Japan robot startups join efforts

Home security robot BANRYU-T73S of Japan's robot maker tmsuk Co., Ltd. moves during a joint press conference of four leading robot startups in Tokyo, Wednesday, June 18, 2008. The robot has a built-in sensor enabling users to control its moves via mobile phone and a built-in camera to capture images of its surroundings to maintain security at homes and offices. The companies, Tokyo's ZMP Inc., Nagoya's Business Design Laboratory Co., Osaka's Vstone Co. and Fukuoka's Tmsuk, joined forces Wednesday, brought together by a common concern that neighboring South Korea could pull ahead in the race to transform robots from science fiction fantasy to commercial success. (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara)

(AP) -- Four of Japan's leading robot startups joined forces Wednesday, brought together by a common concern that neighboring South Korea could pull ahead in the race to transform robots from science fiction fantasy to commercial success.

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