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】
Starbucks Japan releases two new seasonal drinks that blur the line between summer and autumn
Studio Ghibli composer Jo Hisaishi just set three Guinness Records
Japanese workers reveal their top five mysterious rules they wish would disappear【Survey】
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
Universal Studios Japan partners with manga horror master Junji Ito’s Tomie
Japanese convenience store sunglasses just became our newest Convenience Wear obsession
Japan’s Rabbit Island in danger of becoming Boar Island, tourists asked to follow feeding rules
Dog-friendly Wanwan Liner bus to begin operations between Tokyo and Osaka this fall
Stay at a hotel with a bed for your plushie in Japan
Tokyo giving out free furoshiki from Pikachu’s designer to help tourists carry their garbage home
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
12-year-old foreign tourist missing in Japan, police asking for help finding her [Video]
Japanese gacha machine in Shibuya now sells tiny capsule terrariums
The Japanese city where ordering grilled chicken doesn’t guarantee you’ll actually get chicken
Japanese airlines set to cut fuel surcharges for international flights in September and October
Studio Ghibli adds new Jiji’s baby plush toy to its anime merchandise range in Japan
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Air-conditioned dress shirts arrive in Japan to save working professionals from sweltering heat
Japanese Shinkansen becomes an overnight hotel for three nights this summer
Pokémon Center Online designates first Pokémon items that will require Japanese ID card to buy
Japanese toilet aims to attract foreign tourists but not everybody is happy about it
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Tokyo’s newest viral dessert is like a Japanese parfait inside a bread bun [Taste test]
New Japanese vending machine at Shinkansen station sells cups of ice on platform
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】