Robots show California houses for sale

Zenplace agent Rabia Levy explains this two bedroom apartment to a potential tenant, Gilbert Serrano, in Santa Clara, Calif., on December 7, 2017. Zenplace is using robots to guide prospective renters on tours of available homes. The robot is driven remotely by a real estate agent. (Dai Sugano/Bay Area News Group/TNS)

SANTA CLARA, California: When Gilbert Serrano opened the door of his potential dream home, a modern, two-bedroom rental on Karen Drive, he was surprised to be greeted not by a real estate agent, but by a robot. 

The sleek, 3-foot-tall bot whirred up to the door on small wheels. "Hello, welcome. You must be Gilbert." An iPad mounted on the machine displayed an agent's smiling face.