Sparring Partner of the Future

Of all the new, innovative products at CES 2006, I'm keeping the closest eye on robotics.  In 2005, we saw a wild array of anthropomorphic robots coming out of Japan, including the incredibly human-like Repilee Q1, elderly protector Guardrobo D1, and Chatty, a mannequin with a built-in projector that displays the face of your choice.  These major advancements in Japanese robotics now have me wondering: Just how far behind are we Americans in robotic technology?

This year at CES, a few robots from U.S. companies will have their wares on on display, like the world's first "true" fighting android, the Fighting Android FA1.  Self Defense Technologies, Inc. (SDT) developed this electromechanical boxer to not only look human, but mimic human-like movements to help any fighter perfect his uppercuts without punching bags or sparring partners.

Although the robot assumes a stationary boxing position, it can throw and dodge punches, and also twist and turn to face its opponent. Upper body repositioning is possible through sensors, manual programming or by remote control, and punching speed is programmed according to the fighter's skill level. This apparatus is meant to offer fighters training alternatives while sparing them the risk of injury.  Of its many features, I especially like the robot's ability to keep track of and display the number of punches delivered to certain areas and force delivered. 

If the FA1 is as good as it appears, I won't be surprised to find this "fighting champ" in arcades or at the local fitness center soon after its release.  What do you think; is this android a knockout or a washout?