WATCH: Melania Trump chooses humanoid robot to accompany her at White House summit

US First Lady Melania Trump briefly eclipsed POTUS Donald when she brought a walking, talking humanoid robot to the White House this week.

She chose it to open a session of a global summit on education and technology.

The robot, named Figure 3, thanked the First Lady for the invite to the meeting of the Fostering the Future Together Global Coalition.

The group has been discussing ways to empower children using education, innovation and technology, including Artificial Intelligence.

"I'm Figure 3, a humanoid built in the United States of America", said the unexpected guest. "I am grateful to be part of this historic movement to empower children with technology and education."

Following applause from the delegates, Figure 3  left the room.

Melania Trump then took over proceedings, noting that Figure 3 was her first humanoid guest at the White House.

FLOTUS is often criticised for her icy manner, and the appearance of the two together drew some less-than-flattering comparisons. Commentator Jen Psaki remarked that the humanoid robot "sounds more empathetic and warmer than the actual human First Lady of the United States".

Figure AI, the maker of Figure 3, markets its creation as being able to do household tasks like laundry and dishes.

Watch the White House video of the event below: