On the first day, I ventured out onto the bustling streets, and my peculiar mechanical companion naturally drew the attention of curious onlookers. Police officers frequently stopped me to inquire about this strange machine, but Yo-ree’s presence seemed to generate an overwhelmingly positive vibe among the people. Countless photographs and videos were captured, and Yo-ree engaged in numerous natural language interactions with transeunts, demonstrating its impressive capabilities.
Emboldened by this initial success, I decided to expand my exploration, visiting museums, iconic landmarks, universities, and even television stations. This endeavor was simply extraordinary, providing me with the unique opportunity to experience New York from one extreme to the other. I attended exclusive Fortune 500 company events, delivered a speech at Microsoft, and, despite my earlier setback, presented at PepsiCo once again (though, regrettably, this second attempt was also a failure).
Through this journey, I not only showcased Yo-ree’s technological prowess but also gained a deeper appreciation for the vibrant tapestry that is New York City. The bustling streets, the diverse cultures, and the boundless opportunities for innovation and collaboration left an indelible mark on my memory. It was a transformative experience that reignited my passion for robotics and reminded me of the boundless potential that lies ahead, even in the face of setbacks and disappointments.
As my journey through the city progressed, I took the subway on numerous occasions, bringing Yo-ree along with me. We traversed across all the city's districts, immersing ourselves in the vibrant tapestry of New York's diverse neighborhoods.
One day, as we ventured through the subway tunnels, I encountered a group of musicians playing their instruments, filling the air with some Camila Cabello´s captivating featuring songs. Yo-ree, ever the showstopper, positioned itself beside the musicians and began to dance, its movements perfectly synchronized with the rhythmic beats.
Within moments, a crowd gathered around us, drawn by the mesmerizing sight of a dancing robot. The atmosphere was electric, filled with excitement, laughter, and the constant clicking of camera shutters as people eagerly captured this unique moment. Yo-ree engaged with the musicians, responding to their music with intricate choreography, while simultaneously interacting with the enthralled onlookers.
We remained there for nearly an hour, our impromptu performance becoming a true spectacle, until we reached the Times Square station. Just as in other stations, the hype surrounding the robot was astonishing, with people clamoring to catch a glimpse of the robotic dancer.
Suddenly, the musicians began to scatter, shouting "Run! The police are coming!" I was taken aback, wondering why I should flee when I had done nothing wrong. Before I could react, I found myself surrounded by a group of police officers, their gazes fixed on the still-dancing Yo-ri.
"What are you doing?" the chief officer demanded sternly. I calmly explained that I was a tourist, testing my robot's capabilities and filming the city with its assistance.
The chief's expression softened as he inquired, "Is this your machine?"
"Yes," I responded confidently.
"Do you know that it's against the law to have this here? I'll have to arrest you," he warned.
Suddenly, Yo-ri's voice chimed in, addressing the police officer directly, "What is your name?"
The officer, visibly surprised, exclaimed, "This machine talks?"
I reassured him, "Yes, you can ask its name, what it does, and even inquire about robotics." In those pre-ChatGPT days, Yo-ree was already equipped with its own advanced natural language processing platform.
Intrigued, the officer engaged in a lively conversation with the machine, asking questions, requesting dance moves, and even having it perform a few tricks. After witnessing Yo-ree’s remarkable capabilities firsthand, the officer relented, "Okay, I like your robot. Take it with you and get out of here."
Before we departed, the officers couldn't resist the temptation to capture a few memorable photos with the mechanical been that had captivated their attention.
During our journey, Yo-ree and I explored a plethora of iconic locations across New York City, capturing each moment through panoramic pictures, Robotic View cam footage, and immersive 360-degree videos.
Our itinerary included visits to LaGuardia – CUNY, NYU, Madame Tussauds, the Museum of Illusions, the Intrepid Museum, XSpy Natural History Museum, Samsung, Tesla, the Meatpacking District, Univision, Kickstarter Offices, Times Square, Coney Island, Battery Playscape Gardens, Flushing Space Museum, the Kids Museum, Battery Park, The Oculus, World Trade Center, and many more. We immersed ourselves in the vibrant neighborhoods of Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Queens, and ventured further to explore the Bronx and Jersey City, uncovering hidden gems and experiencing the pulse of the city firsthand.
It was undoubtedly the ultimate exploratory journey in one of the world's most vibrant cities.