For those living in tiny shoebox apartments in big cities, this robofurniture could transform your life – and make cleaning a whole lot easier too.

Scientists have unveiled the capabilities of a handy robotic furniture system that is being installed in a Manhattan housing development.

Ori, a venture from the Massachusett Institute of Technology's Media Lab, means if you can't be bothered to leave the sofa to fetch a drink or move your furniture to make space for a party, you don't have to.