Omron to market feline robot 'NeCoRo' on Nov. 20.
OSAKA, Oct. 16 KyodoElectrical machinery maker Omron Corp. said Tuesday it will begin Nov. 20 to sell robot cats able to recognize their masters' voices and react affectionately if their owners show them continuous attention.
Omron said it plans to sell 5,000 NeCoRo, or ''neco (cat)'' robots, at 185,000 yen each.
The robot tiger cat -- the latest gadget in a string of pet robots produced by Japanese companies -- will come in two color variations of brown and gray in the size of an average real-life house cat. It weighs 1.6 kilograms.
Although unable to walk, the robot can stretch itself and lie flat, according to the Kyoto-based firm. When its back is rubbed, it purrs and narrows its eyes, the company said.
The robot is able to remember human pitch frequencies and will begin displaying affection, such as turning its face to its master or making sweet meowing sounds, if the master repeatedly calls its name, the company said.
On the other hand, if the robot is repeatedly hit or mistreated, it will begin hissing and will eventually become ''short-tempered,'' the company said.
Omron launched a study on pet robots in 1995 in the belief that the products can give people living by themselves ''inner peace and pleasant lifestyle,'' it said.
The company will begin accepting reservations for the product Wednesday at Takashimaya department store outlets in Tokyo, Yokohama, Osaka, Kyoto and Nagoya, and from Nov. 3 at Omron's Web site and by telephone. If demand for the product is strong, the company may mass-produce it, it said.
 Printer friendly
 Cite/link
 Email
 Feedback
| |
| Publication: | Japan Weekly Monitor |
|---|---|
| Date: | Oct 22, 2001 |
| Words: | 262 |
| Previous Article: | Scholars report mercury poisoning at int'l confab. |
| Next Article: | Tokio Marine to cover injuries from retaliatory terrorist acts. |
| Topics: | |