Robots in South Korea (14 photos + 3 videos)
In Seoul, the public was presented with a very ambitious project called “EveR” - a series of female androids, which was developed by scientists from the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, led by Baek Moon Hong. 
"Actroid"
The name "EveR" comes from the biblical name "Eva" and the letter "R", as in "robot". The South Korean android was a direct competitor to the Actroid project, developed by Kokoro Dreams and Osaka University (Japan). 
"EveR-1"
The first model created by South Korean scientists in just a year was the “EveR-1” model, the production of which cost about 300 million won (321,000 US dollars) of budget funds. 
"EveR-1"
Presenting their new creation to the public, the scientists said that to create the android’s face, they “crossed” the appearance of two famous Korean actresses, whose names remained a mystery. Android “EveR-1” weighed 50 kilograms with a height of 160 centimeters, which generally corresponds to the parameters of the average girl.
Scientists also said that EveR-1 can imitate human emotions, such as joy, sadness, anger and surprise, much more naturally than its Japanese competitor, which uses a hydraulic system for certain movements.
"EveR-1"
The more advanced "EveR-1" was equipped with a total of 35 miniature motors located throughout the upper body, which allowed the android to move its head, arms and even move its lips in sync with speech. The skin on the android's face and hands was made of a synthetic, flexible silicone material that felt virtually indistinguishable from human skin.
The Android "EveR-1" recognized 400 Korean and English words, which allowed it to answer questions both verbally and using facial expressions. For example, “EveR-1” expressed its dissatisfaction to the user if he pushed him. In addition, special sensors were installed in the android's eyes, allowing him to follow people with his gaze without turning his head.
"EveR-1"
The “EveR-1” project was received with a bang by the South Korean public, but it was only a so-called “test of the pen”, and a couple of years later the same scientists from the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology rolled out a new version - “EveR-2”, later renamed in "EveR-2 Muse".
"EveR-2 Muse"
Unlike EveR-1, Muse boasted improved vision and the ability to express emotions more accurately. And the range of these very emotions has expanded significantly, and in addition to the usual joy and sadness, “EveR-2” could express fear, disgust and even boredom.
"EveR-2 Muse"
Also, the android could demonstrate more than 100 gestures. And at the opening of the Robot World conference in Seoul, “EveR-2” even performed the Korean ballad “I Will Close My Eyes for You.”
"EveR-2 Muse" sings
The android's height was 170 cm, weight - 60 kg, and his face covered with unique silicone skin received incredible mobility, all thanks to 29 engines and dozens of joints, providing the android with almost complete freedom in expressing his emotions.
"EveR-2 Muse"
EveR-2 also received an improved speech recognition system, voice synthesis and gesture expression technology, which allowed the android to carry out more complex communication when interacting with people.
"EveR-2 Muse"
The CCD cameras that were installed in the EveR-1 were upgraded to wide-bandwidth small CCD cameras (90 degrees) for the best view. In addition, if in “EveR-1” the synthetic flexible silicone “skin” was only on the android’s face and hands, then in “EveR-2” his entire body was covered with soft artificial skin.
"EveR-2 Muse"
Well, then there was “EveR-3” with a modular design and 64 degrees of freedom, including 33 in the head (30 in the face and 3 in the neck) and 5 in the lower body (3 in the legs and 2 in the lower wheel).
"EveR-3"
It was also presented at the RoboWorld exhibition in Seoul. Some of the android's facial expressions were more recognizable than those of its predecessors, with the highest rate of correct recognition among female participants aged 20–40.
Project leader Baek Moon Hong suggested that the functions for which the EveR-1 series androids were created would be educational and entertaining. Once the androids reach mass production, they could be used to provide information in large shopping malls, museums and other public places.
"EveR-3"
Androids will also be able to replace teachers in kindergartens, schools and even universities. And in general, the range of capabilities of “EveR” androids will only expand over time, and knowing the level of efficiency and fertility of Koreans, it will not be surprising that one day androids will walk the streets of Seoul next to ordinary passers-by.
"EveR-1"
