In class we have talked about the Turing test being the determinate for whether a robot has reached a convincing human level. In doing some of this research I have been surprised by some things that robots have been able to do that seem so human like. Going along this line of robots "thinking" for themselves there are scientists who have developed a robot that is "learning how to recognize facial expressions".
The CB2, a robot modeled to look like child with a Biomimetic Body has already taught itself to walk by watching people do it. This research is being done by a collaborative effort between "robotics engineers, brain specialists, psychologists and other experts, and is supported by the state-funded Japan Science and Technology Agency". I am not sure what the practical applications of this technology are. I would hope that these machines learn how to discern between good and bad behavior so that they would not repeat destructive or harmful behavior. The article jokes that they hope someone isn't using a machete in front of the robot, but really its important not to create a killer robot child.