Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corporation has created a tiny robot in honor of "famed" robot Kirobo that will sell next year for $400. In addition to the upfront fee, you´ll need to subscribe to a monthly service for $3 per month to enjoy the companionship of this amazing creation, GEEK reported.
This little toy was aptly named Kirobo Mini, after the droid that accompanied Japanese astronaut Koichi Wakata at the International Space Station. But don't get fooled by its size: The smaller version posseses the intelligence of a 5-year-old. The creators designed it in such a way so that it can make emotional connections.
Meet Kirobo Mini, Toyota's adorable new companion robot https://t.co/B4kek5Lnry pic.twitter.com/4rbrfOCD3a
— Orlando Sentinel (@orlandosentinel) 3 de octubre de 2016
A Robot With Emotional Values
"Toyota has been making cars that have a lot of valuable uses. But this time we're just pushing emotional value," Fuminori Kataoka, the general manager of the project, told ABC. He also explained the significance of the creation, considering that many people in Japan live alone.
GEEK reported that this tiny friend can also move like a human being, and is also capable of determining emotions, learning things from conversations, and remembering important details just as a normal person.
Certainly, Toyota has a way of tugging at heartstrings with this beautiful innovation.
Major Companies Following Toyota's Footsteps
During an interview with the Associated Press, the little Toyota robot made a spectacular display of technology and wit, such as when it acknowledged the presence of a reporter, and when it asked Kataoka what car he drives, reported ABC.
According to Digital Trends Kirobi Mini represents the peak of robot merchandising, since many other major companies are doing the same as Toyota. Examples include SoftBank, which launched its own robot called Pepper, and Sharp, which came out with the RoBoHon smartphone.
