A robot revolution is coming your way

By Edward C. Baig, USA TODAY

02/11/2002 – Updated 01:09 AM ET

PHOENIX — The demographers may miss it, but brace yourself for a big-time population explosion soon. The newborns are not human, but they experience emotion, and they reason. Nor are they pets, but they provide companionship and make you laugh. They might read a bedtime story to a small child or bring a cup of tea to a bedridden parent, patrol the grounds for intruders, mow the lawn, vacuum or handle other household chores. The progeny will occupy your office, too, sorting the mail or watering the plants.

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