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October 10, 2008 4:27:06 PM CDT

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Home Is Where the Robot Is

Posted Jun 21, 08 5:01 AM CDT in Business,  Glossies,  Technology 

(Newser) – A kinder, gentler, smarter Frankenstein may soon be mowing your lawn and folding your unmentionables. Manufacturers are developing a new generation of metallic humanoid that will not only carry heavy objects, but pull their weight around the house and at work, the Economist reports. These new-age robots can touch, see, and may even respond to commands.

The technology marries mechanics, optics, computers, and electronics, producing robots reliable enough for human interaction. Safety, however, remains an issue. “One of our goals is to move robots from the factory to the home without any safety fence,” said an engineer. Falling production costs mean that a robot could soon be polishing its metallic cousin at a home near you.

Source Economist

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Robots, a word derived from the Czech word for "forced labor," could soon be performing household chores and work at the office, scientists say.   (Index Stock)
Japan's home security robot BANRYU-T73S has a built-in sensor enabling users to control its moves and a built-in camera to capture images of its surroundings.   (AP Photo)
A humanoid robot, without its facial skin, is displayed at Japan's largest robot convention in Tokyo .   (AP Photo)
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, left, and Shinzo Abe, ambassador of the prime minister of Japan, watch a humanoid robot.   (AP Photo)
Honda's ASIMO robot walks on stage at Orchestra Hall in Detroit.   (AP Photo)
Honda's ASIMO robot stands next to assistant Tiffany and demonstrates its skills at Orchestra Hall in Detroit,.   (AP Photo)
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