Robots   UNDERSEA EXPLORATION: Next-Generation Robot Developed (November 22, 1996) New Exhaust-Free Design A next-generation undersea exploratory robot, able to dive as deep as 400 meters and operate on its own power for as long as 24 hours, has made its appearance. Developed jointly by the University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science and a private shipbuilding firm, the robot is propelled by a diesel engine. It is said to be the first free-operating undersea exploratory robot not to run on batteries. Compared to scientific investigations carried out from the surface of the ocean, those using this robot will be able to detect changes in the ocean with greatly increased precision. ROBO-MONK: Sutra-Chanting Doll Becomes Temple Mascot (May 28, 1999) Being a devout Buddhist has never been especially easy. The dedication required by the religion is exemplified by the henro, a rigorous pilgrimage around the entire island of Shikoku with stops at 88 famous temples founded in the late eighth century. But now automation has crept even into this world of physical and spiritual devotion, with the introduction of a robot that may very well be one of the world's first mechanical priests. MECHANICAL PETS: The Fun of Live Animals, Without the Hassle (June 22, 1999) Amid a growing craze for animal companions, robotic pets have appeared on the market and are quickly winning people's hearts. Equipped with the "brains" of a PC and an assortment of sensors, these robo-pets mimic live animals in their movements and expressions. Now in the offing are robots that can communicate with their owners and perform various tasks. Apartment restrictions on animals, plus the difficulty of caring for pets that are living longer, are helping fuel the popularity of nonliving "pets" and blurring the line between pets and robots. SONY'S NEW LION ROBOT: Second Generation AIBO Boasts New Functions (December 25, 2000) Sony Corp. has begun marketing the new version of its pet robot, AIBO. The company began accepting orders for the robot on November 16, 2000. From early December it will ship the products to buyers in the order that they applied. The first version of AIBO went on sale in June 1999 and, with sales limited to 3,000 units in Japan, sold out in just 20 minutes. Sony therefore decided to use a reservation system for sales of the second-generation robot and produce and sell just the number of units for which orders are received. ROBOT PALS: Once an SF Dream, Now a Reality (February 1, 2001) The famous Japanese cartoonist Osamu Tezuka created a comic book titled Tetsuwan Atomu, whose protagonist was a robot by the same name. Tetsuwan Atomu appeared as a serial in a boy's magazine from 1952 through 1968 and as an animated cartoon on TV from 1963 through 1966, with a new version of the show running from 1980 to 1981. Tetsuwan Atomu was extremely popular among both boys and girls. The robot character became known outside Japan as Astro Boy. In the story, the character was supposed to have been born in 2003. Today, that year is not so far off, and robots--once viewed as things of the distant future--are starting to appear all around us, as illustrated by the following status report on robots in Japan. SUSHI GOES HI-TECH: Robots Prove Adept at Shaping Rice (November 26, 2001) Sushi is known throughout the world as the quintessential Japanese food. Some pioneering restaurants in Japan have turned to technological innovation as a means of pleasing customers and producing profits. HOMEMADE ROBOTS: Hi-Tech Hobby Mixes Learning and Fun (May 13, 2002) The production of homemade robots among amateur enthusiasts - including elementary school children - has also been enjoying a boom. Amateur robot contests are being held in various places and are proving to be immensely popular. LIFE-SAVING ROBOT: Mine-Detecting Robot Makes International Contribution (July 5, 2002) With the aim of increasing the safety and efficiency of landmine removal, Japanese universities and research institutes have been actively looking into robotics as a solution to this deadly problem. ROBOCUP: Soccer-Playing Robots Gather in Fukuoka and Busan (July 30, 2002) Homemade robots got the chance to try out their techniques in a competition known as RoboCup-2002 Fukuoka/Busan, which was held at the Fukuoka Dome on June 19-25.