This series is pretty much the payoff to that build up that were the comedy mangas Mitama Security, Agravity Boys and Moriking, having much more consistency than the first, greater paneling and designs that the second, and better well-written heartfelt moments that the last one.
Despite having recurring jokes, they still get a chuckle —my favourite being the two friends doing "positive" bullying—. If there is something that I don't like on this aspect, is that some jokes reference other manga, most of the times gratuituosly (in Roboco's underwear, for example). I think some of these won't really stand the test of time. But the good thing is that the manga's comedy goes beyond that, and it mixes the classic boke and tsukkomi japanese comedy dynamic with some absurdity.
Another solid point from this series is the designs. They might seem rather simple, but Bondo, with his hat, his friends with their quirky personalities, and just Roboco's face are pretty effective at being familiar in a manga that needs this exact feeling.
Most of the strenght of Me and Roboco comes also from the writing. I think that's the main reason is proving to be a solid series in WSJ, despite having the hate of the usual Shonen freaks (that could even favor series like Guardian of the Witch over this one). You can see how tight is the writing on the rhytmn of every chapter, on the details that pay off in the end and the overall resolutions that are neither overexplained nor pulled out from a hat.
Sadly this is not an aspect that is praised and I guess not even recognised, given that, as with editing in movies, when it's well done you really wouldn't notice it. Most of the times, people think well-written is just having a character change and being shown or told their backstory. But well-written, in manga, imply much more: like knowing when a flashback doesn't feel forced or a change seems earned.
I think I could compare its writing to other gems in MangaPlus like Spy X Family, Witch Watch, 'Tis Time for Torture, Princess and, maybe, Kill Me. If you want more from this author, check their parody The Promised Neverland, that might as well have served to pave the way for this series.
Overall, Me and Roboco has great comedy, tighly written chapters and recognisable designs. It's a shame it's not well received outside Japan. But I predict we will have Roboco for a enough long time.
