More Robot Pets, Because They're Good for You

The Japanese have a different relationship with robots than we do, which manifests itself in everything from Astro Boy to the Aibo to caregivers for the elderly. Combining those last two aspects is Paro, billed as a "therapeutic robot" by Dr. Takanori Shibata. Shibata observed that animal-assisted therapy among hospital patients was beneficial, but that most hospitals and nursing homes don't allow animals. Paro (pictured here with Japanese prime minister Junichiro Koizumi) is a robotic version of a baby harp seal that makes eye contact and responds when you stroke its fur by nuzzling and making noises, among other things.

If you think a robot can't be convincingly responsive, think again. I came across Paro at the Digital Content Association of Japan's booth here at SIGGRAPH, and noticed that most people who tentatively stroked Paro out of curiosity got into it when Paro turned toward them, or close its eyes in robotic bliss.