Tech

Toyota Made A Tiny Robot To Keep You Company On Your Commute

Want a self-driving car? Toyota's got one better — a cup holder-sized robot.

Toyota Made A Tiny Robot To Keep You Company On Your Commute
Toyota
SMS

This is Kirobo Mini, and he's your new best friend.

While other car companies have been busy making self-driving vehicles, Toyota was busy making this little guy. The car giant wants Kirobo Mini to keep you company while you drive. 

SEE MORE: Robots Are Slowly Taking Over The Job Market

Kirobo Mini is part of the Toyota Heart Project, which aims to get humans and artificial intelligence working together in everyday life.

The bot is only 10 centimeters high and small enough to fit in a cup holder. The mini companion can talk, make gestures and respond to emotions — which is great for those days when you just need to have an emotional breakdown behind the wheel.

Kirobo Mini is actually the second companion to come from Toyota. A larger version of Kirobo went on a space mission in 2013 to see if robots and humans can coexist for extended periods of time.

But for those of us back on Earth who really, really want a cool robot buddy — Kirobo Mini will hit the market next year ... for about $400.