Museum Guide Preference - Lifelike Humanoid vs 'Cute' Companion?

If you had your choice between two robotic guides at the museum, would you choose the 'cute' little robot (cute defined using Disney methodology of 'large' eyes etc) or the humanoid, in this case Geminoid HI4 or Geminoid F?

Cute Robot:

Cute Robot

And the Geminoid:

Spectacular Humanoid

Although I have written in the past about my concerns with overly 'attractive' robots, I realize this may simply be an response to our fears of the non-robotic community thinking we are even a bit more 'odd' than we already are, but outside of that I am starting to warm up to them a bit...

On the other side, Disney was wildly successful with 'likable' characters all having certain outward similarities so there may not be a reason to reinvent the wheel on the design side.

Either way, we expect to see more and more of this in the near future.

UPDATE - 20140624 1215PM ET
This Just in from AFP!

"Japanese scientists on Tuesday unveiled what they said was the world's first news-reading android, eerily lifelike and possessing a sense of humour to match her perfect language skills. VIDEO Duration: 01:20"

Intel's 3D Printable (Open Source) "Jimmy" Robot

Meet Intel's 21st Century Robot, "JIMMY"!



 Intel futurist Brian David Johnson says, "Users will have the ability to customize their robot to their own specifications." Johnson said, "You could make the robot into a dog, who could dance the tango, and then add an alarm clock app, and then the robotic dog would dance the tango when it's time to wake up. It could also, for example, be used to remind a grandparent when to take their medicine."



You can learn more directly from Intel at their Jimmy microsite "21st Century Robot"

It is hoped that the files needed to create your own robot will be available for download for around $1000 USD - http://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/corporate-responsibility/better-future/21st-century-robot-program.html

Cyberstein's "Titan the Robot" is Definitely a Crowdpleaser!

Is Titan the hardest working robot in show business?

Titan the Robot!

RobotShop.com has some great details and Titan The Robot's personal page is the best spot to 'book' him.

Robotics - How to Avoid the "Godless Abomination Factor" in Robo Nursing

As populations age, the opportunity for the robotics industry increases, but whether the finished product looks like a mechanical pedo-bear (with a problematic power cord) or an "actroid" that some customers might find strangely arousing, it will be the responsibility of robot designers to disarm the easily-spooked human.

The Robots of CES

Vikas Gupta and Brahm Booth on robotics and children with goals of education, and programming.

Vytas Sunspiral Discusses Ball Bots Built with a Tensegrity Structure

The Dancing Robot!

Does anyone know where to get one of these little stars?