Kokoro

Kokoro is a device and programming element created by Dr. Umataro Tenma. It is an advanced form of artificial intelligence meant to give robots human-like emotions. In Japanese, the word "kokoro" means "heart". It can also be used to refer to one's soul or spiritual essence. It first appeared in the 2003 Astro Boy anime series.

Origin
Dr. Tenma began development on the Kokoro device as part of the Ministry's boy robot project. The robot in question was intended to be a perfect robot copy of Tenma's son, Tobio Tenma, whom died in a car accident some weeks before the project began. The intent was to give the robot the ability to react and emote like a human being...the human being in question being Tobio. The project was approved by the Ministry after Tenma promoted Kokoro as an opportunity to advance artificial intelligence.

The use of Kokoro in robots became more common in the years since Astro was built and engineered. Any robot equipped with it is a "Kokoro robot". A Kokoro robot is also defined by Professor Hiroshi Ochanomizu to be a robot with artificial intelligence and enhanced emotions.

Abilities

 * Emotions - A robot with Kokoro experiences a much wider range of emotions than robots with general artificial intelligence. Robots are able to experience the emotions between emotions, rather than a very specific range, such as:
 * Confusion
 * Longing
 * Regret
 * Sarcasm
 * Free will - Robots are able to make choices beyond their basic programmed tasks, such as choose to do recreational activities. The range of free will is still limited within the basic Laws of Robotics.
 * Intuition - Kokoro-enabled robots are able to make decisions for themselves based on internal judgment. This allows robots to detect danger and thus better adhere to the third Law of Robotics.
 * Personality - Unlike generalized artificial intelligence robots, Kokoro robots are able to develop quirks, distinctions, and a sense of agency. Two Kokoro robots of the same make and model may develop drastically different personalities depending on their surroundings and treatment.

Famous Kokoro robots

 * Astro Boy
 * Atlas
 * Blue Knight
 * Delta
 * Denkou
 * Emily
 * Epsilon
 * Gideon
 * Harley
 * Klaus
 * Pluto
 * Shadow
 * Uran