Car manufacturers and robots in Japan go together like peanut butter and jelly. So, we weren’t completely surprised when Toyota announced that they’d like to start putting robots on their showroom shelves. It’s called the ‘Kirobo Mini’. More than just a cute little robot, Kirobo is a communication partner that can learn what you like and dislike, where you’ve taken it and even how you’re feeling! Oh, and it fits in the palm of your hand.

Tentatively priced at 39,800 Yen (about RM1600 by today’s rate), the Kirobo Mini connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and works with a dedicated app. Its onboard camera recognises facial expressions (that’s how it knows how you feel), and can communicate using information drawn from your car and home.

So why exactly did Toyota build Kirobo? It’s all part of the Toyota Heart Project, which aims to develop more human-like interactions between man and machines. The idea of cars being irreplaceable companions strongly influenced the product too. Expect to see it in Japan next year.