The Hitachi Mechanical Engineering Research Lab has updated its clunky EMIEW (Excellent Mobility and Interactive Existence as Workmate) robot with the release of its better looking successor the EMIEW 2. Standing 31 inches tall and weighing just 29 pounds the EMIEW 2 can understand and respond to human speech, uses laser radar to map the surrounding terrain and can operate for up to an hour on a single charge.

Transformers fans will be happy to know that the EMIEW 2's legs actually fold up allowing it to travel via embedded wheels. Despite an initial wireless glitch during its demonstration in Hitachinaka, Japan resulting in an embarrassing collision, the EMIEW 2 reminds us that we are tantalizingly close to a real world full of chirpy C-3PO's. — Adario Strange

Hitachi via PhysOrg