Robots of the Year

The 2006 Robot Awards have just been handed out in Tokyo and this year, aids for the elderly took top prizes. Paro, this furry little robotic seal used for therapy in nursing homes, took the service prize at the Japanese government-sponsored awards. I supposed Paro is meant to be a friend for the lonely, much like a real pet, since it responds to its name, coos, and reacts to petting. A feeding machine was also honored, another sign that Japan is hoping robots will help care for its rapidly aging population. Forty percent of Japan will be 65 or older by 2055.

But robot innovations this year weren't simply geared toward the elderly. There was also the giant vacuum:

Other robots to be honoured at the ceremony included a huge autonomous vacuum cleaner that moves around Tokyo skyscrapers at night, clearing up after office workers.

And the robot salesgirl (she's on the right, folks):