Seems like robots are becoming a lot more prevalent and more sophisticated...
Robot helps lost shoppers
Next time you're all lost in the supermarket, you can count on Robovie to help you find your way.
In a series of demonstrations conducted from January 22 to 24, a souped-up version of ATRs Robovie humanoid robot monitored people as they passed through a 100 square meter (1,076 sq ft) section of the Universal Citywalk Osaka shopping center. Relying on data from 16 cameras, 6 laser range finders and 9 RFID tag readers installed in and around the area, the robot was able to watch up to 20 people at a time, pinpoint their locations to within a few centimeters, and classify each individuals behavior into one of 10 categories (waiting, wandering, walking fast, running, etc.).
http://www.boingboing.net/2008/01/25/robot-helps-lost-sho.html
Robot helps lost shoppers
Next time you're all lost in the supermarket, you can count on Robovie to help you find your way.
In a series of demonstrations conducted from January 22 to 24, a souped-up version of ATRs Robovie humanoid robot monitored people as they passed through a 100 square meter (1,076 sq ft) section of the Universal Citywalk Osaka shopping center. Relying on data from 16 cameras, 6 laser range finders and 9 RFID tag readers installed in and around the area, the robot was able to watch up to 20 people at a time, pinpoint their locations to within a few centimeters, and classify each individuals behavior into one of 10 categories (waiting, wandering, walking fast, running, etc.).
http://www.boingboing.net/2008/01/25/robot-helps-lost-sho.html