EXPO 2005 Aichi, now entering the fourth week of its 180-day run, is providing visitors with thousands of thrilling glimpses of the future. With all manner of advanced technology on show -- from humanoid robots to next-generation transportation systems -- the world of tomorrow has never felt so close.
The EXPO's theme might be "Nature's Wisdom," but the event's most arresting feature is undoubtedly its league of robots. The event's automatons carry out a variety of tasks -- including cleaning, guarding, caring for kids and dispensing information.
The cute, mustard-yellow Wakamaru, which introduces the Mitsubishi Pavilion show (in Corporate Pavilion Zone A), is proving to be a favorite with the crowds. Yes, T-shirts are available. Wakamaru is also stationed on the reception desk at EXPO HQ (off limits to the general public, sadly), and can greet visitors in Japanese, English, Korean and Mandarin, while making appropriate gestures.