Yukai Engineering, a Tokyo-based robotics startup, unveiled “Mirumi,” a mascot robot designed to interact with bystanders, at CES Unveiled (Jan. 5) and CES 2025 (Jan. 7-10). Mirumi spontaneously turns its head to observe nearby individuals, recreating the experience of interacting with a curious infant. The robot exhibits various head movements to convey curiosity, shyness, and other baby-like traits.
Yukai Engineering, recognized for developing robots that enhance daily life, created Mirumi to serve as a source of positive engagement and lighthearted interaction.
“Mirumi is designed to share small moments of joy with others,” said Yukai Engineering CEO Shunsuke Aoki. “Whether in a crowded train or while waiting in line, Mirumi’s gaze may prompt playful reactions, fostering lighthearted interactions. We look forward to presenting Mirumi at CES 2025 and demonstrating how small connections can brighten a person’s day.”
The concept for Mirumi originated from Yukai Engineering’s internal Make-a-Thon in 2024, where engineers and designers proposed creating a robot inspired by the characteristics of a human baby. A crowdfunding campaign for Mirumi is planned for mid-2025.
Key Features (Tentative):
- Recognition of Nearby People/Objects:
- Scans surroundings using a built-in distance sensor.
- Detects movement through an inertial measurement unit (IMU).
- Behavioral Patterns:
- Curiosity: Scans surroundings when the bag it’s attached to moves.
- Inquisitiveness: Turns toward detected individuals or objects.
- Bashfulness: Hides face when startled or tapped.
- Rejection: Shakes head when jiggled.
- Comfort: Resumes scanning after remaining still.
- Design:
- Large googly eyes and long arms designed to secure onto bag straps.
More information will be share at the product’s official website https://mirumi.ux-xu.com.
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