Photos: Robots as toys, tools and teachers

Paro, a robotic baby harp seal--developed with help from the Japanese government as a theraputic "companion" robot--was displayed by Vertus at RoboBusiness 2007. Vertus made the accelerometers and integrated motion sensors installed throughout Paro's body that allow it to respond to movement and human touch. The company is collaborating on another robot, which would "grow" in response to being fed "electronic or toy food."