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This cute animal isn't your average pet, its name is MiRo, a robot designed to be a companion.
这只可爱的动物不是一般的宠物。它的名字叫MiRo，这个机器人的设计初衷是给人做伴。
Its creator, Consequential Robotics,
它的研发者是Consequential Robotics机器人公司，
thinks the machine could be especially useful for the elderly or people with disabilities.
他们认为这个智能机器人宠物可能对老年人和残疾人特别有帮助。
"As you can see, you can't really tell if it's a dog or sheep or cow, it's a hybrid animal.
“你可以看到，几乎很难辨别它是狗、羊还是牛。这是一种杂交动物。
It has a companionship effects when it's on and around and really gives you that warm, buzzy feeling.
有它在你身边，能起到陪伴的效果，真的给你温暖、充满活力的感觉。
You have someone that understands you and it kind of really can help your loneliness but also autism, people with learning disability."
就像你有一个理解你的人，这真的可以减轻你的孤独或者自闭倾向，也可以帮助有学习障碍的人。”
MiRo is fitted with sensors that recognize when its head or back is being stroked and with response by wagging its tail.
MiRo配有识别功能的传感器，抚摸它的头部或背部时，它会摇摆尾巴作出回应。
It has sonar-sensor in its nose that sensors its location
它的鼻子安装有声呐传感器，用以定位。
and video cameras built into its eyes that can identify people and follow their movement.
眼睛安装有摄像机，可以识别人像，且活动灵活。
And thanks to artificial intelligence, MiRo is smarter than the average pet.
得益于人工智能，MiRo比一般宠物更聪明。
"With artificial intelligence, it opens doors to a whole range of new things.
“人工智能打开了通向一系列新事物的大门。
If it is just an animal, you'd be pretty much stuck at that animal level and ability to interact in emotion.
如果它只是一种动物，那么人们对于它的认识就会仅仅局限在动物层面，也就是跟人们情感互动的低级层面。
But since we have the artificial-level and that high-level thinking brain, we can do things which animals couldn't."
但是，由于我们具有高级思维层次的大脑，我们可以做动物不能做的事情。”
Like making phone calls, recognizing visitors at the door, and reminding people of their plans for the day.
例如：打电话，识别门口的访客，提醒人们当天的计划。
Although robotic pets like MiRo can be helpful, they are not for everybody,
虽然像MiRo这样的宠物机器人很有帮助，但并不适合所有人，
says Mervyn Kohler with Age UK, Britain's largest charity organization for elder people.
来自Age UK的默文·科勒这样说道，Age UK是英国最大的专注于关心帮助老年人的慈善机构。
"The advantage about robots is they don't get tired, they don't get snappy, they don't want time to themselves.
“机器人的优势在于他们不会累，他们也不会发火，它们也不会想要自己静静。
They are prepared to be there for you when you want them, and that seems to me, an interesting approach."
只要你需要，它们就会在你身边陪你。在我看来，这一点很有趣。”
And although MiRo may provide comfort, he doesn't see it as a replacement for tender loving human care.
虽然MiRo可能会给人们带来一些慰藉，但他并不认为自己能取代人类自身的温暖与关怀。
Deborah Block, VOA News, Washington.
VOA新闻，黛博拉·布拉克于华盛顿为您播报。
