Trends: I spy, with my robot's eye

There are more than 4m CCTV cameras in Britain, as the Government, police and retailers monitor our every movement, and now consumers are getting in on the act.

Robots fitted with cameras, speakers and microphones, allowing users to check up on their homes from the office, were all the rage at the International Consumer Electronics Show two weeks ago. Controlled remotely, devices including WowWee's Rovio and Yujin Robot's iRobi q (pictured) can transmit video and audio files to a PC or mobile phone.

Logitech, meanwhile, has come up with Wi Life, a security camera disguised as a clock, letting people secretly survey their homes, and Wild Planet is encouraging kids to become snoops with a spy toy that will feature a remote-control camera.

Thanks to thefuturelaboratory.com