kottke.org

...is a weblog about the liberal arts 2.0 edited by Jason Kottke since March 1998 (archives). You can read about me and kottke.org here. If you've got questions, concerns, or interesting links, send them along.

Mech dog vs. dog

I always try to stay away from linking to Boing Boing, because they're so huge you've probably already seen whatever it is. But check out this video of dogs reacting to a mechanical toy dog. It's amazing: Dogs experience the uncanny valley too! The dog might be utterly toy-like to us, but you can tell from the dog's expression that it's startled and confused by the likeness--maybe even horrified. I wonder if apes also experience the uncanny valley with something like this. To all you primatologists: Please try this. I bet Wowee would sponsor it. Give me a heads up (cliffkuang @ gmail.com) and I'll write a piece about it.

Update: Hilarious clip from the most amazing show on TV, 30 Rock, explaining the Uncanny Valley. (thx, Michael)) "Salieri?" "No thank you. I already ate."

By Cliff Kuang    May 29, 2008 at 09:52 am

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