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Panasonic announced it has developed a desktop “companion robot” with human-like movements and communication skills. The robot was developed as a proof of concept and is showing off at the Panasonic booth at CES 2017 in Las Vegas.
The robot has a cover that looks like an egg shell, which the robot can open to reveal a built-in projector. The robot also moves back and forward, and up and down. Its features and dexterity–designed to mimic human movements–inspires people to interact with it and are made possible with Panasonic-developed servo control technology. The robot’s child-like voice adds to the realism. Its voice and embedded projector work together to deliver natural communication that builds a sense of attachment with its human owner.
The robot is equipped with a Wi-Fi network function that accesses artificial intelligence-based natural language processing technology. This enables it to communicate in a clear, friendly way. The robot is able to access and use cloud data, and commute with those in other locations. Thanks to its embedded projector, the robot can be used for distance learning and other purposes. The robot is about the size of a standard kitchen countertop blender.
Panasonic says that it has submitted patent or design registration applications in the U.S. and other parts of the world.
What Do you think of the Panasonic Companion Robot? Share your thoughts in the comments box below.
Panasonic Companion Robot Specifications*
| Product name | Desktop Companion Robot |
| Dimensions | Diameter: Up to 290 mm (9.5 inches) Height: Up to 485 mm (1.5 feet) |
| Weight | 3.7 kg (8.1 lbs) |
| Movement speed | Max. 3.5 km/h (2.1 mph) |
| Battery | Lithium ion battery Capacity: 11.1 V 6600 mAh Operable hours: Approx. 6 hours |
| Sensors | 8 M pixel CMOS camera × 1, infrared sensors × 5 |
| Motors | Wheels: Pulse width modulation controlled DC motor × 4 Neck: Feedback controlled servo motor × 3 |
| Projector | WVGA+ (854 × 480 dots), 50 lumens |
| Language | English |
| Processor & OS | 1.2 GHz 64/32-bit quad-core ARM Cortex-A53, UNIX OS |
| Wireless connectivity | Wi-Fi: IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n (2.4GHz/5GHz) Bluetooth: Version 5 |
*According to Panasonic, specifications are based on test model and subject to change.
