A few years ago we wrote about Ascento, a robotics company that developed this self-balancing two-wheeler:

We opined that the technology might be useful for powered wheelchairs. While that application wasn't pursued, the company has evolved their product into the Ascento all-terrain patrol robot.

Watching their latest demo video, I was struck by how…endearingly cute the thing is:

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So why am I getting suckered into finding a collection of metal parts with no soul nor morals cute? I've narrowed it down to a few of the design elements. First off the designers have borrowed a trick from animators, and given it big, expressive (albeit minimalist) eyes. They make the thing blink, twice in a row, giving the impression of a slightly dim person.

Secondly the overall form factor. With its short stature and awkward wheeled legs, the Ascento 'bot looks harmless. The hunched-forward posture recalls a gentle elderly person.

And the form factor of course determines its movement style. When it falls over and struggles back to its feet, there's an endearing feebleness to the act.

Thirdly, the programming. They ostensibly dump a bucket of water on the thing to demonstrate it's waterproof, but that's not the real purpose of this scene. Look at the innocent-puppy-like body language the 'bot demonstrates during the act (watch the eyes, too) and the way it shakes off afterwards.

What the designers/programmers have done there is impressive. They've captured a canine cuteness that the Spot robot, which is actually shaped like a dog, does not possess. (That the Spot 'bot lacks eyes doesn't help.)

Fourthly, the form of mobility. Because the Ascento is wheeled and must balance, its movements aren't precise, but are by necessity wobbly and janky. (And again, look at what they do with the eyes.)

This makes it look unthreatening. Picture RoboCop stopping on a dime, versus the Ascento 'bot making a sudden stop.

Humanoid robots may or may not wind up being more useful, but they're always going to creep people out. Robot designers seeking to produce robots that people are okay having around their kids should note what Ascento's doing.