Dr Prasada Raju of Department of Science and Technology, GOI, syas ASINO was initially designed “to perform unusual tasks beyond normal human capability.” But he added: “What we have actually achieved goes far beyond that. Saving young couples from breaking apart could be another un-looked for bonus.”

Although ASIMO may not be appearing in Indian shops just yet, Dr Raju is sure that the versatile machine will someday find a lucrative market in India. According to him: “Our society is passing through a transitional phase in terms of lifestyle consciousness. Indians love experimenting with gadgets and gizmos and it should be no different for ASIMO. While it may take some time before the robot is mass-marketed, the possibility no doubt remains.”