GreenTech Geek: Freaky Japanese Robots

My own freaky Japanese robot.

As a society that is both technologically advanced and rapidly aging, Japan is fertile ground for development of some of the world's most lifelike -- and freakiest -- robots. I'm not sure why, but I'm drawn to these 'creatures,' and my eyes open wide every time I see a new video or story about them on the Web.

It's said that Japanese scientists are busy developing robots as prototypes of humanoid machines that will one day help out with various tasks when the time comes that too many older people -- and too few younger people -- would otherwise leave many important tasks undone.

Here's a rogue's gallery of some of the strangest Japanese robots I've come across over the years.

Robo-freaks, after the jump!

First up is a (not so) little fellow, perhaps intended for childless couples, empty-nesters longing for a young-one at home again, or children eager for a sibling to boss around or beat up:  

This one'll tend to your needs in the hospital ... and even give you a dirty look if you're not drinking enough fluids:

A Japanese artist/inventor's answer to the Occupy Wall Street movement. Too weird even for the Japanese, it was apparently booted out of the country, landing Down Under in Australia:

Courtesy of Toyota, this type of robot will entertain humans when generation-after-generation of cuts to arts programs render society devoid of citizens who know what a musical instrument is, much less how to play one:

And, finally for this week, there is hope for humankind after all. Because the Japanese have even thought of a way to deal with the nasty habit some robots have of posing a threat to human safety or dominance: simply deploy another robot to dispose of nefarious robot:

Until next week ...

Posted in: electronics,GreenTech Geek,Japan,robots