The social distancing and isolation due to the Covid-19 emergency have certainly not done anyone any good. In this sense, the pets they have been a real salvation for all of us. Where physical contact outside the home was forbidden because it was dangerous, the closeness of our four-legged friends was saving. And that must have been what convinced the engineers of Panasonic to realize Nicobo, a tender robot cat able to wag its tail, speak and openly show its young problems with flatulence.
Yes, you read that right. The kitten was designed to behave like a real feline, complete with flaws and weaknesses that will make owners smile. And without neglecting all those characteristic attitudes of our four-legged friends: when you approach to caress it, for example, the robot wags its tail blatantly, and when it needs attention it blinks insistently. In short, Nicobo is in effect a pet, despite letting himself go to a few fart too many.
Nicobo, the robot cat who helps overcome isolation
Developed in collaboration with robotics researchers at Toyohashi University of Technology Michio Oka Laboratory, Nicobo is a very curious looking robot cat. At first glance, it doesn't look like a curvy feline at all, but rather an inverted bowl covered with a wool sock. Yet, despite this, his movements make him look like a cat to all intents and purposes. Which is undoubtedly due to long wagging tail and to the little ones Expressive eyes.
Given its particular conformation, however, the Panasonic pet-robot cannot move, but only rotate on itself raising and lowering the head to interact with its owner. And to ensure this interaction, inside it is equipped with a video camera for the recognition of faces and multiple directional microphones to listen to voices and move to address the speaker. Finally, they certainly could not miss it tactile sensors scattered throughout the cat's body to allow it to react when stroked. And not even a light sensor, which will allow the feline to take a nap when it is more convenient.
So don't expect a robot kitty to run around the house, jump on shelves or play all day, because Nicobo is not like that at all. Panasonic, in fact, has thought of it with only one goal: keep company. And this he knows how to do it perfectly. You just have to caress him gently to see him wagging his tail and feel satisfied, but you will also have to endure his bad days, when the little robot's flatulence problems will make themselves feel strong and clear. But farts aren't among his only abilities, so to speak.
This cute pet-robot, in fact, is also able to speak the katakoto, that is the language of children (as it is defined in Japan). Of course, this does not mean at all that you will be able to strike up a conversation with your robotic pet, but no doubt hearing him talk will help you feel less alone. Like all Nicobo features, this one is also meant to help us defeat isolation. And we're pretty sure it works.
Panasonic's successful crowfounding
Nicobo's success story is quite striking. Panasonic has only achieved 320 pieces of this incredible robot cat, which literally sold like hot cakes during the crowfounding campaign. Despite the price of over € 300 - $ 360, to be exact - all the pieces were purchased within six hours. An incredible sale, which demonstrates how much there is a need for company at home after a very long year of social distancing.
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Precisely for this reason Panasonic is thinking of starting a real production of its pet-robot, with the aim of launching it on the market as soon as possible. On the other hand, the price does not seem to have stopped the buyers. Indeed, the owners will also have to be willing to spend $ 10 a month for updates software via smartphone. A negligible amount, which everyone would seem willing to pay for the beloved Nicobo. At this point we have to reflect on one thing: how much are we willing to spend to have company in times of pandemic? The answer is up to you.
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