One of the things that fascinates me about the Internet age is the number of communities of interest that are out there, aided by email and web pages. There are railroad buffs, flower growers, wood workers, knitters, pumpkin chunkers -- you name it, there's probably an online group of devotees happily exchanging views and news for it.

Take, for instace, the little AIBO robot dogs that Sony used to make. Intended as a high-end entertainment item, the later models came with rather sophisticated software that learns and develops a personality through interaction with its owner. Sony discontinued these a year ago, but there's a brisk market in used equipment and, since the programming interface has been opened for them, lots of people writing software. Some in artificial intelligence labs, but a lot more by amateurs who just like the things and are fascinated by their behaviors.

Add in YouTube, digicams and a bright young studentcreative owner and you get this AIBO Xmas Dance. There's a rather well-down backstory on how the white became a stunt robot too, at One Way Ticket. Bet they'll have you smiling. ;-)

UPDATE: Ever wonder what the robots do when the researchers go home for the night?