Robots

Jose Cuervo Encourages You to Date More Human

1stAveMachine has created a spot for Jose Cuervo that is absolutely hilarious. Using two robots and actual conversation from online chatbots that visualizes the awkwardness of first dates, especially through dating apps. (not that I would know having zero experience with dating apps). The spot titled “Date More Human” shows a conversation between two robots trying to make small talk.

1stAveMachine used an AI chatbot to develop the dialogue, which was based upon icebreakers and banter from real-life experiences. And it shows how much chatbots need to improve, and how far they have come.

1stAveMachine’s unique collaborative approach brought together directors Marc Reisbig and professor Miguel Espada for Reisbig’s comedic, yet cinematic, storytelling chops and Espada, a university professor specializing in AI with extensive experience with robots and film making.

The campaign rolls out this month across digital and social channels and, via a paid partnership, and will get distribution on the Tinder dating app.

Push It With Intel.

Intel has always done a really solid job of promoting their brand and products. Intel is also a company that is heavily invested in digital convergence marketing tools, tying physical and digital spaces together quite well. One of their latest campaigns is “Push” an old school arcade game tied to a social media campaign, attached to a game where the grand prize is a new Ultrabook.

It’s a fairly simple concept. You connect with Facebook or Twitter and get in line. When your turn comes up, your name in 3D block letters is pulled by a robotic arm and placed on the table. Then those letters are pushed forward in the stack. If your name is the one to push it off stage, you win. The game plays out in real-time, streamed to the web.

Your Double, Your Doppelganger.

I love how the iPad has spawned a whole series of innovations that are using the tablet in ways it was never intended for. Double Robotics “Double — Wheels for your iPad” is one of those innovations. The video below shows the device in action, and I can see why the first production run of this $1999.00 item has already sold out. Watch the video, and see what I talking about.

Double is the simplest, most elegant way to be somewhere else in the world without flying there. The minimalist design and intuitive touchscreen controls allow you to freely move around without inconveniencing others. You can stay at eye level, whether sitting or standing, by adjusting your height remotely, which makes conversations fluid and real. Retractable kickstands will automatically deploy to conserve power when you are not moving around. Efficient motors and lightweight design give Double the ability to last all day without recharging the battery.

The Associated Press’ Robotic Camera Rigs.

The 2012 Summer Olympic Games are kicking off in London, and with that comes some spectacular sports photography. One of the challenges of getting some of those great shots is being able to get your camera in the right place at the right time. Using specially designed robotic camera rigs, the Associated Press will be bringing us photographs that would be all but impossible to get using traditional shooting methods. The video below is a behind the scenes look at how they built these and how they control them. It’s some pretty impressive engineering for sports photographers.