A robot on Sunday acted as master of
ceremonies at a South Korean wedding in what its creators
claimed as a world first.
Tiro the robot assisted at the wedding
of Seok Gyeong-Jae, one of the engineers who designed it, and his bride at
Daejeon, 130 kilometres (78 miles) south of Seoul.
"This is Tiro, master of ceremonies for today's wedding," the robot --
featuring a cone-shaped body, two arms and a dark-glassed face with eyes
and a mouth of flashing lights -- said in front of smiling guests.
In a male voice, the robot introduced the couple to the crowd, let the
couple bow to them and performed its programmed duties.
Manufacturer Hanool Robotics claims it is the first time a robot has
been used as master of ceremonies at a wedding.
After its marital duties, Tiro -- whose value was put at some 215,000
dollars -- would be upgraded to perform various other functions, according
to Hanool officials.
Small other robots were also at the ceremony to guide guests or give
performances.
South Korean robots have also been given harder tasks to tackle. Last
month it was reported that a robot dubbed OFRO would be deployed as a
school security guard in what was also claimed as a world first.
And last September government unveiled a high-tech, gun-toting sentry robot that could support
troops along the heavily fortified border with North Korea.
