{
  "id": 11572418,
  "title": "Japan's entertainment robots diversify with AI, offer comfort",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/03/japans-entertainment-robots-diversify-with-ai-offer-comfort",
  "topic": "ai",
  "section": "AI",
  "published": "2026-10-03T01:16:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Mainichi",
    "slug": "the-mainichi",
    "url": "https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20261003/p2g/00m/0li/002000c"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "In Japan, the landscape of home entertainment robots is diversifying, with new models offering emotional comfort akin to pets and serving as fashionable accessories due to their adorable appearance. This shift is largely driven by the increasing utilization of artificial intelligence (AI), which has propelled the market following Sony Group Corp.'s introduction of the Aibo dog-like robot in 1999.\n\nIn August, Sharp Corp. unveiled an enhanced version of its AI-integrated interactive robot, Poketomo, slated for release in December. The diminutive robot, resembling a meerkat, is programmed to converse with users in an honest and unassuming manner. Casio Computer Co. has also entered the fray with Moflin, an AI pet robot that becomes increasingly expressive as it receives more affection or hugs. Since February, this robot has been deployed at Jikei University Hospital in Tokyo, where it accompanies young patients during their hospital stays.\n\nMeanwhile, a Tokyo-based startup, Yukai Engineering Inc., has begun selling Mirumi, a clip-on robot that adjusts its head movement in response to sound or touch. The compact size makes it ideal for attachment to bags. Sony's pioneering Aibo robot, which interacts with its environment and moves like a dog, remains a popular choice. According to research firm Market Research Center Corp., the global market for these robots is expected to reach $7.37 billion by 2032, more than double its size in 2025.",
  "summary": "OSAKA (Kyodo) -- The range of home entertainment robots is becoming increasingly diverse in Japan, with some providing emotional comfort like pets, an",
  "key_points": [
    "Japanese entertainment robots evolve with AI, offering emotional comfort.",
    "Sharp's Poketomo, a meerkat-like robot, debuts in December.",
    "Casio's Moflin becomes expressive with increased affection."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The increasing use of artificial intelligence in entertainment robots is shifting their role in Japan from novelty items to companions that offer emotional comfort and interaction.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}