An interactive humanoid robot called "Androidol U" being presented at a press event in Tokyo, Japan, yesterday. Its name is derived from a combination of the words "android" and "idol", reflecting its purpose as a humanoid robot idol. In Japan, idols are young starlets admired for their prettiness. In the coming months, Androidol U will host live Internet programmes, assist shoppers with information in a department store and take part in other promotional activities.
Manufactured starlet

- PublishedFeb 16, 2017, 5:00 am SGT
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A version of this article appeared in the print edition of The Straits Times on February 16, 2017, with the headline 'Manufactured starlet'. Subscribe