Japanese Design Robot Kid

Osaka, Japan - A humanoid toddler reacting to touch, sound and visual cues has been created by Japanese scientists. The Child Robot with Biometric Body (CB2) moves, "sees" and "talks" like a real 1-3 year old. The scientists' goal is to "study human recognition development," said Dr. Minoru Asada of Osaka University.

To ensure CB2 resembles its human counterpart, the robot has been programmed to stick its finger into the wall socket, eat from the pet food dish and wave bye-bye when flushing the toilet. Initial success with CB2 was dramatic until there was a puzzling sensor malfunction. After an exhaustive investigation and systems check, scientists discovered a stray diode stuck up its nose.

Dr. Asada said that certain problems with this prototype have been corrected, although further re-programming is needed. "It will be necessary to take CB2 off-line for a couple of days," Dr. Asada said "while we try to figure out how to get him to go to sleep without someone having to read 'One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish' several times each evening."

Vice President Cheney is reported to have expressed great interest in CB2's capabilities. The Vice President contacted Osaka University inquiring if the robot could be made to resemble a real person, taught to cut brush and ride a bike.

Written for Assimilated Press by roving reporter pinko