Toyota has announced a new mini robot that it will launch in Japan, the Toyota Kirobo Mini, and the robot will retail for around £300.
The Toyota Kirobo Mini will be launching in Japan next year, and this mini palm-sized robot stands just 10cm high. Despite its small size, the Kirobo Mini is packed with advanced features designed to make it a unique and engaging companion.
Features and Capabilities
As part of the Toyota Heart Project – our vision of a future where humans and artificial intelligence work together for a better world – we have created Kirobo Mini, a new, 10cm high communication companion. He can talk to you, gesture at you, and detect and respond to your emotions, but his mission as your new portable friend doesn’t end there.
The Kirobo Mini is equipped with a range of sensors and cameras that allow it to recognize facial expressions and voice tones. This enables it to engage in meaningful conversations and provide emotional support. For example, if you are feeling sad, Kirobo Mini might offer comforting words or suggest activities to cheer you up. Its ability to understand and respond to human emotions makes it more than just a gadget; it becomes a companion that can provide genuine interaction.
Applications in Daily Life
With people spending an average of 4.3 years of our lives in our cars (which equates to traveling to the moon and back three times), Toyota believes that much can be learned about our behavior and emotion while driving. And that’s where Kirobo Mini could help.
Kirobo Mini can be a valuable companion during long drives, offering conversation and keeping the driver engaged. It can also provide reminders and alerts, such as notifying the driver if they appear tired or distracted. This could potentially enhance road safety by encouraging more attentive driving.
Beyond the car, Kirobo Mini can be used in various settings. In the home, it can serve as a friendly assistant, helping with tasks such as setting reminders, playing music, or even controlling smart home devices. Its small size makes it easy to carry around, so it can accompany you to different rooms or even outside the house.
In addition to personal use, Kirobo Mini has potential applications in healthcare and elder care. Its ability to provide companionship and emotional support could be beneficial for individuals who are isolated or dealing with mental health challenges. For elderly individuals, Kirobo Mini could offer reminders for medication, appointments, and other important tasks, helping them maintain their independence.
You can find out more details about the new Toyota Kirobo Mini robot over at Toyota at the link below. As yet, there is no information on when he will be available in other countries. However, given the growing interest in robotics and AI, it is likely that Toyota will eventually expand the availability of Kirobo Mini to other markets.
Source Toyota
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