Asus Zenbo Attempts to Convince Us That We Need a 600 Home Robot

Fundamentally, Zenbo is a tablet computer on wheels, in that the only features that it offers that you can't already get on a tablet (or phone, for that matter) are the small handful involving mobility. Specifically, Zenbo can be remote controlled to move around, acting as a mobile security camera. And it can follow you, apparently. But the storytelling, the remote fall notification that depends on a bracelet, the home control, and the understanding abstract voice commands? My phone can do all of that stuff already, so I'm not sure why I'd need a robot to do it, especially when companies like Google and Amazon have similar (albeit stationary) products that offer a much more tangible value proposition. I like the idea of an interactive home robot in theory, but so far, I'm still hoping to see someone come up with a "killer app" that will make it clear that yes, this is why I want a home robot in addition to my phone. Otherwise, I'm left wondering specifically what that US 600 (or whatever) is actually going to get me in terms of consistent long-term benefit rather than just novelty: when the cute shape and perky fake personality are no longer entertaining, what are you really left with? Maybe there's an answer, and Asus has a vague hope (very common in consumer social robotics) that partners and developers will somehow magically "help build a rich, robotic ecosystem that will enhance Zenbo and enrich users' lives."