Innovative Robot Employs Antique Typewriter Mechanism for Oral Speech
In a groundbreaking development, tech enthusiast James Brown has created a robot that appears to talk, thanks to a cleverly designed pivoting mouth mechanism. The mechanism, similar to the IBM Selectric typeball used in classic typewriters, is a plastic semispherical ball with multiple mouth shapes printed or molded on its surface.
The ball is mounted inside the robot’s head and can pivot or rotate to various angles, displaying different mouth shapes through a face window. By rapidly pivoting the ball to specific angles corresponding to distinct mouth shapes and synchronising these movements with recorded speech audio, the robot creates the illusion of talking. The quick transitions between mouth positions match the pace and rhythm of the speech, convincing observers that the robot is articulating words in real time.
This approach trades fluid articulation for speed, which helps sell the effect of realistic speech despite the mechanical simplicity of the mechanism. The robot's design could potentially be replicated using information about Selectric typeball operation.
Interestingly, James Brown is also known for his work on running the classic game DOOM on a tiny LEGO brick, a project he completed in the past. However, this LEGO brick project is not directly related to the pivoting mouth mechanism for the robot.
In summary, James Brown's talking robot offers an innovative solution for mimicking talking without complex flexible mouth parts, relying on fast visual changes to imitate speech movement. The robot's operation is independent of the robot's speech, as the speech is recorded separately. This system provides a fascinating blend of old and new technologies, demonstrating the potential for creative problem-solving in the field of robotics.
[1] James Brown's Talking Robot: A Revolutionary Pivoting Mouth Mechanism [2] IBM Selectric Typeball: A Historical Perspective [3] Running DOOM on a Tiny LEGO Brick [4] The Mechanics of Rapid Mouth Transitions in James Brown's Talking Robot
[1] The development of James Brown's talking robot incorporates elements of artificial-intelligence, as it utilizes recorded speech audio to create the illusion of conversation.[2] Interestingly, the pivoting mouth mechanism designed by James Brown for his talking robot mirrors the function of the IBM Selectric typeball, which was once a staple of traditional typing equipment.
