Japanese Dying to Get Into Highrise Cemeteries

Evolta has already climbed Grand Canyon

(NEWSER) - It’s no bigger than your hand, but a Panasonic robot is ready to take on a supersized task: The Evolta, which has already clambered up the walls of the Grand Canyon, will soon take on one of the hardest triathlon courses on the planet. Hawaii’s Ironman Triathlon “is very tough even for a sportsman, but I think it is worth a challenge,” says the robot’s creator. Evolta will have to run, bike, and swim more than 140 miles, Reuters reports. More»

Radiation-hardened robots to assist at stricken plant

(NEWSER) - The Energy Department is sending a squad of robots—and people—to help Japan in its battle to regain control of its Fukushima nuclear plant. A shipment of "radiation hardened robotics" is being sent to Japan along with 40 people and thousands of pounds of other equipment, a top department official told a Senate panel yesterday, AP reports. More»

Humans are still being asked to risk their lives

(NEWSER) - Japan has built robots for all kinds of distinctly human tasks—from playing instruments to officiating at weddings—but none have been used in this nuclear mess, notes Reuters . Instead, humans are still being asked to risk their lives. Robots are common elsewhere in the nuclear industry, so what gives? Part of the reason may be cultural, writes Jon Herskovitz: "While Japan is renowned for its cutting edge technology, it also maintains an anachronistic element in its society that relies on humans for tasks that have given way to automation in many other parts of the world." More»

Creepy. Creepy. Creepy.

(AP) - Almost everyone stood when the bride walked down the aisle in her white gown, but not the wedding conductor, because she was bolted to her chair. The nuptials at this ceremony were led by "I-Fairy," a 4-foot-tall seated robot with flashing eyes and plastic pigtails. Today's wedding was the first time a marriage had been led by a robot, according to manufacturer Kokoro Co. "Please lift the bride's veil," the robot said in a tinny voice, waving its arms in the air as the newlyweds kissed in front of about 50 guests More»

(NEWSER) - A Japanese fashion designer has enlisted a humanoid robot to model wedding dresses on the runway, the Sun reports. The robot, “Miim,” took to the catwalk like a pro, strutting and casting glances at the audience like her human counterparts. “We hope she can work in fashion and entertainment,” Miim’s creator says. But he acknowledges the moment was bittersweet: “Like the father of the bride, I feel both happy and sad.” More»