Personally, I find this example of 'progress' creepy rather than empowering. It may be interesting that a robot can be programmed to elicit social behaviour from a young child, but is this really a useful or desirable tool?
Surely, we want children to learn to socialise with each other - with fellow unpredictable, but real human beings - rather than a piece of technology. And it should be warm, responsive adults who care for children and model desirable behaviour.
Children don't need a computerised companion, either as a teacher, a friend or a toy. A simple teddy bear or doll can be the subject of the most imaginative play.
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