Giant Robot Store and GR2 News
Your house is gone, you’re living in a shelter, and you don’t have a firm idea of when you’ll be able have a home of your own again. This is the situation thousands of survivors of Japan’s March 11th disaster still face. And at times like these, the softness, warmth and unconditional love of a pet is often the perfect therapy. Well thanks to a robotic baby seal named Paro, numerous earthquake and tsunami survivors have been getting the chance to know the affection and attention of a cuddly, fuzzy animal just when they need it the most. Paro is an untethered robot equipped with sensors and artificial intelligence which makes him (her?) responsive to human touch. The little robo-seal was introduced in Japan seven years ago to give elderly folks who live where pets aren’t allowed the chance to benefit from the soothing, therapeutic effects which human-animal contact very often provides. At the link, you’ll see video of March 11th survivors interacting with Paro, and find yourself smiling and maybe even tearing up a little. (BBC Asia-Pacific – Baby Robot Seal Gives Comfort) For further reading, you can go here to learn how Paro has been used in a Connecticut mental-health residence to treat people with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
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Very strange title in the that’s what she said vein. It’s finally released and obviously just in time. This is the Japanese version of the cartoons which were highly sought after. This takes off after the original cartoons, and there you have it. More cashing in on the product known as Transformers. Although we appreciate it’s value and the fact that this US release seems like a fan demanded project, it’s to earn some big dollars and appease the hundreds of thousands of fans who grew up with this film. (CNN – Transformers Headmasters) Until it gets removed you can get a taste of it here: [youtube]zQEmypsUMYg[/youtube]
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