That's No Lady, But She's a Remarkably Lifelike Robot

With her slender figure, clear complexion and winning smile, she could be one of South Korea's most eligible women. But her skin is made from silicone jelly and her conversation can be rather dull.

She is EveR-1, the world's second android and Seoul's latest attempt to crack the rapidly growing global market in intelligent robots. It took the Korean Institute for Industrial Technology (Kitech) a year to develop EveR-1 - a combination of Eve and the 'r' of robot - at a cost of €251,000.

The institute combined the facial characteristics of two popular Korean actresses and the body shape of another well-known entertainer to produce the 50 kg, 150 cm tall 'woman' in her twenties. But EveR-1 is more than just a pretty face. She is capable of displaying emotions, including happiness and anger, can interpret facial expressions and recognises 400 Korean words, enabling her to hold basic conversations.

The institute believes she will have important practical uses. 'The robot can provide information in department stores and museums or read stories to children,' Kitech scientist Baeg Moon-hong told the Chosun Ilbo newspaper.

The android is not in perfect working order: she can move her arms and hands, but not her legs. The institute hopes to unveil an improved version, EveR-2, by the end of the year that will have a wider range of facial expressions and the ability to sit and stand.

However, Japan leads the world in the production of intelligent robots, whose interactive skills are being put to use in the country's department stores, office receptions, museums and bars and restaurants.