Personal robots have been a long time coming. After R2-D2 and C-3PO whirred and clicked their way into the limelight in the first "Star Wars" movie 27 years ago, the mass entertainment world blossomed with their mechanical descendants. "Droids" and "bots," some humanoid, some not, became as familiar a part of the science-fiction landscape as imaginary aliens and spaceships.
They are still cinematic staples -- check out this year's blockbuster "I, Robot," with its mechanized servants and nannies -- but it was hardly a surprise when they started showing up in the real world, as well. From the ocean floor to hospital operating rooms to the craters of Mars, robots are helping human beings work; and in the homes of the affluent -- those who can afford Sony's cute electronic dog "Aibo," for instance -- they are even helping us play.
The extent of this steady robotic advance into the human realm was underlined by several recent snippets of news. Last month, the U.S. company iRobot announced plans to work with tractor manufacturer John Deere to develop a robot vehicle for combat. The new vehicle will ideally be able to drive and guide itself after an initial run with a human driver, a company official said.