The day when robots overthrow the human race has taken one step closer with the launch of a break-dancing mechanoid designed to teach our offspring about physics, maths, biology and engineering.

ED-E dances, flips and jumps for money on command

ED-E can perform jumps, head-spins and back-flips thanks to 17 small motors within his semi-transparent blue body. His moves are initiated using a console-style controller.

Bundled software lets kids program ED-E to perform a set series of moves. For example, if they want him to do two back-flips followed by a jump, then they drag the required position of the robot’s joints into the on-screen movie frame and add the required time delay between movements.

ED-E's transparent body lets kids see how he ticks

The performance can be previewed on-screen and then uploaded onto the controller, from where ED-E will perform his routine.

ED-E is suitable for kids aged seven and upwards, but maker RM told us that if you’re just a big kid at heart than you can buy an ED-E online for £428 ($592/€450).