Arimaz Creeps Out Computer Users with Tiny Robot Penguin [Autonomous, Interactive Robot Talks to Facebook]

I have always wished that I could have a small, multi-colored, visor-wearing autonomous robot penguin that would meander around my desk making noises and lighting up. Am I alone here? OK, this one almost defies description and it definitely defies usefulness. Let’s put this one in the WTF file. Introducing the mydeskfriend project from Arimaz.

I am not sure what kind of company makes this type of product, but I do know that one of them is named Arimaz. Their website states that they develop and market communicating mobile robots. After researching this particular gadget, I have come to the conclusion that Arimaz develops and markets scary little interactive noisemakers for those that have given up on developing any kind of relationship with other humans. The mydeskfriend project (sounds weird on its own) has produced a product that is sure to raise more than just my eyebrows.

The tiny robo-penguin is capable of roaming around on your desk while you are working, making loud, obnoxious noises, and reacting to various pre-programmed changes in its mood with color-changing eyes. The product website shares that it has five different moods and reacts to “…voice, poking, cherishing, shaking, and more…” I hesitate to ask what the “and more” would be in this case.

If that wasn’t enough to convince you to buy one, it also has been programmed to interact with your FaceBook account. Heart be still. Apparently, the co-dependent little bugger “needs” things like food and medication, which you and your fellow anthropophobic friends can provide via the social networking site’s applications.

I have written way more than I ever thought I could about this gizmo. The Arimaz website doesn’t exactly win any awards for usability so you might need to Google a bit for more info. The rumor is that it will be available worldwide sometime in September for a cost of about $100/61GBP. Charging dock is included. Sanity is not.