The Japanese are arguably at the forefront of robot technology (see examples here and here). And the latest robot creation to come from our Japanese friends is Affetto, the robot baby.

Designed and built by the eggheads at Osaka University’s Asada Labs, Affetto will be the “world’s most realistic baby” robot; created so researchers can better study the relationship between caregivers and babies. When completed, the robot baby will weigh about 3 pounds and be able to move its arms, neck and spine to simulate as closely as possible–a real baby.

Except real babies aren’t quite as creepy.

I guess these scientists aren’t too concerned about the “uncanny valley”—the idea that the more realistic a robot looks and acts, the creepier it’ll seem to humans.

Which is why this:

is a lot less disturbing than this:

Still, if practicing your parenting skills on a robot baby that looks like it’ll come to life and strangle you while you sleep floats your boat, Affetto may soon be a reality. Check out this recently released demonstration of his bodily skills:

And this previously released video of its facial features:

Meet you in the uncanny valley.