Wine-tasting robot perfect for parties

08/09/2006

A new android invention that analyses wine to detect its contents could be the perfect addition to a Christmas party this year.

The Dalek enunciates the words "buttery", "herby", "oaky" and names of wines such as "sauvignon blanc", according to the Belfast Telegraph.

Far Eastern researchers created this party accessory, which works by pointing an infrared sensor at a bottle, identifying the grape before offering its comments on the taste.

The NEC Systems Technologies and Mie University joint project thought building the wine-tasting robot would be a "challenge".

Hideo Shuimazu of NEC Systems told the paper: "Wines are notoriously similar in their spectral fingerprints. The variation this robot detects is very subtle."

Although the two-foot-tall robot is not yet for sale, winemakers believe it has potential for testing the authenticity of wines, perfect for sussing out the quality of drinks behind your office party bar.

The robot can also detect differences between food products – ham and bacon, as well as various cheeses.