[Art]

The NEC corporation has been promoting this domestic helper robot called Papero for many years.
They have a fairly nice web site and numerous videos on the Youtube type sites.

Being curious as always, I wrote them a letter as to Papero's availability and cost several weeks ago.
I got a reply today:
******************************

Thank you very much for your interest and inquiry.

PaPeRo is a research prototype robot developed at NEC Central Research
Laboratories. Although we are continuing our research and seeking out
possibilities of personal robots, there is no sales plan.

Thank you.

Personal Robot Project
NEC Corporation
http://www.nec.co.jp/robot/

[Freddy]

Hmm cute robot, mass appeal.. they need to get moving me thinks  

[Art]

... they need to get moving...

Nah...they've been spinning their own wheels for many years now.

I wouldn't hold my breath if I were you.

They even taunt the masses by bringing a group of these robots to the various robot
conventions and festivals. People watch them do their thing and remark about how
cute they are yet no one can buy any because they're not for sale...just research.

Great company....
 

[GT40]

Not even for next Christmas? A shame!