I came across an article that referenced a recent study I believe was
titled "World Robotics Survey, U.N. Economic Commission for Europe and
the International Federation of Robotics." I believe this study was
released October 2004. The article, citing the study, stated that
there are now "about 692,000 ?entertainment robots? around the world."
I have a two-part question: are there any other sources that support
this claim? What qualifies as an "entertainment robot"?

Dear Cink,

I'm delighted that the U.N. report I provided answers your question.

I am reposting the information below to make it official. At the end
of the answer I am including some additional information as well.



See table 4 on page 13 for estimated number and value of service
robots installed up to the end of 2003, by application areas, and
forecasts for the period 2004-2007
There is a subcategory of Entertainment and leisure robots.
http://www.unece.org/press/pr2004/04stat_p01e.pdf


Read the abstract of this study for a definition of Entertainment Robots
http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:WyuLPXGXIZMJ:www.idemployee.id.tue.nl/g.w.m.rauterberg/conferences/CD_doNotOpen/ADC/final_paper/511.pdf+define+entertainment+robot&hl=es


"While robotic technology has achieved a certain amount of maturity,
the social impact of these robots is largely unknown. The field of
social robots is now emerging and investigates the relationship
between robots and humans. A ludobot is an instance of a social robot
dedicated to entertainment and companionship."

Class of robots
Autonomous research robots 
Humanoid robots 
Differential wheeled robots 
Ludobots: play/entertainment robots, like SONY's Aibo 'dogbot' 
BEAM robotics 
Service robots 
Domestic robots 
Military robots 
Arthropod robots 
Social robots 
Industrial robots 
Laboratory robotics 
Educational Robotics, like LEGO Mindstorms 
http://www.answers.com/topic/robot



Ludobot

"A ludobot is a type of artificial human companion: a play and
entertainment robot, from Latin ludo (play) and bot (robot).

Examples are battlebots, Sony Aibo, Tiger Toys
(http://www.tigertoys.com) GoGo My So Real Walking Pup and so on.

Simpler is a digital pet, with is not shaped like the pet, and does
not have motor skills.!"
http://www.answers.com/main/ntquery;jsessionid=7p0amfsmt9ts5?method=4&dsid=2222&dekey=Ludobot&gwp=8&curtab=2222_1&sbid=lc04a



Best regards,
Bobbie7

Hllo Cink,

See table 4 on page 13 for estimated number and value of service
robots installed up to the end of 2003, by application areas, and
forecasts for the period 2004-2007
There is a subcategory of Entertainment and leisure robots.
http://www.unece.org/press/pr2004/04stat_p01e.pdf

Read the abstract of this study for a definition of Entertainment Robots
http://64.233.183.104/search?q=cache:WyuLPXGXIZMJ:www.idemployee.id.tue.nl/g.w.m.rauterberg/conferences/CD_doNotOpen/ADC/final_paper/511.pdf+define+entertainment+robot&hl=es

Does this information help?

Best regards,
Bobbie7

Yes, the U.N. report is great and answers my question. The research
paper is slightly less helpful as it would be better to understand the
U.N.'s definition or their sources. Still, this is a terrific effort
and very helpful.

Thank you for the tip!
--Bobbie7