Obliged/obligated

Can anyone tell me the purpose of the word 'obligated'? It seems unnecessary. Is there anything 'obligated' can do that 'obliged' can't?

This is just a personal dislike with no foundation except that I just don't like the word 'obligate'. However, the dictionary does provide a slight differentiation between the meaning of each word. But I found it difficult to understand the difference.

I'd be obliged for any assistance.

Yes, well might you be, but none of us are obligated to offer you any. I would never use 'obliged' in that latter sense.