At CES 2024 tech show, seeking robots neither too human nor too machine

Miroka, a healthcare assistant robot, is introduced at the Enchanted Tools booth during the CES Unveiled press event at CES 2024, an annual consumer electronics trade show, in Las Vegas, Nevada, US on Jan 7, 2024. — Reuters

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.