Published on 05/16/2007
We all know that Japan has the highest number of old folks around, which is why the government has dumped in more than $12 million over the past couple of years to develop robots for old people who are lonely. Coming in the shape of a baby harp seal, this robot is affixed with internal motion sensors and responds accordingly to petting, scratching, and holding. It also lifts the human spirit by emitting uber-cute seal-like chirps, and even sheds its faux fur. At $3,500, I say get a Wii instead as not only is it much cheaper, it also offers a more social experience where you interact with, you know, real people. This is definitely one seal that won't take to water easily.