Robot babysitter keeps kids occupied in Japanese store

Inhuman babysitters aren't all that uncommon around the world, but a new creature recently placed in a Japanese department store is a godsend for shopaholics with rugrats in tow. Developed by Tmsuk, the 1.4-meter tall bot is employed at a Fukuoka retailer in order to keep watch over rambunctious youngsters that are dropped off by their overworked parents. Reportedly, said critter boasts an integrated projector and camera, a colorful yellow / white outfit and the ability to identify children by name based on a special tag that each kiddo wears while playing. Of course, the manufacturer isn't looking to just shove one or two of these into every store in Japan -- oh no, it's hoping to create similar robots that could one day "guide customers through the aisles of a store," fill their carts or whisper the joke of the day in a French accent into their ears.

[CUBSWILLWIN @ Mar 25th 2008 12:45PM]

I'd be scared of that thing instead if I was a little kid

[sschwend @ Mar 25th 2008 1:53PM]

in japanese you would pronouce it as fu ku o ka (only 4 letters)

[phanbouy @ Mar 25th 2008 2:12PM]

in Soviet Russia, robot fukuoka _you_!

[Wyze @ Mar 25th 2008 12:55PM]

@ a who retailer?
Fukuoka?....let's break that down into sylables.....
Fuk u o ka......hmmmm interesting....... o ka!

[Flashpoint @ Mar 25th 2008 12:55PM]

when the human race is enslaved by the machines, children will be born based on need rather than random sexual intercourse.

Robots such as this one will be required to pacify and feed the young until they are old enough to manage machinery.

[phanbouy @ Mar 25th 2008 2:04PM]

all we need now is Will Smith to ham it up with some love/hate relationship with it. and then for I Robot 2, we'll get an unflinching look at their marital problems.

[Adam @ Mar 25th 2008 12:57PM]

one question:

Why french?

[aeo @ Mar 25th 2008 1:08PM]

OMG, when I was a kid I would have that thing apart and scattered across the floor before the store manager could say, "WTF!!?!?".

[Daimyo Nintendo @ Mar 25th 2008 1:24PM]

Yea no doubt, I would think that this would scare the hell out of kids.

[Chris @ Mar 25th 2008 1:23PM]

reminds me of a robot at disney world when i was a kid, I walked up and started dismantling it to figure out how it worked haha. All the other kids got pissed.

[For2itous @ Mar 25th 2008 1:24PM]

This thing looks so retro it's more 'Hello Kitty-hawk' than 'Futuristit Feline'

[phanbouy @ Mar 25th 2008 1:36PM]

mmm futuretits. J Timberlake had it all wrong.

[dahood12 @ Mar 25th 2008 1:27PM]

Kids mashed and chopped while you shop! Cooking supplies located on aisle foour (may we suggest the extra large cauldron?) Seasonings and herbs are on aisle three, picklles and pinkies make great appetizers. When your done you can have them delivered straight to the chef (http://www.engadget.com/2008/02/17/robot-chef-whips-up-delicacies-we-wouldnt-dare-touch/).

[phanbouy @ Mar 25th 2008 1:35PM]

Fukuoka! That thing's shiny.

[IndiaTech @ Mar 25th 2008 2:34PM]

Now, Now... Dont get any stupid ideas about interfacing Mr. Johnny with the Robo's USB ports.

[sschwend @ Mar 25th 2008 1:50PM]

How is this gadget related news?? We all know (at least most of us) that robots are EVERYWHERE in Japan.

Why French? The Japanese love french. It can be seen all over their music scene.

[fuma @ Mar 25th 2008 2:00PM]

if that ever comes to light in the states, I *WILL* be kicking these stupid things over and spitting on them... hmmm... maybe that's the catlyst that starts the robotic rebellion of 2026. Ok, so maybe sans spit, but I will kick it!

[Tim @ Mar 25th 2008 2:09PM]

I am going to get a trademark on the word "Robellion" so the news has to pay me to use it when these things turn on us.

[Eric Whitney @ Mar 25th 2008 2:34PM]

I think we should be pay a bit more attention to the significance of the flag it holds. Is what the flag of perpetual obedience and servitude looks like?

[IndiaTech @ Mar 25th 2008 2:36PM]

Does it come with built in laser gun or is it a seperate accessory?

[ErikLindemann @ Mar 25th 2008 2:45PM]

At 1.4 meters tall, I don't see this doing much babysitting.

[SoreThumb @ Mar 25th 2008 2:58PM]

Jokes:
A: This thing looks frighteningly like some EarthBound / Mother 3 monster.
B: Robositter, what is your prime directive? "To ensure the comfort and safety of Meatwad!"

[Hoag @ Mar 25th 2008 5:20PM]

Was I the only one who thought that the links to 'other electronic babysitter posts' were going to point to posts tagged with "television" or "TV" ?

[Srayer @ Mar 25th 2008 8:03PM]

No. You were not.

[Janet @ Mar 26th 2008 1:11AM]

I want one that will help me shoplift.