The making of a Yumecom(TM) called Aiko (Yumecom = Dream Computer Robot) has been undertaken by Canadian Le Trung. The original goal of Aiko was to help the aging population to do simple tasks like make tea and coffee, tell them the weather, read a magazine or remind them to take their medication at the correct time. There are many applications for Aiko in the home, office or public places. Aiko is the first android to react to physical stimuli and mimic pain. This technology could be applied to people born with or who have undergone amputations. Aiko is the first step towards a life-like mechanical limb that has the ability to feel physical sensations. Le Trung started to build Aiko on August 15, 2007. About a month and a half later, Aiko version1 was completed. Aiko made her first public appearance at the Hobby Show on November 2007 at the Toronto International Center and then at the Ontario Science Center a week later. Aiko is currently bilingual and can speak English and Japanese. Additional languages are a future possibility. Aiko was built in Trung's basement using credit card loans and his entire savings account as funding. One of his dreams is to make Aiko walk and do other house chores. Aiko is 5 ft tall, and has measurements 32-23-33!!! She is currently being modified to walk and to perform more duties. Of course, the Japanese already have a walking fashion model that can even sing- the HRP-4C (second to last link below)!!! And Japan also has several other female companion robots for sale (last pic below)!!!

http://www.projectaiko.com/images/AikoByYobe2.jpg http://www.projectaiko.com/images/AikoVietSitting2.jpg http://www.projectaiko.com/Aiko2.html http://www.projectaiko.com/images/DSC03170.JPG http://www.japan-talk.com/images/jt//femaleRobotPrototypeJapan1426912181117086320.jpeg