Kyoto-based Takenaka Engineering is finding out that cute pays even in their field of crime prevention and disaster relief equipment.

Their Mihari Wan robot guard dog has become a minor hit in Japan, selling around 10,000 units at 12,600 a pop since 1995.

Normally sittlng quietly in the corner, Mihari Wan turns into a veritable cyber beast, emitting a 90-decibel bark as its eyes flash, whenever an intruder approaches.

Mihari Wan runs on four D-size batteries that need to be replaced only about once a year.

Woof!

Via Mainichi