As Japan’s human population decreases, its robot population steadily rises. From the giant, rideable KURATAS to SoftBank’s domestic robot, Pepper, there’s diversity in their numbers but from next year, one smart mechanical biped aims to outdo them all.
It’s the adorable RoBoHoN from Sharp, who’s set to crush the cellphone market with an array of impressive features and an equally charming character. To see just how amazing this little guy is, come with us as we take a look at his exclusive introductory video after the break.
RoBoHoN has been developed by famous professor and roboticist Tomotaka Takahashi, and will be released on the market in the first half of 2016. Standing at a height of 19.5 centimetres (7.7 inches) and weighing in at 390 grams (13.8 ounces), RoBoHoN boasts a number of features, including the ability to alert you to incoming calls, with a cute “Denwa da yo!”, meaning “There’s a phone call for you!”
▼ What better way to learn the language than with a cute Japanese-speaking robot that (sort of) fits in your pocket?
▼ RoBoHoN has a two-inch screen on its back, with a system that supports both 3G and LTE.
▼ On its face is a built-in camera and projector.
So what exactly can the amazing walking cellphone do with these features? Take a look at the video below to see him in action!
Having a conversation with its owner while sharing a beautiful sunset together? That’s a “heart moving phone” indeed!
▼ RoBoHoN is certainly shaping up to be the BFF of our dreams. It’s got the qualities of a concerned parent…
▼ It’s good with directions…
▼ It knows how to cheer us up when we’re feeling blue…
▼ It remembers stuff when we tell it to…
▼ And it knows how to bust a move when it’s time to dance!
RoBoHoN might not be as compact as other smartphones on the market but who cares about that when you’ve got self-automating arms and legs? Not only that, it acts without prompting, using facial and vocal recognition to tell its owner about new messages and ask friends and family to smile for the camera!
▼ If you prefer not to stash your best friend in your bag, there’s a specially designed carry case so he can enjoy the view by your side.
While no price has been announced yet, we don’t imagine this robot/phone hybrid will come cheap. But who can put a price on the chance of a robot friendship? And when it’s a friend that supports your busy lifestyle and enhances your downtime, it’s worth saving all our yennies for!
Source: Itai News
Top image: RoBoHoN, YouTube/RoBoHoN (edited by RocketNews24)
Insert images: RoBoHoN, YouTube/RoBoHoN, Sharp
We spent a night in a Tokyo hotel staffed by robots 【Photos】
Pikachu Outbreak home robot walks, talks, and sings when you call to it【Video】
Talking robot Pikachus go on sale in Japan, make Pokémon fans dreams come true【Video】
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli adds new anime tumblers to its cool streetwear brand in Japan
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Mister Donut wows matcha lovers in Japan with new Dora Matcha doughnuts
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
For just 5 yen, Amazon Japan’s cheapest possible outfit will have you looking like 0.04 bucks!
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says