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Quasi's Super Bowl Debut

Robot Enjoying Celebs, Miami Sunshine

Photo

Celebrities and star athletes attending ESPN's Super Bowl XLI festivities this weekend will be greeted on the red carpet by a one-of-a-kind face: Quasi, the interactive animatronic robot designed by students at Carnegie Mellon's Entertainment Technology Center (ETC).

The little guy packed up his tux and headed south earlier this week to entertain guests in what can only be described as true Quasi-style. (Watch the movie clip to see him in action.)

Quasi was built by an interdisciplinary team of students who went on to create a for-profit company named Interbots, based in Pittsburgh.

"Quasi is very excited to leave the snow behind and enjoy Miami's sunshine," said Seema Patel, an alumna of Carnegie Mellon's Entertainment Technology program and CEO of Interbots. "He's also eager to sport his brand new black-and-gold tux on the red carpet!"

Quasi was invited to join the press line at ESPN Magazine's NEXT Big Experience, a Super Bowl party for more than 30,000 attendees that features live music, interactive brand displays, elaborate food stations, street theater and various competitions.

ESPN is spending more than $1 million for the party, taking place Feb. 2, from 7 p.m. until 2 a.m. in the Moore Building in Miami's Design District.

Quasi will interview celebrities there as they pass by him on the red carpet. Tickets for the event are selling for $500 at most online ticket agencies.

The first robot created through Carnegie Mellon's Interbots Initiative, Quasi typically resides at the ETC where he talks with people, entertains them and offers directions. Though lately, his popularity has been keeping him on the road and on the airwaves.

This is the robot's second national appearance in the last three months. In November, Quasi appeared on "Good Morning America." He's also appeared on "Live with Regis and Kelly."

Quasi assures his fans that he is not letting the fame go to his head. 

Related Links: Movie Clip [.mov]  |  Interbots  |  ETC


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