The Zeno robot got his first live exposure at the RoboDevelopment Conference 2007 that recently took place in San Jose.

Designed by Tomataka Takahashi (big name on Japan), and made by Hanson Robotics, the Zeno is similar to an old Japanese television cartoon character called Astro Boy. For now there is only a prototype model, but in 2009 it is expected a mass-production mode of the robot that will be priced at $300.

So, what is Zeno capable of doing?

• Keep track of where people’s faces are
• turn around to make eye contact
• learn the names and voices of the people that interact with it

Thanks to the functions provided by Massive Software, the Zeno can make facial expressions taking in consideration the situation, and move its body taking into account the physical environment.