In Japan, Robots Are People, Too
From: CNet - 10/05/2006
From: Jonathan Skillings

A new book by journalist Timothy Hornyak delves into the Japanese fascination
with robots and their attitude toward them as personable beings. "Loving the
machine: The Art and Science of Japanese Robotics," explains how the Japanese
are dedicated to creating robots that serve as human companions and helpers,
not simply faceless workers. The problem facing Japan is that one-third of
its population is predicted to be over 60 years old by 2050, and the country
has very little immigration, so robots are seen as a possible salvation for
the country. The government is making a concerted effort to develop a corps
of safe and friendly robots to help out with office duties, housework, and
taking care of the elderly. One lady whom Hornyak spoke with, after being
told he was a roboticist, said "I'm really looking forward to the day when
robots are going to take care of me." Her attitude is very common in a nation
which has adopted a pacifistic mentality since the atomic bomb fell,
embracing technology as something intended to nurture. Japan's Ministry of
Economy, Trade, and Industry has designated $17 million to aid the creation
of artificial intelligent robots that are able to think for themselves in the
work place. It plans on advancing artificial intelligence technologies in
order for these robots to be introduced into the marketplace by 2015,
according to Hornyak. He says the Japanese leadership is basically
legislating Asimov's three laws of robotics. Robots will be able to tell if
anyone is around so they do not run into them. All robots will have a soft
exterior to prevent harming people, and finally they will have large off
switches that will be easily depressed should it be necessary. The main
obstacle to advancement of robots is artificial intelligence, which is being
researched heavily in the U.S. as well, but for military purposes, which the
Japanese see as "horrific," says Hornyak. The cost of actuators, the most
expensive element of a robot, is also holding back development. Hornyak
admits that robot psychologists will one day be a reality in Japan; not for
anxiety-ridden robots, but for people who have grown incredibly attached. 

Read the entire article at:
http://news.com.com/In+Japan,+robots+are+people,+too/2008-11386_3-6122761.html

Links:
Loving the Machine on Amazon
http://www.amazon.com/Loving-Machine-Science-Japanese-Robots/dp/4770030126/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt/102-5063489-3675359?ie=UTF8

Loving the Machine - Book Tour
http://www.lovingthemachine.com/

About the book and an interview with the author
http://www.kodansha-intl.com/books/html/en/9784770030122.html

Author explores world of Japanese robots
http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/living/books/s_471426.html