Say hello to Zenbo.
This could be the world’s most affordable and lifelike robotic personal assistant.
Developed by Asus, Zenbo is about the size of a large vacuum cleaner with a LED display
head.
Complete with a lifelike face. "Claire, I have a reminder for you."
Zenbo is able to move independently and can even respond to voice commands.
If you want, you could even strike up a conversation with it.
The robotic PA has the usual functions including reminders, playing music and even making calls.
But the Taiwanese company sees Zenbo as much more of a companion.
Asus said it will be able to read stories to young children and even keep the elderly
company.
Price tag for Zenbo will be a relatively affordable $599.
The only other comparable product on the market is from Japan – it’s called the Pepper
robot, but it costs more than $1700.
While consumers have been enjoying the company of computer assistants like Amazon’s Echo
and Google’s new Assistant – whether they want one following them around is another
question.
Phil Han, CNBC, London.