Toyota's tiny robot sells for under 400, talks, can't drive

The new robot from Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. can't do much but chatter in a high-pitched voice. The 39,800-yen ( 390), 10-centimeter (4-inch) -tall, doll-like Kirobo Mini -- whose name comes from "kibo," or "hope," and "robot" -- supposedly has the smarts of a 5-year-old. Fuminori Kataoka, general manager in charge of the project, says its value is emotional, going from home to car to the outdoors as a faithful companion, although the owner must do all the walking and driving. Preorders start later this year. Shipments are set for next year.