To Bond With Humans, Robots Are Learning to Laugh at the Right Time

Anyone who's shared a laugh with a friend knows how deeply bonding humor can be, so it stands to reason our future robot companions have a better chance of winning our trust and affection if they can laugh with us. But just because a robot tells jokes doesn't mean it can respond to them appropriately. Did a comment warrant a polite robot giggle or an all-out bot belly laugh? The right response could mean the difference between an approachable android and a metallic boor. That's why Japanese researchers are attempting to teach humorless robot nerds to laugh at the right time and in the right way.