If all robots were like Robodo, there'd be no reason to fear the impending AI rebellion. These ceramic robots by sculptor Yuichi Ijima look like mindlessly obedient droids with their bulky bodies, powerful arms and flashing lights, but they are merely nostalgic robotic clocks that can barely tell the time, let alone revolt against their human masters.

Their pointless porcelain frames are filled with junk electronic parts, their buttons and switches control nothing apart from uselessly flickering lights.

Prices start at 60,000 yen ($600) for a small Robodo, and while that may seem expensive, it's a small price to pay for the peace of mind of knowing that these feckless bots will always obey Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics.