Robovie R3 is the newest invention by ART and VStone, and is the updated version of Robovie mR2. This robot, however, comes with both exterior and interior changes, and looks ready and eager to do a job.

It will primarily be used to help the elderly and the disabled, much like other helper-robots, and it has a number of features to help it in its task. It can move Omni-directionally at 2.5 Km or 1.5 miles per hour, which won’t break any speed records, but will allow it to navigate through large areas, such as shopping malls, at a timely fashion. It is equipped with no fewer than 11 touch sensors, which allow it to detect obstacles in the way, or other changes, such as with the floor’s height. It’s gripper hands are quite useful as well for holding and picking up things.

In appearance it looks almost like it recognizes you with its large, round eyes, and that’s because it does. It has two USB cameras behind its eyes, mini microphones behind its ears, and a speaker where the mouth should be. Basically, it is designed with a very human conception, which will help customers warm up to it faster. I am not sure the lack of any nose or physical mouth piece helps with this “humanoid design”, but apparently others don’t share this problem.

To give it more options and scenarios in which it can be used, the robot will be controlled via remote control. This might take out the personal touch a little bit, but for now it is supposed to be used more at public places rather than private homes.

Robovie R3 can still be improved, of course, at it will be available for around $41k USD to research institutions, which is relatively a pretty good price for a “life-sized” robot.