Microsoft used this adorable robot to show off new HoloLens features

The Verge ^ | Apr 29, 2015 | Sean O'Kane

[dayglored]

We've learned some amazing things about Microsoft's Windows Holographic platform since it was announced back in January. We know that NASA is using it to virtually explore Mars, and you can play Minecraft on your coffee table, and today we learned that the company will integrate all universal apps running on Windows 10 into the experience.

But a short demo near the end of today's Microsoft Build 2015 keynote showed us a little bit more about how HoloLens can help blend virtual reality with the real world to create what the company calls "mixed reality." A small metal robot drove on stage, and the presenter used HoloLens to make a cute robotic avatar float above it. What was, just moments before, an inhuman hodgepodge of metal and plastic now had a much more familiar and anthropomorphic form.

With the 3D-mapping capabilities of HoloLens, the robot was able to navigate the stage, plot a course to move around, and even adjust that course when Alex Kipman stepped in its way. Think of it as a Roomba, only much, much cooler.

...

[tacticalogic]

I agree with Uncle Miltie that one of the big early uses of this will be interactive 3D porn.

Could be, but I don't really see it having any real "game changer" potential in that application. I haven't really been keeping up on developments in interactive 3D porn development, so I could be wrong about that.

[PapaBear3625]

To be sure, if the reality lives up to the demo hype, it has a lot of potential in a lot of areas, particularly including gaming.

[tacticalogic]

To be sure, if the reality lives up to the demo hype, it has a lot of potential in a lot of areas, particularly including gaming.

I see a lot of potential beyond entertainment applications. For example, it should lend itself well to providing the kind of heads-up displays for equipment operators that are currently only available to fighter pilots.

[PapaBear3625]

I see a lot of potential beyond entertainment applications. For example, it should lend itself well to providing the kind of heads-up displays for equipment operators that are currently only available to fighter pilots.

Then again, do we really want to have critical equipment monitored and controlled by Windows? Remember stuxnet

[tacticalogic]

Then again, do we really want to have critical equipment monitored and controlled by Windows? Remember stuxnet

I think we'll cross that bridge when we get to it, and this is not that bridge.

Providing gauge and sensor data on a HUD for the operator is a far cry from having the software actually operating the machine. And this is a hardware I/O device, I don't see any reason the software driving has to be Windows.