Robots have long since been a part of popular culture. From the Jetsons and Lost in Space, through Star Wars right up to the modern day in films like I, Robot and Wall E. However robots in real life have left a lot to desire up to this point. No witty asides like C3PO, no robotic housemaids like Rosie from the Jetsons and thankfully no murderous time travelling types like in the Terminator franchise.

Good news then as scientists at the University of Hertfordshire have taken a huge step forward with the creation of Nao, a robot designed to mimic the emotional skills of a one-year-old child.

When Nao is sad it hunches forward and looks down. When it is happy it raises its arms looking for a hug. When it is frightened it cowers until it is reassured by gently stroking its head.

Nao uses video cameras and sensors to assess how someone is treating it and reacts appropriately; even forming relationships depending on how it is treated and how much attention it receives.

The aim of the project was to develop a companion for young children in hospital. Lola Cañamero, a computer scientist at Hertfordshire University said “our goal was to create companions who can live with people and support them in daily activities. We want them to live socially and emotionally, to become adapted and to do things in the way humans expect them to.”

The question remains – how long until science fiction becomes science fact and robots are functioning enough to be integrated practically into society? Nao is undoubtedly a step in the right direction for all of us wanting a robotic companion to help with the housework, or simply be there for a hug.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/local/threecounties/hi/people_and_places/newsid_8900000/8900417.stm