Japan Announces Robot of the Year Award

Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry has announced that they will present awards to the best robots of the year in a ceremony in December.

The purpose of the award is to recognize promising achievements in robot development and to encourage private industry interest in robot design.

Recognition - no monetary prize - will be given in four categories: robots for service, industrial use robots, special purpose robots such as rescue units, and robots manufactured by small or medium-sized companies.

Robots developed in the past year through the end of August are eligible for consideration. Nominations will be accepted from August 21 through September 29.

Gov't establishes robot award to encourage development