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Robots Entering Daily Life in Japan

Posted by Soulskill on from the come-with-me-if-you-want-some-sushi dept.

USA Today is running a story about the emergence of robots in common aspects of life in Japan. Many simple yet social jobs are being filled by robots of increasing sophistication. The article suggests that Japanese culture is more open to such interaction than the majority of other cultures. Quoting: "For Japan, the robotics revolution is an imperative. With more than a fifth of the population 65 or older, the country is banking on robots to replenish the workforce and care for the elderly. The government estimates the industry could surge from about $5.2 billion in 2006 to $26 billion in 2010 and nearly $70 billion by 2025. Besides financial and technological power, the robot wave is favored by the Japanese mind-set as well. Robots have long been portrayed as friendly helpers in Japanese popular culture, a far cry from the often rebellious and violent machines that often inhabit Western science fiction."

7 of 164 comments (clear)

  1. Tentacles by Gothmolly · · Score: 5, Funny

    But do they have the necessary tentacles for normal, healthy Japanese sex?

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  2. Common worries by Subm · · Score: 3, Funny

    A lot of people worry about the risk of robots taking over, like they'll start running the world as robotic overlords.

    Not a problem. If anything goes wrong, just set off a nuclear weapon in the bay. The giant lizards and flying turtles will solve everything.

    The robots seem powerful, but once they've shot off all the missiles that are their fingers, they're mostly harmless.

  3. Four words by call-me-kenneth · · Score: 4, Funny

    Crush the fleshy ones!

  4. Let's hope for them they are not US robots by kanweg · · Score: 2, Funny


    http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/01/18/dalek_fcs_uav_ducted_fan_war_robot/

    http://www.news.com/8301-10784_3-9757072-7.html

    But perhaps that's better than being poisoned by chinese robots.

    Bert

  5. Bad Idea by Jubetas · · Score: 3, Funny

    banking on robots to replenish the workforce and care for the elderly. I think we all know that the robots will simply attack the people they're supposed to be caring for to steal their precious medicine and fuel their enraged power cells.

  6. Re:You need to take a short, unpleasant trip ... by glwtta · · Score: 4, Funny

    Japanese robotics roboticist

    Impressive, that's actually one of the most popular kinds of roboticists.

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  7. Don't forget their military! by BobSixtyFour · · Score: 2, Funny

    They probably have an underground cave full of robotic GUNDAM Mobile Suits.