Love for $8800

A pet robot that coos when its owner strokes it and behaves as a loyal companion for lonely elderly people is among the hit products at the world's biggest technology fair.

Its Japanese manufacturer, Groove X, said its robot Lovot, which comes complete with cartoon eyes and fuzzy teddy bear arms, had been built to "nurture people's capacity to love" by demanding the affection of its owner.

Packed with sensors to respond to human touch, it waves its arms in the air until it is cuddled, and will trail around on wheels behind its owner. It will even "fall asleep" in their arms.

One of the biggest themes at this year's Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, where the world's top tech companies go to show off their latest hardware, is technology for ageing baby boomers.

Lovot uses a video camera mounted on its head to recognise the face of its owner and to avoid collisions. Groove X hopes that the robots, which cost US$6000 (NZ$8800) for a pair, will be a hit with Japan's elderly, but also plans to release the devices in the US. Looks like you may be able to have your favourite colour too!

Looks like you may have to wait a little longer here, but if you are desperate you could take a trip to the US or Japan!