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Japan's Proposed 30-Year Robot Program

Posted by timothy on from the why-not-19 dept.

Gallamine writes "A group of Japanese researchers have proposed a Government plan to spend 50 billion yen per year (that's over 400 million $US) for 30 years on developing a robot with capabilities of a 5-year-old. Japan's current economy may prevent the plan from happening, but the interesting point is the parallels to the U.S. Apollo space program, America's attempt to put a man on the moon. While expensive, the benefits to the American population from that program are probably unmeasurable. Perhaps the U.S. Government should consider funding such a program over here?"

4 of 409 comments (clear)

  1. Recipe for robot emulating a human 5-year old. by teamhasnoi · · Score: 5, Funny

    10% Cute (or ugly to eveyone other than owner)
    40% Crying
    5% Crayon ability
    15% Get daddy a beer
    7% Underfoot
    3% Questions beginning with 'Why'
    20% Screaming, running, and breaking.
    Please contact me for licensing.

  2. Well that would be cool, but... by L.+VeGas · · Score: 5, Funny

    I'm much rather have a 5 year-old with the capabilities of a robot.

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    Best Windows Freeware
  3. We can do better... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    If you double the price and can get me a robot with all the capabilities of a 19 year old cheerleader, I'll call my congressman tonight.

  4. Re:The US gummint would never fund such a thing by AtariEric · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Two words: Slave Labor. Robots don't threaten to walk out if working conditions are dangerous.

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    Don't trust any concentration of power.