Living in the present makes it easy to forget that we're also living in the relative future of the past. We've chronologically surpassed so much speculative fiction, and what do we have to show for it? We don't have the cool tech and fashion sense of things like Akira or lifelike robots such as the replicants from Blade Runner, and sadly no hoverboards as predicted by Back to the Future. Still, robotics is an ever-growing industry that makes science fiction feel a little less fictional in this increasingly cyberpunk dystopia we call earth.

And trust Japan to give us a new line of commercially available robots modelled after anime girls! Tokyo-based robotics company Speecys Corp have unveiled their latest product, known as MOFI17-Cute, a 40cm (15.7") tall robot with 3D skin that uses MikuMikuDance software to convert video files into motion reflected through dance moves. Here's a video showing it in action:

At the beginning we can see its bare, skeletal form, looking reminiscent ofGhost in the Shell as it showcases the many joints and moving parts that keep it animated. Later we get a look at it with skin, then clothes and hair to show just one of many looks you can choose for your very own MOFI17-Cute waifubot (clothes and hair sold separately.)

MOFI17-Cute comes with skin, wires and a base to get you started, plus Speecys promises exclusive events for waifubot enthusiasts where they'll release brand new updates and clothing options. All this can be yours for the entry price of ¥300,000 (US $2,836). But be quick! The first batch is limited to only 20 models, so check out the Speecys website if you want to get your hands on one before they're gone.

Over to you guys, what do you make of the MOFI17-Cute? Would you buy a waifubot? How would you customize yours? Let us know in the comments section!