The New York Times has been doing some fun robotics coverage lately. As part of their Robotica series, The New York Times recently checked in with Matt McMullen at Abyss Creations. Readers will be more familiar with the flagship products from Abyss than perhaps their corporate name. Abyss makes the Real Doll. Realistic life-size companion dolls so impressive that movies have been made about relationships with them. Matt McMullen told The New York Times that his company is working with both virtual reality and robotics to make the Real Doll even more relatable and real-feeling. He says he doesn’t want his sculpted women to be too realistic in appearance because he feels keeping some fantasy elements prevents the discomfort of uncanny valley. He feels that, while avoiding uncanny valley in appearance, he can increase emotional response and bond with tools like Oculus Rift and robotics technology for everything from facial expressions and to gyrations. Matt McMullen says the gyrations part is easy. The sexual interaction which immediately jumps to mind with Real Dolls, Matt McMullen says the math is simple and he likens it to Rock Band where, if you press the buttons, you are going to get through the level. He is an artist, however, and he is seeking much more than the basics from his artwork. You can watch the interview below.
