At CEATEC JAPAN 2015, Sharp has presented a demonstration model of its “RoBoHoN” robot-type mobile phone jointly developed with robot creator Tomotaka Takahashi, CEO of Robo Garage Inc.
RoBoHoN seems to have a mind of its own
RoBoHoN is 19.5 cm tall, and weighs 390g.
In addition to a camera and voice communication functions, the device features built-in voice recognition and voice synthesis, and has an LCD touch panel on its back. RoBoHoN communicates smoothly with people.
In addition to that, RoBoHoN has a newly developed focus-free laser projector that shoots laser light from between its eyebrows to project video images onto a wall or desk etc. Slide in a SIM card to the slot on the right flank of the device turns RoBoHoN into a 3G LTE mobile communications terminal.
Being well known as the creator of the “KIROBO” robot astronaut that successfully completed a mission with astronaut Koichi Wakata on the international space station, Tomotaka Takahashi is one of the world’s leading experts on robot design.
At the venue, Mr. Takahashi expressed his opinion that “even if a smartphone talks, it’s not possible to feel empathy with it. For empathy, the device must have a suitable body and shape.” RoBoHoN tilts its head in response to human speech, and appears to be on the lookout and ready. Takahashi explains that the device is designed to ‘move randomly’ although this makes it easy to feel familiarity with it because it’s as if it has a mind of its own.
CEATEC JAPAN 2015 is the first time a demo of chatting and dancing RoBoHoN has been shown to the public. Sharp is planning to release RoBoHoN for sale in the first half of 2016.
Robo Garage CEO Tomotaka Takahashi holding RoBoHoN in his hand and answering questions at the venue
The “RoBoHoN” robot mobile phone
- Booth No.
- 1L11
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Sharp Corporation
