Japan, Robotics, and Space Race

Can the Japanese outpace the World in the Race forYes, I would have agreed on the Robotic comment
Space? Some believe that they have good reason to,three weeks ago, but after the huge Tokyo Robotic
as they live on an island and need growing roomExpo, now Sony has exited the robot market, is
(more space). We know that Japan is heavy intodelaying Playstation III and downsizing departments.
satellite technologies, space research and excel inThus such a huge and respected Japanese
high-tech gadgetry and robotics. Could Japan really beCorporation will create a small vacuum which will be
the main competition in the race for space?hard to fill by their smaller companies and put them a
In the last year they have landed on an asteroid, sentcouple car lengths back as our US kids with up and
up several very high-powered state of the artcoming focus on robotics thru the school level
satellites. They have universities with prototypes on thecontests. The Japanese "techie" culture is indeed alive
drawing boards ready to be built and they are pushingand well, although geared more towards entertainment
the future of space with the next up and comingand consumerism. Consider this in 2006, but do not
generation. Will Japan continue to lead in the race forunderestimate the Empire of Japan.
space, space research and robotics?