Voice Authentication for Robots

Universal Robot Inc., a startup in Tokyo, has developed a voice authentication system for robots. The robot photographed below will only take verbal orders from the owner - or whoever is authorized to be the operator. The system can only understand Japanese at this time, but GetRobo thinks this type of technology will become extremely important now that robots are mobile and are being remotely operated (some even with cell phones). You do not want someone controlling your household robot from a remote location to use it to damage your home. And what about airports and other public locations?

The same with the autonomous vehicles now being developed through initiatives such as the DARPA Grand/Urban Challenges. A voice recognition system could help to prevent the robotic vehicles from being stolen and causing havoc. Well from that perspective, it could help the current car owners too, I guess.