J, ROBOT' is a one-hour documentary investigating the cultural reasons why Japan spends more public resources above all other nations to promote humanoid robotic development.
Long Description:
In 1995 the port city of Kobe, Japan was ravaged by a powerful earthquake. 6000 people died with many more injured. Over the years the city has recovered. Now, a heroic figure rises from a rebuilt city: Tetsujin-28, an 18-meter metal robot sculpture. This is a life-size replica of a beloved anime character created in 1963. (Gigantor in the U.S.) Kobe citizens are not alone in their love for robots, both real and imagined. Many Japanese have a special fondness for mechanical humanoids. Academic and scientific institutions, along with industry leaders are investing in the technology to create a humanoid robot workforce. This extraordinary development is fueled by more than an aging population and the lack of younger workers. J, Robot explores JapanÕs unique cultural attitudes, artistic sensibilities and technological differences that might make their robotic leap possible.