Why queue up in the wind and rain yourself when you can get a robot to do it?

For the geekiest Apple faithful, queuing up for the newest iGadget has become a time-honoured tradition.

But one savvy fan hit upon the ingenious idea of outsourcing the menial task to a robot.

Lucy Kelly from Sydney, Australia borrowed a “telepresence robot” from the media agency she works for to brave the elements in her place.

The robot (also called Lucy) arrived at 5am at the Apple Store in Sydney and took its position of fourth-in-line.

You might think the robot – which comprises an iPad attached to a remote-controlled Segway-type stand – wouldn't be taken seriously in the competitive queue.

But in fact, the friendly geeks have warmly welcomed their robotic companion with many posing for photos with it.

Kelly told Mashable that she is constantly connected to the robot through an app that allows her see with the iPad's camera and communicate with others in the queue using its speakers and microphone.

The robot will wait for one night in a special tent that includes a charger to keep it alive and well.

bbabo.Net