Japanese company introduces irresistibly cute mind-controlled 'cat ears' (w/ video)

[The Straight Story]

Japanese company introduces irresistibly cute mind-controlled 'cat ears' (w/ video)

In a bit of science mixed with whimsy, a Japanese company has created a set of electromechanical cat ears that can be worn on the human head and manipulated with nothing but the mind. Called the necomimi (a combination of the Japanese words for cat and ear) and looking very much like the ears that come with a cat costume, the ears respond to thoughts or mood by means of a sensor on a second small band pressed against the forehead; they can stand straight up when the wearer is concentrating, or wriggle and turn slightly when amused, or lay flat when tired or bored, demonstrating what the company calls, an ability to reveal emotion.

The company, called Neurowear, demonstrated its new product in the “Smile Bazar”at Omotesando Hills, which it captured on video and displays on its site; and while the participants are clearly amused by the cat ears moving around, and there is much smiling and some laughing, it’s difficult to tell just how much control over the ears the wearers have. A natural question arises also as to whether people can get better at manipulating their ears if they wear them over time.

In spite of the gimmick quality of the necomimi, it’s obvious that the concept could have a more serious purpose, such as helping those with communication difficulties express themselves.

http://www.physorg.com/news/2011-05-japanese-company-irresistibly-cute-mind-controlled.html

[Brickbat]

1. "Science mixed with whimsy" -- so THAT's what they're calling it these days.

[MineralMan]

2. Cosplay technology. You've gotta love it.

I can see many applications in the fur community. Yes, indeed. Pretty yiffy stuff.

[otohara]

3. Love The Japanese

I'm going at the end of the month - can't wait.

[DavidDvorkin]

4. Amusing, strange, and in one respect annoying

That being "lay" instead of "lie". But that's a lost battle, I guess.

[L0oniX]

5. Yea but what do they do during sex?

[DJ13]

6. I wonder where that idea came from?

:shrug:

[MilesColtrane]

7. C'mon, Japanese scientists.

The furries do not need encouragement.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

8. I want these.

But only if they fold back and down when I'm pissed off, like real cat ears.