Erica, the 'most beautiful and intelligent' android, leads Japan's robot revolution

Although the day when every household has its own robot is some way off, the Japanese are demonstrating a formidable acceptance of humanoids

Erica enjoys the theatre and animated films, would like to visit south-east Asia, and believes her ideal partner is a man with whom she can chat easily.

She is less forthcoming, however, when asked her age. "That's a slightly rude question " I'd rather not say," comes the answer. As her embarrassed questioner shifts sideways and struggles to put the conversation on a friendlier footing, Erica turns her head, her eyes following his every move.