The latest batch of RoboThespians RT3 trying to escape from the studio.

The RT3 versions of RoboThespian, which are available from mid October, will include Text to Speech technology from Loquendo TTS, the leading global speech technology company. The high quality, life-like, synthesised speech technology is available in over 60 different voices in more than 25 different languages and different voices, female and male.

RoboThespian audiences will be able to create their own sentences which RoboThespian will repeat – with very comic effects.

It will also allow bespoke content to be created quickly and economically in any language, increasing the adaptability of RoboThespian to fit into any exhibition, venue or environment.

For examples of Loquendo TTS – visit their demo page at http://www.loquendo.com/en/demos/demo_tts.htm

1-September-2009

A face recognition and tracking application has now been integrated into the RoboThespian control software.

Pierre Pagnard, studying an MSc in Robotics at the University of Plymouth, has developed a face tracking programme as part of his research.

Testing the software at Engineered Arts’ studio, the RoboThespian was able to detect a face with his head webcam and track movement, mirroring facial expressions, moving his eyes and head from left to right, up and down.

This will be used as a sensor device for Human-RoboThespian interaction in new version of RoboThespian RT3 when it is launched in October.

1-September-2009