VIDEO - Shoulder robot makes wearable avatar

The world of computer-human interaction is becoming ever more realistic (and strange). Researchers at the Yamagata University in Japan have developed a first prototype of a moving robot avatar that, when used in conjunction with video call and motion sensing technology, could provide for much more life-like interaction with remote parties. I'm not sure how much a technology like this will catch on, as the technology seems to be moving in the direction of virtual avatars rather than tangible ones. I'm not sure how I would feel about their end goal either: an avatar copy of your friend sitting right atop your shoulder.