Meet Cozmo the sneezing robot

FRAZZLED parents struggling to get through Christmas will dream of the time when they can leave the boring chores to a robot. That day might not quite be here yet, but when it comes to keeping the children amused, help is on hand in the form of Cozmo, one of this year’s best-selling toys. Powered by artificial intelligence, the clever, palm-sized robot (from £159) can recognise faces, play games, talk to its owner and is capable of hundreds of different facial expressions and emotions — even sneezing if it encounters the family dog or sulking if it isn’t played with.

Its endearing ways have been compared to lovable droid R2-D2 from Star Wars and Disney’s Wall-E. So while it can’t peel a sprout, it will at least keep the kids quiet while you do.