InsideJapan News Network

Japan's love of robots in renowned and new sales figures suggest many people are turning to cyber pets to cheer them up during the global economic downturn.

According to Sega Toys, sales of the Dream Pet range of robot domestic animals increased by 30 per cent between October and December 2008.

Meanwhile, Paro, a pet robot seal which is programmed to bat its eyelashes when stroked, is also selling well.

Paro was originally created by Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology and was intended to be used use for therapeutic purposes in hospitals, reports the Daily Telegraph.

Last year, Sega Toys began selling a battery-powered humanoid robot called Eternal, Maiden, Actualisation (EMA).

In addition to being able to hand out business cards, the robot, which measures 38 centimetres tall, can dance, sing, walk and kiss its owner.

The robot can also sense obstacles via an infrared sensor.


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Scientists in Japan create Avatar-like robot (10th February 2012)
Robot cooks Japanese pancakes in Tokyo (11th June 2009)
Japan reveals 18-metre robot (9th July 2009)
Japanese firm invents "sweet and interactive" robot girlfriend (17th June 2008)