"I can call this kind of robot over and tell it I want to talk with someone, just as I use my PC to connect with people today, " Trower says.

FORBES: Household Robots

Simmons says it's already clear that people will spend more time with a robot that has this kind of natural response.

NPR: Robot Receptionist Dishes Directions and Attitude

Yeah, this is kind of like that -- except that it's a freaking robot.

ENGADGET: DARPA's low-cost silicone robot cloaks like a chameleon, treks like a snail (video)