Robots queue to buy iPhones for NZ customers

Alpha 1 Robots (Spark NZ)
Alpha 1 Robots (Spark NZ)

You may notice something different outside your local Spark shop this week.

While typically you might be confronted with a group of teenagers in sleeping bags, all camping out for the latest piece of tech, you may now be faced with an army of miniature robots.

Dubbed 'Alpha 1', the mini bots are ready and waiting for the iPhone 7, set for release in New Zealand on Friday.

The first 100 customers to pre-order Apple's latest flagship product with Spark were each assigned their own robot to wait in line for them.

While they may not be able to perform many helpful functions, the little devices can dance and work-out, among other limited actions.

The devices are controlled by an app, and not available for purchase - instead being exclusive for Spark fans.

Each robot carries their own phone, allowing customers to virtually join the queue via Facetime.

Those lucky enough to have their Alpha 1 bots already have been showing them off online, with Nanogirl Michelle Dickinson tweeting a video of her's trying to 'outsmart' a 3D printer. 

The latest iPhone was officially announced on September 7 in a flashy event in San Francisco, featuring cameos from James Corden and a performance from pop singer Sia.

Newshub.