A Robot visits Japanese classes

PARO, a therapeutic baby seal robot, met students studying Japanese at Macleans College recently. 

The students had an opportunity to see, touch and learn about the baby seal robot.  PARO recognises his owner’s voice, can learn his own name and knows where you are when you are talking to him. He responds by crying or moving the body to express his emotions when you speak to him. He is happy when stroked gently, especially on his head, back, front and hind flippers, chin and whiskers.  If he is hit or treated roughly, he will become angry.  PARO needs to be fed regularly and becomes grumpy when hungry.

PARO is developed by the National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (ASIT), a leading Japanese industrial automation pioneer.

The robot has been popular in hospitals and rest homes. It triggered the student’s interest in robot technology.

The students also met a robot called “Pepper” and “Android” when they watched a video. Pepper is the first humanoid robot capable of recognising human emotions. To date, many stores in Japan are using Pepper as a new way of welcoming, informing and amusing their customers. Pepper is the first humanoid robot to be adopted into Japanese homes. 

This visit was made possible under a School Visit Programme sponsored by the Consulate-General of Japan.