Jibo the home robot nears release
Jibo is being marketed as the world's first "social robot for the home".
It promises to synchronise the family calendar, provide a more friendly way to video chat and even take photos at family celebrations.
The crowdfunded machine is set to go on sale later this year for $749 (£529).
But when the BBC's technology reporter Jane Wakefield was given a demo of a prototype unit, its functions were still very limited.