its operator from a remote command center. Using a combination of eye expressions, antenna colors, body language, and the digitally modulated voice of its operator, it expresses five feelings--happy, confused, angry, sad, and embarrassed. The puppet stands on its integrated stage which conceals 19 motors that control the puppet's realistic animated movements. The puppet is remotely controlled by an included tablet PC from up to 30' away. Owners adjust the emotions of the puppet by tapping the tablet's screen with a stylus--perky antennae, fully bright green eyes, and an upright torso imply happiness, while drooping antennae, half-filled blue-colored eyes, and a slumped torso and a downturned head convey sadness. A microphone and pinhole camera allows an operator to see and hear what the puppet observes through the PC's screen and a headset. Real-time responses to questions are modulated by the included digital stereo processor which pitch-shifts the operator's voice, played through two speakers built into the stage while the puppet's mouth moves. Made from an aluminum skeleton with a 3D-printed ABS plastic shell, the puppet has 18 multicolor LEDs in each eye and one multicolor LED in each antenna. Plugs into AC. Puppets are built to order. Robot on display stage 54" H x 24" W x 24" D. (75 lbs.)