Striking a balance between man and machine

Here to help: A Miroka social logistics robot interacts with people at CES 2024. Its creators say the robot can be used for social therapy in hospitals. — AFP

Las Vegas: With big, expressive eyes, elfin ears and adorable cooing, Miroka and Miroki could be an apparition from your favourite cartoon.

But behind their cute facade, these robots are all sensors and engineering, and designed to perform the drudgery of logistical support in hospitals or hotels.