Robots to mix you a cocktail

Scientists and geeks have been showing off their home-built robots at a special exhibition in Vienna.The robots were flown in from as far away as the United States and Russia for the unique cocktail robot convention Rob xotica.The robot makers were competing with each other to make the best machine for tasks like mixing cocktails, serving drinks and snacks, bar conversation and smoking cigarettes and cigars.Magnus Wurzer, a robot lover, said: "We are not trying to build commercially-viable robots."We want to assemble machines that display personality and create a feeling that the machine is not just something cold and efficient. Our aim is the relaxed and artistic, creative use of machines."Magnus launched the first Rob xotica exhibition in 1999. Many of the materials used to build the robots come straight from the scrap heap.© Independent Television News Limited 2006. All rights reserved.

ITN | December 12, 2006

Tags:. .united. .trying. .special. .personality. .feeling