The KIRFs we normally see are of the cellphone and PMP variety, with the occasional laptop scattered here and there. In fact, this might be the first time we’ve seen a clone of a serious robot, and not just some remote-controlled toy . Above is the UNISROBO from a pair of Chinese companies, UNIS and Just Good Technology. Those of you with a strong memory may immediately notice its amazing resemblance to NEC’s PaPeRo and PaPeRo-mini . Outside of the bright job, the only major aesthetic difference is the LCD embedded in UNISROBO’s chest. Under the hood, however, is a different story — this Chinese knockoff is missing the stereoscopic cameras and ultrasonic sensors that helped its Japanese inspiration navigate. There’s one thing these copycats are not though — cheap. UNIS will be selling two models at 2,980 and 3,980 Yuan (about $460 and $615). One more picture after the break. Continue reading Chinese UNISROBO KIRFbot is a not-so-cheap knockoff of NEC’s PaPeRo Chinese UNISROBO KIRFbot is a not-so-cheap knockoff of NEC’s PaPeRo originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Jun 2011 15:39:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds . Permalink