Next generation of social robots could go to work in your place

Behind the welcome desk at a Singapore university, a receptionist called Nadine is causing a stir. She has mousy, shoulder-length hair neatly parted to the side, remembers what you talked about last time she saw you and returns your greeting with a friendly hello. But there's something unusual about Nadine - she's the latest in a line of so-called'social robots' that have personalities and emotions of their own. Nadine (pictured left) is the next generation of social robots that may appear in offices and care homes in future. Nadine is touted as the latest in a new generation of robots, capable of conversing with people, adapting their responses and remembering previous conversations.