Bow down and salute your latest robot overlord. The Robovie II is a Wall-E-esque 'bot that accompanies you down the supermarket aisles, carrying your shopping basket, and suggesting special offers and new product lines. ("May I recommend the 3-in-One jelly, Modom?" It's made with whole nuts and bolts, and spreads beautifully on toast.")

Before pitching up at the store, the shopper prepares a list on a special mobile device and send it through to the robot's avatar. Then, when he or she walk through the doors, their miniature Major Domo detects the device and greets the shopper with the words, "Let's start shopping." Yes, do let's.

Robovie II is currently on trial at a supermarket in Kyoto until March 2010, and the little old lady who tried it out in the video said afterwards that she thought it was like shopping with her grandchild. Although less stressful and destructive, probably.

Via Pink Tentacle