Robovie-R Version 3 to serve at a shopping mall end of 2010

The Robovie-R Version 3 which was originally meant to cater to the elderly as well as disabled will find a new lease of life as it undergoes viability studies in a shopping mall from this November onwards in Japan. The Robovie-R will guide shoppers by the hand, while carrying heavier items for those who need help in a basket that is hooked onto its arms. Could such a robot offer solace for folks who prefer to remain isolated in their homes all day lone? Nice to know that the Robovie-R of the current generation is smart enough to recite product information thanks to sensors that detect its location in the store alongside the catalogue of products sitting on nearby shelves. Do you think such robots in public places will catch on outside of Japan?