TOFU Robot Has Disney Cartoon-Like Movement

In the name of science, MIT’s Media Lab has created this fuzzy, somewhat creepy-looking robot that dances in place and shifts its OLED eyes. Named TOFU for its elastic properties, the robot’s squashing and stretching was modeled after Disney animation techniques from the 1950s. “Such techniques have since been used widely by animators, but are not commonly used to design robots,” says the product overview. Ya think? The project’s purpose is to explore new lifelike ways for robots to express themselves. That way, when Judgment Day comes, you won’t even care; they’re so cute! Check out the video to see TOFU in action. [MIT Media Lab via Wired]