Pepper the robot looks like a robot, thanks to an almost-anime design. What then, of Kodomoroid (above, center) and Otonaroid (right)? Both androids have found employment at Japan's National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation, as part of its new 'Android: What is human?' exhibit. Kodomodroid ('child android') can recite news (and weather) reports from around the world in a variety of voices and languages. Meanwhile, Otonaroid ('adult android') is steered by a human nearby and will work as a guide for the exhibition. Museum visitors will be able talk with the adult robot (as well as take control themselves), but will they be able to look either android in the eyes?
James Potter