Hmm, seems like they're early...

Well, not really, but this is a fun companion to the story from yesterday. According to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.rferl.org/nca/features/2003/08/22082003162032.asp">this article on Radio Free Europe</a>, the Japanese have already sent a robot "ambasador" on a diplomatic mission. And, how fitting that they sent it to the Czech Republic, the homeland of Karel Capek who invented the word "robot". Anyway, a fun story!