Cat-like robot waiter entertains customers at Japanese restaurant in Scotland

A robot waiter shaped like a cat is entertaining customers at a Japanese restaurant - by singing 'happy birthday' and demanding affection.

Maki & Ramen, on South Bridge, Edinburgh, introduced the 'assistant' earlier this month - and has been inundated with enthusiasm from diners.

The feline robot, named Miyako, is operated by sensors and navigates around the small restaurant.

Diners have fallen for Miyako, which has a personality like a cat - both demanding to be scratched and petted, and rejecting attention as well.

The robot, which was brought from Korea, delivers food to tables and interacts with customers using a range of hilarious facial expressions, a bit like a Tamagochi.

Miyako won't be putting staff out of their jobs though, as she needs to be accompanied by a human.

The chain of restaurants opened seven years ago and makes its own ramen noodles at a factory in Edinburgh.