The development of companion machine is making a lot of progress. The ideal companion machine would not only look, feel, and sound friendly but would also be programmed to behave in a 21 manner. Those qualities that make interaction with other people enjoyable would be 22 as closely as possible, and the machine would appear to be charming, stimulating, and easygoing. Its informal conversational style would make interaction comfortable, and yet the machine would remain slightly unpredictable and 23 interesting. In its first encounter it might be somewhat hesitant and 24 , but as it came to know the user it would progress to a more relaxed and intimate style. The machine would not be a passive participant but would add its own suggestions, information, and opinions; it would sometimes take the 25 in developing or changing the topic and would have a personality of its own.