Is there a way to build a robot to help toddlers and pre-schoolers learn proper social behavior without the parents intervention? A robotic friend so to speak; one, which will play with the child and explore colors and shapes. Perhaps build legos? Now before you say I am wacked, lets discuss this. The parents cannot be everywhere all the time. Also the child needs to learn to get along and share with others and be self-sufficient; a robotic partner and friend with a special behavior program.

We could call this invention RoboFriend which would teach the child in the early years that sharing and being nice pays off and the RoboFriend will grant more social interaction and friendship based on the levels of interaction. Artificial Intelligence is quickly becoming capable of such. I would say we are within two to three years for a workable prototype and about five years away from being available on the shelves at Wal-Mart; Made in China of course?

Now then after I began this mission to discuss this item with you I did a little Internet Searching and we find MIT is well on its way to delivering a workable prototype of CODE NAME: RoboToddler.

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2005/03/050308134723.htm

Now cosmetically the robotic toddler will be a completely interactive friend and much more than any doll you may have had growing up. The final touches will be that of a synthetic skin life like friend. Now before you get completely happy about this, remember this does not alleviate your need for parenting, it just means you know your toddler is not getting in with the wrong crowd. Think on this, the technology is almost here.