The new Japanese robot Miuro is designed to turn an iPod music player into a scuttling boombox-on-wheels.

Equipped with speaker systems developed with Japanese audio-maker Kenwood Corp., the 35-centimeter long machine, which looks like a ball popping out of an egg, from Tokyo-based venture ZMP Inc. will roll and twist from room to room blaring music.

Apple Computer Inc.’s iPod portable player locks into the top of the robot, which comes in white, black, yellow or red.

ZMP President Hisashi Taniguchi said robotics technology adds another convenience to mobile music. “The robot helps you listen to music wherever you are without even thinking about it,” he said. “Sometimes I don’t even have the energy to put on a CD.”

Separately sold options add a camera and sensors to the robot so it will map out its own position and remember routes, Taniguchi said.

I guess you can tell it to stop following you — “shut up and go back to your room!”