Several companies have developed childlike dolls that go beyond repeating set phrases to conduct a range of basic conversations. They have become a hit with many pensioners and earned some scientific plaudits too. Nobu Komatsu, 86, told Kyodo News Service about her Oshaberi Makun (Talking Makun) - a doll that recognizes certain words and responds in the voice of a five-year-old boy. "After spending about a month with this boy, I started to feel affection for him and cannot leave him alone. I feel more positive and talk more often," she said, patting Makun's head.