Robo-receptionist clocks on

November 25, 2003 | Source: Nature Science Update

Inkha (“interactive neurotic King’s head assembly”), an android receptionist, will offer directions and events information to visitors at King’s College London starting next week.

Driven by nine motors and a small laptop computer and equipped with hidden cameras and infrared sensors to detect movement and color plus a touch screen, Inkha leans towards interesting people and shies away from sudden movements. She chats when people are around and offers comments on their wardrobe.