16 March 2012 Last updated at 15:04

Innorobo 2012: The latest developments in robot research

Exhibitors from all over the world have been showing off the latest in robotic technology at Innorobo in Lyon, France. This is Reeti, a robot with a fully-animated head and the ability to perceive and react to human emotion.

Many robots tried to emulate human characteristics. This machine, FutureRobot from South Korea, was one of the loudest at the event, following people around and dancing.

It too can display a range of emotions - although some were far more realistic than others.

The iCub, produced by a team in Italy, displayed a remarkable ability to interact with humans, such as being able to spot an object before reaching out and taking it.

This friendly-looking robot was developed by British firm Engineered Arts. Its eyes can track a person as they walk by.

Many of the robots on show were designed to aid education. This machine, demonstrated by South Korean-firm Yujin Robot, makes use of an interactive character to teach spelling and other early-learning skills.

Other robots were designed with healthcare in mind. This squat robot is designed to roam around hospitals, checking the vital signs of patients as it goes.

These leg enhancements - which are still in the prototype stage - are designed to help people who have lost the use of their legs to walk by reading their brainwaves.

One of the most popular robots on show was Paro, the furry baby seal from Japan. It is charged-up using a "dummy" which goes into its mouth.

This is the Jazz - a robot which allows remote video-conferencing, but with the added ability to move around.

A big challenge in robotics is being able to create a machine that has the ability to gently grasp and pick up objects.

Innorobo, which is only into its second year, is the biggest event of its kind in Europe.

Technology

Innorobo 2012: The latest developments in robot research

Share this page

Related Stories

Related Internet links

Services

About BBC News