Tokyo (AFP) Nov 22, 2006
Japanese schools or businesses looking for a helper with a will of steel now have another number they can call -- robot assistants ready to work for hourly wages. The robots, which have cat-like ears and a large video camera lens for an eye, made their debut last month as hospital workers and are now being put up for rent to take additional jobs.
The "Ubiko" robots can answer simple inquiries and hand out information, meaning they could be used as receptionists in companies or as guides in airports or train stations.
"By putting these robots in schools, the robots can check out the atmosphere in the classroom, and by giving some comfort to students hopefully can prevent bullying," Ubiquitous Exchange spokeswoman Akiko Sakurai said. The robot can record footage and pass it to school officials and parents to detect bullying, a problem which is causing growing concern in Japanese schools..
Space Daily
