Domestic robot to debut in Japan

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A robot that recognises up to 10 faces and understands 10,000 words is to be offered to Japanese consumers looking for a high-tech helper in the house.

The one-metre tall humanoid Wakamaru robot is being marketed as a mechanical house-sitter and secretary.

Japanese manufacturer Mitsubishi Heavy Industries expects the first robots to go on sale in September.

"This is the opening of an era in which human beings and robots can co-exist," the company said.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/4196052.stm