Split-Screen :: The Game-Geek’s Daily Read

All mass media contributes but Japanese manga, while weird, often provides the most fitting inspirations for futuristic inventions. Take the case of the Chobits manga: A world inhabited by Persocoms, beautiful female androids of the teenage variety that do everything you ask. The manga did raise unsettling issues – Forget sex, what if you fell in love with her? What if you married her? What if your family fell apart because of her?

Regardless, Le Trung has created Aiko, a beautiful android with a 32-23-33 figure, creamy complexion and auburn hair. She cooks, cleans and cost Trung two years and £14,000 to make. Originally a project to have androids assisting the elderly, Trung now calls her, “what happens when science meets beauty.” She recognizes faces, speaks 13,000 sentences and is ticklish. And before you glance at your bed, yes, “Her software could be redesigned to simulate her having an orgasm.” Right now, she reacts the old-fashioned way – a smack in the face – when groped.

Aiko never complains or gets tired. It sounds great but could an android really replace a real woman? Sure the benefits are glowing, but can the good still be good in the absence of the bad? To err is human, after all.

Trung still has much work to do on Aiko. Her movements are stilted and unnatural, a flaw that extends to her facial expressions. There’s no doubt she’s the future, but in the mean time, our parents won’t exactly be matching our horoscopes.