A demonstration by Hiroshi Kobayashi, Tokyo University of Science professor and Saya's developer. It was first developed in 2004Photograph: Itsuo Inouye/APCombination photo shows Saya making facial expressions. The robot teacher can express six basic emotions – happiness, surprise, fear, disgust, sadness and angerPhotograph: Issei Kato/ReutersSaya is positioned at the front of the classroom at the Kudan primary schoolPhotograph: Sinopix/Rex Features
Saya with pupils at the Kudan primary schoolPhotograph: Sinopix/Rex FeaturesSaya talks to the class, although it still can't do much more than take the register and shout orders like 'Be quiet'Photograph: Sinopix/Rex FeaturesKudan primary school children touch the cheek of Japan's robot teacher SayaPhotograph: Koji Sasahara/APSaya speaks as she takes on the role of school teacherPhotograph: Issei Kato/Reuters
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