Fondly METI

Today's Japan Times reports that the Japanese Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) is planning to issue safety guidelines for future robots that will provide services in industry sectors such as nursing, security, and cleaning. [http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20060521a7.html] METI officials reportedly indicated that "the guidelines will require manufacturers to install ample sensors to minimize the risk of the robots running into people and use soft lightweight materials so they do not cause harm if they do so," and to install emergency shut-off buttons.

The article's explanation for the demand for these new robots is "the looming labor shortage stemming from Japan's sharp population decline." It also says that METI plans to complete the guidelines by the end of this year, "after consulting with users at hospitals, event sites and other areas." It's too much to hope that the writers of the METI guidelines will find a way to squeeze in a citation to Asimov or Bester. Reet!