Japanese researchers have developed a wine-bot that can "taste" and analyze different wines and foods. 

How does it work?

The tasting robot analyses wines and foods through a sensor on its arm.

Infrared light is fired through the sample, and the robot can differentiate between different types of food and drink by determining the different wavelengths of light that are absorbed.

By using its built-in voice function, the robot can convey exactly what it has found out.

Mr Shimazu said the robot could also be personalised to alert a customer to the wines they prefer, and to recommend to new varieties that they might like to try.

Currently, the wine-bot has a very limited palate, but with time the researchers foresee it assisting with quality control in the wine industry.

Soon this robot is going to put human sommeliers out of a job.  Maybe.

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