In Japan, Old People Talk to Robots

stupidfoo writes "AFP is reporting that, starting today, "Japan's growing elderly population will be able to buy companionship in the form of a 45-centimeter (18-inch) robot" designed to help them avoid senility. The robot, named Snuggling Ifbot and developed by Dream Supply, will be able to respond to verbal commands. "If a person tells Snuggling Ifbot, "I'm bored today," the robot might respond, "Are you bored? What do you want to do?"". It retails for 576,000 yen (5,600 dollars) and there is no English version currently available but "its makers plan to program the robot in English -- not for export, but to teach the language to Japanese children.""

I welcome the Anti-Senility Industry overlords

[RealProgrammer]

My wife works in a nursing home. It's her job to fill the old folks' day with interesting activities. She has to make sure that each one of them gets interaction that's not related to their health maintenance. They have an elaborate system for tracking and monitoring the amount and type of interaction each resident gets.

"Senility" is a blanket term covering all kinds of maladies, including Alzheimer's, the effects of stroke, and atrophy of various kinds. Most people in geriatrics agree that to stave off senility you should use the same tactics you use to stay healthy now. Eat sensibly, get plenty of exercise (including the horizontal variety if you can get it!), and engage in mentally challenging activities.

The mentally challenging activities that are best at delaying senility are things you've never done before. If you've never played music, try learning to play an instrument. Learn another language, especially sign language. If you have an elderly relative, get them hooked on email. It won't take long, since they're usually starved for communication.

A talking robot is fine, but old people really need young people.

Re:Not very large

[ZaMoose]

It's not often that The Terrible Secret of Space [jonathonrobinson.com] gets made into a joke on /. Bravo, AC!

Everyone else, beware of the Pusher Robot, he is not to be trusted. I, the Shover Robot am here to save you!

Re:Not very large

[Anonymous Coward]

It is a bit sad that you did not link to the original ICQ prank (from somethingawful.com [somethingawful.com] that the flash movie you linked to was based upon: somethingawful.com [somethingawful.com].
It is much better :)

Old Glory Robot Insurance

[kentyman]

For when the metal ones decide to come for you... and they will!

http://www.robotcombat.com/video_oldglory_hi.htm l