Company: Robot can recognize 10,000 words

TOKYO -- A 3-foot-tall humanoid robot that can recognize about 10,000 words and work as a house sitter will go on sale in Japan in September, its manufacturer said Monday.

The "Wakamaru" robot can recognize the faces of up to 10 people and talk to them. When linked to cell phones, it can also monitor situations at home, such as a burglary or someone falling ill, according to Mitsubishi-Heavy Industries Ltd.

It said it would be the first time a robot with communication ability for home use has been sold.

Mitsubishi-Heavy said it will start taking orders for "Wakamaru" from Sept. 16, and plans to sell 100 of the 66-pound robots at about $14,300 for residents in central Tokyo.

The owner's schedule can be programmed in advance and Wakamaru can give a wake-up call and remind them of the day's events.