President Obama experiences Japanese robots

by Frank Tobe

15 November 2010

share this:

… On his recent Asian trip, at APEC in Yokohama, President Obama petted a Paro robot, met HRP-4C, the fashion/space/talking fembot, and tried out Japan’s new 30 km/hr personal mobility device. Click to enlarge photos.

tags: Japan

Frank Tobe is the owner and publisher of The Robot Report, and is also a panel member for Robohub's Robotics by Invitation series.

AUAI is supported by:

Robot Talk Episode 158 – Autonomous robot deliveries, with Ahti Heinla

Robot Talk 29 May 2026

In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Ahti Heinla from Starship Technologies about their AI-powered delivery robots that operate independently on streets and pavements.

Light-activated gel could impact wearables, soft robotics, and more

MIT News 28 May 2026

In the field of ionotronics, data are transferred through ions, potentially providing a bridge between electronics and biological tissue.

Handle with care: Soft robot gripper picks ripe fruit without bruising

Cornell University 27 May 2026

Stretchable fiber-optic sensors used to create a soft robot gripper.

Robot Talk Episode 157 – Generating new robot designs, with Josie Hughes

Robot Talk 22 May 2026

In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Josie Hughes from École Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne about using AI to develop new designs for robotic manipulators.

Robotics Café brings together autonomous robot practitioners

Lucy Smith 20 May 2026

Recently launched series for researchers, students and industry practitioners aims to provide a platform for students to present their work.

Table tennis robot defeats some of world’s best players – why this has major implications for robotics

The Conversation 18 May 2026

Ace, from Sony AI, is the first robot to beat elite human players in competitive physical sport.

Robot Talk Episode 156 – Rugged robots for dangerous missions, with Gavin Kenneally

Robot Talk 15 May 2026

In the latest episode of the Robot Talk podcast, Claire chatted to Gavin Kenneally from Ghost Robotics about robot dogs for defence, security, and public safety.