Trogador writes "Researchers are working to associate online avatars with physical bodies, connecting virtual reality robots with steel and systems program counterparts. The unification of os and mobility like this results in the so-called 'Ubibot' (ubiquitous robot), which the researchers predict is the future of intermedia robotics. In the future, avatars on your pc/cell/pda screen may be able to bring you your tea or scratch your back. 'Two key components of the graphical user interface involve the sensor mapper and bearing mapper. The sensor mapper helps Rity get physical (ultrasound) sensor instruction from Mybot, enabling the virtual avatar to use physical information. The tact mapper helps Rity de facto perform physical behaviors using Mybot in a real environment, enabling the avatar to interact physically with human beings in real environments.'"

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Mark