Japan is testing robots as caregivers and companions. Could that work in the U.S.?

I suppose it makes sense, given the electronics now being stuffed into autos enroute to a driverless future. Consider Toyota, which developed a robot called Kirobo and had it launched to the International Space Station some three years ago. Just over a foot tall, Kirobo became pals with Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata, becoming something of a conversation partner and doubtless helping the entire crew lighten their long hours of work in space. So successful was Kirobo at the task that Toyota has now announced Kirobo Mini, a diminutive version of the machine, that will go on sale next year in Japan. The robot made its first appearance last year at the Tokyo Motor Show, reinforcing the idea that transforming artificial intelligence can spawn new lines of technology no matter what a company's background.