Japan has always been known for being on top when it comes to robots. Sharp is making sure that distinction sticks with the upcoming release of RoBoHoN, a robotic digital assistant.
The release of RoBoHoN has been a long time coming, starting in October when Sharp revealed the 7.5-inch robot. The company has since added more information, revealing that the tiny droid will be available for purchase next month, with a goal to sell 5,000 units during the first stage of production.
If you're familiar with Amazon's Alexa-powered devices, then most of the features RoBoHoN sports shouldn't be entirely surprising. Much like the Echo and other Echo-line products, the robot acts as a digital assistant with the ability to interact with the consumer through voice commands - though the commands must be delivered in Japanese.
However, where that main similarity ends, their many differences begin. Whereas Echo is designed to be part of your smartphone, RoBoHoN is the ultimate phone (minus the keys).
Aside from the obvious ability to both text messages and make voice calls, the device has a camera on its forehead that can capture and replay memories in video form, and sports a tiny screen on its back. There will also be an app that comes along with RoBoHoN that covers other functions.
What truly sets RoBoHoN apart from the herd, however, is its ability to move, talk and blink. While other assistants often utilize a female voice, RoBoHoN channels the personality of a Japanese child. All of its movements are based on specific contexts and, if the moment is right, or you request it to, RoBoHoN will even dance!
With functions like these, robot enthusiasts are sure to be pleased once the robot arrives on the Japanese market starting May 26. However, with a price tag of 198,800 yen ($1,800), they will need to break their piggy banks to get their hands on one. This price tag is also bound to cause some issues for Sharp as it extends beyond NTT DoCoMo's network after its first batch of robot phones. The firm has already announced plans to expand to other carriers, but the price could interfere with the negotiation process.
The price could also have major implications for its overall popularity in Japan as well. If it does well, we could soon see such devices take voice commands in more global markets, but that hinges on whether local consumers deem $1,800 a worthy price point for a dancing digital assistant.
If you want to learn more, click HERE (warning: the page is in Japanese).
Watch RoBoHoN in action below:
