When caller I.D or the DO NOT CALL list no longer does the trick, send in the squirrels for a sure fire way to filter your cell phone calls down to the people you actually do want to talk to or simply know you best.
Stefan Marti's (research scientist) current ?Autonomous Interactive Intermediary? is meant to do just that. This software and robotic agent disguised in a squirrel or bunny suit is the next step to mobile communication devices becoming more socially intelligent. When someone calls the squirrel or animal of your choice (down the road I?m sure), it will check the number to match with your pre-approved list of callers, or even ask you questions of importance. If the call is worth your time it will get your attention with non-verbal cues, or the caller will get the boot to voicemail.
Stefan Marti writes - "Current mobile communication devices do not grab our attention in a socially appropriate way. They could be disrespectful of ongoing social activity such as an important meeting or private dinner. To improve on this, I have built the Cellular Squirrel, a system where the agent that controls my cell phone is embodied in a small portable animatronic device, as a personal 'companion' for the user."
