Photos: Tea time with robots

Self-propelled tea dispensers are actually not a new thing in Japan, where robots are expected to provide service with a smile. In the 18th century, affluent members of society were fond of tea-serving dolls like this well-dressed one (a modern re-creation of the original). The 8-inch-tall windup doll could be programmed to travel a certain distance on its hidden cogwheels, then return after a guest placed the empty teacup back on its tray.

Photo by Mizuho Kuwata