Ouch. This is provocative behaviour of the highest order. News reaches us that Honda's Asimo is set to conduct an entire symphony orchestra. In Detroit.

Yes, Honda's cute little robot will lead the Detroit Symphony Orchestra - and cellist Yo-Yo Ma - in a rendition of The Impossible Dream. Right in the heart of Motor City.

Honda says it is joining forces with the DSO to 'bring musical education to children in Detroit', but we can't help thinking they could've chosen somewhere a touch less politically sensitive.

Much has been written over the past few years about the demise of Detroit and its Big Three in the face of Japanese competition, and this looks rather like a robotic raising of the middle finger to the American car industry.

However, there are far more important issues at stake here. Will Asimo wear coat and tails? Will he take a bow afterwards? Wouldn't it have been cheaper just to buy a metronome?

And, most importantly, will Detroit's concert musicians rise up against their tiny robotic overlord? It'll be like the Luddite riots all over again.