Paro the robo seal to star in his own movie

We're not usually proponents of films with titles like "Mechanical Love," but we suppose we'll make an exception for an upcoming documentary starring a robotic seal. The movie features Paro, a therapeutic robo pet from Japan that has been named the world's most soothing robot by the Guinness Book of World Records. "Mechanical Love" might make movie history merely by not having its main robot character attempt world domination, and instead featuring Paro in his natural habitat: helping Alzheimer's patients and others in need of a furry friend at a nursing facility. We can't say it'll pack 'em into overpriced theater seats, but we're still excited for our robotic pals finally getting an even chance in the movies.

[Via Robot Gossip]

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2006 10:08AM]

Can I club it and sell its fur?

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2006 11:00AM]

Ahh I saw this seal thing about three years ago (maybe more?) when I went to the Science Museum in London for this Japanese Technology exhibition. They had that seal out when they were charging the Aibos! He's good, but a bit boring. Just kind of wiggles around haha.

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2006 11:53AM]

How is a walrus like the tupperware corporation?

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2006 1:50PM]

oh

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2006 2:12PM]

Edd

A thing does not have to move or be "real" to engage you. Sometimes we "humanize" things when needed to compensate. A good example are people that like to talk to plants. I still remember people crying when Tom Hanks lost "Wilson". I also remember having a lot of fun watching people interacting with "Seaman". Some people are alone or in a very delicate medical situation and they just need some company or a little of perceived love.

[(Unverified) Posted May 23rd 2006 3:58PM]

Paro in action:
http://paro.jp/english/movie.html

[(Unverified) Posted May 24th 2006 1:09PM]

I wonder how it would get along with a Polar Bear..
http://www.metacafe.com/watch/37285/polar_bear/