Just like humans, singing is a (synthesized) talent among robots. Some have it, and some don’t. AIST’s HRP-4C, a relative of the HRP-4 humanoid robot, was born to sing like a human being. An in-house developed software called VocalListener is responsible for synthesizing a natural singing voice. The effect is startling, because HRP-4C really does sound like a real person. Also I’m afraid that if I criticize her she’ll find out where I live and destroy me.
Here she is, entertaining the crowd at HRP-4C:
I’m not too sold on the efficacy of VocaWatcher yet, but I guess it’s really the material and make of her face that’s at fault. No software can make that face less creepy. Watch her performance last year so you can have a better idea of how much HRP-4C has improved. All she needs is a better face and a cover of The Humans Are Dead and she’ll be a hit for sure.
