June 24, 2009—Never mind chewing gum, this new robot can walk and "emote" at the same time, using both its face and arms to convey "feelings"—a first, scientists say.

© 2009 National Geographic (AP)

Unedited Transcript

A walking humanoid robot -- able to use its whole face and body to express emotion was unveiled this week in Japan. The robot was created by scientists at Tokyo's Waseda University and its makers say it is the first of its kind.

It is able to express a range of different emotions, including happiness, fear, surprise, sadness, anger and disgust, by opening and closing its eyes, moving its lips and eyebrows, and using its arms and legs.

The robot is installed with 48 "actuators" which allow its face and body to move in a variety of ways.

It shows happiness by opening its eyes and mouth wide and raising its arms.

It shows sorrow by drooping its head and covering its eyes.

The robot is called KOBIAN and was two-and-a-half years in the making.

SOUNDBITE: (Japanese) Atsuo Takanishi, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University: "For a robot to be useful in human life, the robot needs to communicate with humans to do what humans command it to do. To achieve natural communication between humans and robots, expressing feeling is an important factor."

Reportedly, it could be several decades before robots such as KOBIAN can be used to help people in their homes. But the professor said he hopes this type of robot could be used to help elderly people with housework, and in nursing homes.

The robot is not yet able to interact with humans, apart from a set of pre-programmed responses.