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This robot loves ‘Star Wars’ more than you

Robothespian would destroy you in movie trivia, too.

 

Mike Wehner

Tech

Posted on Feb 11, 2015   Updated on May 29, 2021, 1:41 pm CDT

You might think yourself quite the Star Wars aficionado, what with your Blu-ray collection of all six movies, respectable ability to quote the series most famous lines, and first-hand tale of seeing them during their first theatrical run, but you’ve got nothing on Robothespian. Feast your eyes on the most impressive piece of movie-quoting robotic technology you’ve ever seen. (Warning, and apologies: The video only works on auto-play.) 

This glowing little fella is a creation of U.K.-based Engineered Arts Limited, and has been in development for over six years. It made an appearance at the Flux Innovation Lounge in London, and while it was there, it threw down some seriously impressive Star Wars recitation, nailing the “I am your father” scene from The Empire Strikes Back, complete with lights that shift between the dark and light sides for both Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker.

Robothespian also has impressively accurate body movements with full articulation in its arms and fingers, along with a set of LCD screens that act as eyes and can display any range of emotion via a variety of animations. All in all, it’s an impressive piece of technology, and if you can get over the fact that it looks a lot like the humanity-destroying bots from iRobot, you might find yourself wanting one of your own.

If you manage to find a way to rationalize purchasing your own super smart, slightly creepy Robothespian, you’re going to want to check your bank account. It’s currently priced at £39,500, which comes out to just over $60,000. That’s a price tag that you’d be more used to seeing on a sports car, but if you want an early piece of our inevitable robotic future, that’s what it’s going to cost you. 

H/T Trusted Reviews | Photo via Engineered Arts Limited

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*First Published: Feb 11, 2015, 8:25 pm CST