If the robot looks completely like a machine, with no anthropomorphic characteristics, there is limited empathic engagement.
But if the robot reacted within about a second and a half, child and machine were smoothly in sync.
During one robot outing a copy editor spoke up and asked if the robot was there to replace her.
If the robot did keel over, it would not be like a human football player hitting the turf.
That works out at less than a dollar an hour if the robot operates around the clock for six days a week over three years.
Some people looked perplexed; it was as if the robot had a special power to pause reality, leaving people temporarily paralyzed, mouth usually agape.
Even if the robot does not survive, "its actual mission is with the military and public opinion about war reportage," he said.
During commercial breaks, they called the iRobot employee who was at the site in Egypt to see if the robot was working properly.
If the robot does not understand, it responds with a confused expression.
So if the robot loses a leg, for example, it begins trying out several alternative gaits.
But if the robot loses a limb, it could start walking in circles.
