Meet Zenbo, the Asus robot that costs no more than a smartphone

Voice-controlled companion, whose touchscreen face shows its emotions, can entertain kids and control the lights

The Taiwanese electronics manufacture Asus has unveiled a home robot called Zenbo that can talk, control your home and provide assistance when needed - all for the cost of a top-end smartphone.

The $599 (410) robot rolls around on two wheels in the shape of a vacuum cleaner ball with cameras an oblong head extruding from the top with a colour touchscreen displaying a face with emotions. It is capable of independent movement, can respond to voice commands and has both entertainment protocols for keeping kids amused and home care systems to help look after older people.