STYPE uses a mechanical system of belts and pulleys to enable two-way text-based conversations to magically take place.  The user inputs a message onto a piece of paper using an old-fashioned keyboard.  After a short pause, the user receives a response as the keyboard magically types it out.  For now, STYPE allows for exchange with a chatbot named Eliza, which automatically generates answers to the user’s inputs.  However, the goal is to one day hook this system up to the Internet to make human-t0-human conversation a reality using the Skype service.  Neat!

Fringe fans, the STYPE should ring a little bell inside your head.  Remember that mysterious room in the back of the gun shop where shape shifter Agent Charlie Francis used a typewriter to communicate with someone about Olivia?  Maybe this image will jog your memory.

[Via Engadget]