My Keepon

I found an interesting article on Wired Magazine's website about a new gadget called a My Keepon.  This blob-like creature was originally invented by a woman as a tool to help autistic kids.  My Keepons respond to sounds and touch.  They dance to whatever music might be playing around them using ultrasonic beat sensors and react differently to actual physical interaction humans have with them.  These creatures have become so popular that within the next year they will be for sale in stores around the nation for people to take home.

I am a little surprised that a gadget like this is gaining so much momentum.  It is funny to see that our society is taking new age technology such as this and using it in such a mundane way.  My Keepons started off as a tool to help researchers understand how autistic children learn best, and are now turning into a silly blob that people clutter their desks with.  It seems a little contradictory to me, because we created new media and new technology to help "de-clutter" our lives, yet My Keepons will do the exact opposite for the random person that feels compelled to spend $50 to take one home as their own.

http://www.wired.com/gadgetlab/2011/09/dancing-my-keepon-robot/