Tiro the robot assisted at the wedding of Seok Gyeong-Jae, one of the engineers who designed it, and his bride at Daejeon, 130 kilometres (78 miles) south of Seoul. "This is Tiro, master of ceremonies for today's wedding," the robot -- featuring a cone-shaped body, two arms and a dark-glassed face with eyes and a mouth of flashing lights -- said in front of smiling guests.

In a male voice, the robot introduced the couple to the crowd, let the couple bow to them and performed its programmed duties.Manufacturer Hanool Robotics claims it is the first time a robot has been used as master of ceremonies at a wedding.

After its marital duties, Tiro -- whose value was put at 200 million won (£110,000) -- would be upgraded to perform various other functions, according to Hanool officials. Small other robots were also at the ceremony to guide guests or give performances.