Albert Einstein Resurrected

Though Albert Einstein, one of the world's most renowned scientists, passed away in 1955, science buffs have another chance to quiz him about his theory of relativity - E=mc2. 

While this modern-day version may not know the answer, he will at least look you in the eye, smile and nod intelligently. That's because you are staring into the eyes of a robot that looks eerily similar to the famous scientist.

The human-like robot was created by Texas-based Hanson Robotics and fitted with software developed by a technology team from the University of San Diego.

Unveiled at the 25th anniversary of Technology, Entertainment and Design Conference held in Long Beach, California, last week, the robot's realistic expressions managed to even impress an audience of the world's best engineers and designers.

The Einstein robot, built using some of the same computer techniques used for the movie, The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, is able to replicate all 48 human facial muscles, thanks to its 32 built-in motors. Its skin, made with a new material called Frubber is flexible enough to allow for very realistic expressions. His piercing eyes are fitted with cameras and move around the room, making eye contact. He has been programmed to understand common expressions like sadness, anger, happiness, fear and confusion and even mimic small movements like nodding.

The developers said they decided to create a human-like robot to dispel the myth that they would be too creepy-looking for people to interact with. Einstein was picked for the first prototype, because he looks kind and approachable to all, including kids.

Scientists are hoping that once people get used to human-like robots, they can be used in our daily lives in a myriad of ways, including schools and to treat kids with Autism.

While this prototype which cost $50,000 USD is too expensive for commercial use, the developers believe that within the next decade, they will be able to build robots like this for around $150 USD - making them affordable for anybody to use.

Source: Telegraph.co.uk,, Foxnews.com.