TSUKUBA, Japan --
Researchers in Japan have developed a computerized baby in an effort to inspire parents there to procreate.

The baby robot Yotaro is meant to address Japan's growing population problem.

Yotaro giggles, sneezes and even cries with a runny nose until you touch his warm silicone skin and calm him down.

Project leader Hiroki Kunimura knows a robot can't be human, but it's great if this robot triggers human emotions, making Japanese couples want to have their own baby.

"Yotaro's emotions are a computer program," Kunimura said. "The images, projected. The warm body temperature, just warm water. All of this to make him as human-like and baby-like as possible and get a woman's biological clock ticking."

Japan has a major population problem. The country has one of the world's lowest birth rates, coupled with the fastest aging population.

The government, desperate to produce more children, is now paying families $150 per month, per child until he or she reaches high school.

The university researchers believe robotic encouragement will work better than a government stipend.