Photos: The friendly faces of Japanese robots

by Bill Detwiler  |  October 6, 2006, 5:22am PDT  |  Image 9 of 11

There's humanoid, and then there's humanoid. In a chapter called "Android Dawn," Hornyak considers the arrival of much more lifelike machines such as Repliee, seen here with creator Hiroshi Ishiguro. Repliee was modeled after a a popular, real-life TV presenter, right down to a specially pigmented silicone skin. Actuators in the android are powered by a refrigerator-size external air compressor, so Repliee can't get up and walk around, but she does feature a relatively wide range of motion and a library of subtle gestures. "The fidgety, slightly uncomfortable behavior is wonderfully human," Hornyak writes.

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About Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler is Head Technology Editor of TechRepublic. Previously, he worked as a Support Tech and IT Manager in the social research and energy industries.

Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler is Head Technology Editor for TechRepublic. Previously he worked as a Technical Support Associate and Information Technology Manager in the social research and energy industries. Bill is a Microsoft Certified Professional with experience in Windows administration, data management, desktop support, and system security.

Bill Detwiler

Bill Detwiler
Bill Detwiler has nothing to disclose. He doesn't hold investments in the technology companies he covers.