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We've built a five-year-old! Now, about the potty-training...

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I read an article on Gizmodo recently,
how some Japanese researchers want their government to fund a long-term program to
develop a robot with the capabilities of a five-year-old.

Now, as a techophile, I’m all for this.  I completely understand that solving
the problems of a five-year-old puts you well on your way to understanding human development
and capabilities, and will likely generate all kinds of useful spin-off technology.

But these folks don’t know jack about marketing.  What kind of selling
point is it to say “we will reproduce a child, mentally, physically, and emotionally”? 
Big battle robots sell.  Cute fuzzy robots that take care of our grandparents
sell.  Shoot, small metal dogs sell – everyone loves dogs!

Maybe I’m wrong – maybe your typical politico will just tear over at the
thought of a little mechanical pre-schooler.  But somehow, I doubt it.

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