University's robot learns how to be a human

ROB KITCHIN/Dominion Post

I ROBOT: Victoria University computer systems engineering professor Dale Carnegie and Marvin the robot, who has a repertoire of human emotions and is able to learn and adapt.

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He's less scary than a Dalek, trendier than a transformer, and now Victoria University's security robot is putting a more compassionate face on his technological kind.

The robot, known affectionately as Marvin, spends most of his time in pieces while master's degree students base their study on adapting and improving his working components.

However, when put back together Marvin has the capability of showing a repertoire of human emotions including fear, surprise, happiness, sadness and anger.

Victoria University computer systems engineering professor Dale Carnegie said the range of emotions allowed a modifier to be used to give robots preferences to deal with a variety of situations.

One of Marvin's more radical features is his increasing autonomy - he can learn and adapt and essentially make his own decisions.

"We do not want a simple binary `Go here, go there,' but rather `I'm stuck, what do I do?"'

Marvin, an acronym for Mobile Autonomous Robotic Vehicle for Indoor Navigation, took thousands of hours to build and cost $10,000 to $20,000 in materials.

He has human-like mannerisms too. "When you talk to him, he will talk and look at you. He will nod while you talk to him, because that's polite. He will understand your speech and respond verbally."

When he becomes angry his head projects out and he will tower over the object of his fear - or he will retreat, cowering, in a passive manner, Professor Carnegie says.

"In humans, emotions are used as a modifier to our control systems. For most people emotions do not run them, but if you see something with big sharp teeth, then you're going to run away.

"Similarly for Marvin, sometimes he will get trapped in a corner and his normal control system can't get him out, so he will become angry and frustrated - more violent in his emotions - and will blast his way out."

At present he is a security guard, capable of patrolling the hallways of the university's engineering school. He is powered by the motor from an old electric wheelchair.

But there are some things technology cannot overcome - much like the Daleks of Dr Who fame, Marvin is not fond of uneven surfaces.

"I don't like steps. I wish the world was flat."

See video of Marvin the robot at dompost.co.nz.

- © Fairfax NZ News