Can we accept robots in our society? (part 4)

The Japanese are leading robotics in many ways, but perhaps one of the most significant is that the Japanese people are so ready to welcome robot counterparts into their lives. Why is Japanese society so open to this? Part of the acceptance may be tied to their history of animistic Shinto beliefs and Buddhist teachings concerning the interconnectedness of all animate and inanimate beings. As a result, robots are not just utilitarian in design, but are intended to be beautiful, something that can speak to the soul. Consider Honda's sleek Asimo, which looks like a plastic astronaut and walks with movements that seem far from threatening, with motions similar to a child that has just learned how to walk. Sony's robotic dog, Aibo, can cock it's head questioningly, roll over on command, and bark electronically, with a toy-like design that appears like something out of a Saturday morning cartoon. HRP-4C is designed with an attractive female face and hands that appear human, and movements that mimic the demure walk of Japanese runway models. When compared with robots from the rest of the world, it seems that the Japanese are very concerned with the cosmetic, outer appearance of their robots while the rest of us make robots with angular steel and protruding wires. If there is any hope in dispelling the notion that robots are the enemies of humans, the Japanese are definitely on that path.