CHIBA ¨C Steps toward developing an artificial intelligence were a central theme at the nation¡¯s biggest annual IT and electronics show, and the crowds found no disappointment in Omron Corp.¡¯s table-tennis-playing robot.
Forpheus is appearing at CEATEC for the third year running. Now it doesn¡¯t just return shots; it adjusts to the skill level of its human opponent and can even serve as a tutor.
It uses advanced sensing and control technologies to identify movement and hit the ball. While that basic skill has been demonstrated in the past, it now compares the opponent¡¯s moves with those in a data bank to assess the skill level.
In a demonstration match, Forpheus was seen sizing up its opponent in the first few rallies and then displaying the human¡¯s skill levels on a screen.
The display was constantly updated during play as factors changed and the machine calculated what pace to play at.
Omron¡¯s booth drew a sizeable crowd, with many convention-goers lining up to give Forpheus a go.
Also big at this year¡¯s show was the so-called internet of things, or interconnected devices from everyday life.
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