Local casino operator allegedly purchases robotic dealer

Humanoid ‘Han’ is able to interact with humans, as MDT’s reporter verified in a video posted on Wired website

A Hong-Kong-based humanoid robot developer called Hanson Robotics is reported to have sold its latest product to a local casino operator for at least HKD200,000.
The human-like device with lifelike artificial intelligence (AI), which could be unveiled later this year at the earliest, will purportedly serve as a croupier to deal cards inside the casino.
The news emerged from a financial program aired by Hong Kong broadcaster TVB on Sunday. Part of the footage featured an AI robot on display in the “Robotics Experience Zone” at the Global Sources Electronics 2015 fair held at the city’s AsiaWorld-­Expo last month.
The humanoid robot called “Han,” which has reportedly been purchased by a local gaming operator, is able to determine people’s speech, emotions, gender, age and race with its built-in recognition software and advanced technology, including the ability to make responsive facial expressions.
The English-speaking machinery took around one year to develop and has become a “truly intelligent robot,” according to the company’s product manager Grace Copplestone. Its manufacturer is reportedly considering the possibility of renting out its products to clients on a monthly basis.
The company’s CEO, Jong Lee, was interviewed on the program, where he said that the robots could be used to cope with tedious work that people might be unwilling to take up. He also believed that the AI machinery could find a use in hospitality-related industries.
The Korean-American said: “We have a global crisis already; our elderly are rapidly outnumbering our young. The future goal is to have the ability to hire the robots on a monthly basis like a worker who works 24 hours a day for jobs that are not good for people. Imagine having a 24-hour nurse or assistant for USD3,000 – no headache, no problems.”
The release of the news has triggered debate online over the possible threat that this idea poses to local croupiers. However, some still rest assured that real people cannot be replaced by lifeless machines. The Times approached the American-founded company for more details and confirmation yesterday, but had received no response by the time the newspaper went to press.
Last year, Lee also stressed in an interview with the South China Morning Post that the android machines have the potential to assist in hospitals without much difficulty, as they would be able to enhance nurses’ productivity by 30 percent.
According to Wired UK, the robot developer would adapt the technology developed for “Han” for a different model, a Eurasian female called Eva, which would go on sale later this year. Hanson Robotics was founded and led by an American robotics designer and researcher, Dr. David Hanson, who is best known for creating realistic human-­looking androids. To date, the company owns at least seven kinds of robots with different features and characteristics. Staff reporter