Boston-built robot will deliver for you -- literally!

The company has dubbed its squat version of R2D2 "a pet with superpowers" and it will hit the market next year. "It's not about replacing human functions; it's about expanding and augmenting human functions," said Jeffrey Schnapp, chief executive of Piaggio Fast Forward. "Gita is a small vehicle that has machine intelligence that can navigate the world just like you can." It tops out at 22 mph, fast enough to keep up with a bike, but is currently limited to 11 mph, and can carry up to 40 pounds. Packed with cameras and sensors, the Gita can roll after an owner, following along down the sidewalk.