![](\"http:\/\/cyber.law.harvard.edu\/blogs\/static\/dowbrigade\/wakamaruu.jpg\")
A robot that recognises up to 10 faces
\n and understands 10,000 words is to be offered to Japanese consumers looking
\n for a high-tech helper in the house.<\/p>\n
The one-metre tall humanoid Wakamaru robot is being marketed as a mechanical
\n house-sitter and secretary.<\/p>\n
Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries expects the first robots
\n to go on sale in September.<\/p>\n
"This is the opening of an era in which human beings and robots can
\n co-exist," the
\n company said.<\/p>\n
The company says the robot can watch over homes while the owners are away,
\n alerting them to possible burglaries.<\/p>\n
It can also apparently help monitor the condition of a sick person.<\/p>\n
And according to Mitsubishi, the robot can act as a secretary, recording
\n notes and appointments and reminding owners of them with well-timed announcement.<\/p>\n
The Wakamaru weighs 30kg (66lb) and is expected to cost 1.58m yen (US$14,300).<\/p>\n
Japan, lacking Mexicans to call its own, starts manufacturing from Reuters<\/a><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/table>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A robot that recognises up to 10 faces and understands 10,000 words is to be offered to Japanese consumers looking for a high-tech helper in the house. The one-metre tall humanoid Wakamaru robot is being marketed as a mechanical house-sitter … Continue reading
\n them, even achieving that whistful, hangdog sadness in the facial expression…..<\/em><\/p>\n