Robot Toddler Learns to Walk, Talk, Behave Like a Human

Zeno is an energetic toddler learning to walk and talk. He’s also a robot, the brainchild of engineer David Hanson. Hanson's Texas company has been working on lifelike “social robots” for five years and says they are akin to any other artist’s sculpture or painting. “We’re trying to make a new art medium out of robotics,” Hanson told the AP.

Zeno, whose face is composed of skin-like material and derives intelligence wirelessly from a PC, can recognize faces, learn names, and build relationships with humans. “Robots can seem real and be loved too,” Hanson says. But he is aware of what he calls the "uncanny valley" theory—that humans appreciate semi-lifelike robots but are disturbed by overly realistic androids. (More Zeno stories.)