Japan is the country that is closest to having live in/work in robots. Imagine a kid who doesn't talk back, a wife who doesn't nag, a husband who doesn't come home soused, a friend who makes sushi, plants rice and cleans the house.
Japan is a whole lot closer to making all of these scenarios a reality than any one else in the world.
Japanese robots:
1. can simulate basic expressions- anger, fear, sadness, happiness, surprise, disgust
2. are welcomed at factories with Shinto religious ceremonies
3. make sushi
4. plant rice
5. tend to rice paddies
5. work as receptionists
6. vacuum corridors
7. spoon feed the elderly
8. serve tea
9. greet company guests
10. work as guides at public technology displays
11. are furry and have whiskers
12. are portrayed as friendly helpers in Japanese popular culture
13. don't threaten the Japanese psyche if they have feelings
14. don't claim overtime or draw pensions - none of the 370,000+ of the lot
15. can outwork 10 employees
16. give Japan an edge in international competitiveness
17. can build more complex cars, surgical equipment
18. can play with you or your children
19. are trying to understand child development at Osaka University
20. are learning to learn at Osaka University.
If only we could real people to do all these things.
The dream is to some day have to ask, "Are you human? Or, are you a robot?"
The answer - "It depends what you have in mind."
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