Toyota is Selling a Robot in Japan That Wants to Be Your Friend
Toyota and dealers in Japan will begin selling the Kirobo Mini in 2017.
The Japanese automaker calls the Kirobo Mini a “compact and cuddlesome” communication partner and is tentatively priced at 39,800 yen ($385) excluding taxes. Developed to provide companionship, the little robot fits in the palm of the hand and is only 3.93 inches (10 cm) when seated. It is capable of turning its head toward the person speaking and engages in casual conversation with the user while moving its head and hands.
The Kirobo Mini’s range of gestures and conversation abilities are made possible by connecting it via Bluetooth to smartphones installed with a dedicated app. There’s also a built-in camera that allows it to recognize people’s facial expressions, helping it try to detect their emotions so that it can adjust its manner of speaking and moving accordingly.
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Toyota says the Kirobo Mini can also enhance its conversational ability by using information gathered from a vehicle or a home: “Based on information about the vehicle or home obtained through connected services, Kirobo Mini can provide more-caring comments, such as: ‘That was a long drive. Good job.’ or ‘Welcome home! A warm bath is waiting.'”
Watch a video on Toyota’s Kirobo Mini below.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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