Why the World Needs “Weak” Robots Like NICOBO: Panasonic Introduces a Cuddly Companion That Bonds with Humans

“Weak” and “helpless” are not attributes people usually assign to robots. But those words perfectly describe a new smart machine by Panasonic that is available in Japan in May. NICOBO is an adorable, plush robot that doesn’t do a lot. In some ways it seems like an overgrown sock puppet. But it needs people, and in that way it’s helping create a new relationship between humans and robots.