As this was happening, the sequence was being recorded in a computer. A few moments later, the robot was commanded to repeat the action it had just learned and this time the upper pen didn't need to be touched.

The robot at Ceatec is based on a system that was first developed four years ago, said Shunsuke Yajima, a researcher at Keio, which is one of Japan's top universities.

He said they are considering it for learning applications when the teacher isn't always available. In theory, because the robot can faithfully copy an act taught to it, it could be used to teach calligraphy or, perhaps with a modification, other crafts that require practice and manipulation of hand tools.

The IDG News Service