VIDEO: HONDA'S NEW ROBOTIC CONCEPT JUST WANTS TO HELP

Nobody really knows what the future might look like, but Honda might have a slight idea, and it might even be cute. At CES next January, the Japanese manufacturer will show off a new robot concept, including a companion bot, an autonomous off-road vehicle and a pair of "mobility" concepts – for moving people and things. Two of the robots have cute faces and the other two are just at least extremely non-threatening. 

Still, why make robots that look like this? Well, Honda sees the future of robotics as rooted in human interaction. Honda's bipedal Asimo is the face (and body) of the firm's robotic research, but its other major products include the Uni-Cub, a wheel you sit down on and steer by leaning; and the Walking Assistant; a harness you wear around your hips and that helps you walk. 

Machines like this that help with mobility are particularly crucial in Japan, a country that's turning to robots to help look after a rapidly-ageing population. And if your company's robots are going to be helping people all day, why not make it go smoother by giving them at least a friendly look.