GPS systems are currently going through some major changes regarding the voices they use in order to direct drivers in unknown territory. The companies manufacturing such products are using every famous voice out there, from Hollywood stars to fictional characters, so that users can hear something interesting every time they take a left turn. Nokia has even put up an application for its Ovi Maps that lets consumers insert their own voice on the PNDs.

But, as usual, the Japanese come with a solution that seems to be better than everyone else's. More precisely, Pioneer Japan and the iXs Research Corp. have now developed the NaviRobo mechanical robot, which points the direction indicated by the navigation device with the help of its palette-like hands. It has a crab-like appearance, small dimensions (so that it is not intrusive related to the driver's field of view) and it vibrates if the direction has to be changed urgently.

It is actually a funny invention which makes the voice system used until now on sat-nav gadgets seem old and obsolete. The little NaviRobo has LED eyes, which light up depending on the distance left until the curve, and it runs on iXs Research's “Motion Media” technology. Plastic Pals even says that the gadget is going to be available sometime in the next 3 years (as it is not perfect yet) with an estimated $100 price.

The functional benefits of this type of robotic guide for turn-by-turn directions are going to be huge for the hearing-impaired drivers or the elderly. Plus, it seems like the type of gimmick which is attractive and funny for longer periods of time, not just the first couple of uses. Enjoy the two videos I've put for you and see the NaviRobo performing better than a police officer. Perhaps they will make similar robots that can function in intersections.






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