Look: Japan's android pets ease COVID-19 virus isolation

Sales of cute and clever Japanese robots are booming in the pandemic

Last updated: February 26, 2021 | 12:37

AFP and Compiled by Christian Borbon, Senior Web Editor

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Smart home assistants like Amazon's Alexa have found success worldwide, but tech firms in Japan are reporting huge demand for more humanlike alternatives, as people seek solace during virus isolation.

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Nami Hamaura talking with communication robot Charlie in her apartment in Tokyo.

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Charlie (pictured) and Robohon are part of a new wave of robot companions pioneered by firms such as Sony with its robot dog Aibo, on sale since 1999, and SoftBank's friendly Pepper, which hit shelves in 2015.

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Akito Takahashi playing with a handmade robot kit at his apartment in Tokyo.

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A robot Bocco is pictured in a studio in Tokyo.

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Yukai's robots include Qoobo, a fluffy pillow with a mechanical tail that wiggles like a real pet. | Robotic cushions Qoobo (front) and petit Qoobo (back) are pictured in a studio of Tokyo.

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Shunsuke Aoki, CEO of Yukai Engineering hugging robotic cushion Qoobo n a studio in Tokyo.

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Robotic cushion petit Qoobo (L) and robot Bocco emo (R) in a studio in Tokyo.

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Diners interacting with robots Lovot in a cafe in Kawasaki

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Lovot - a robot the size of a small toddler, with big round eyes and penguin-like wings that flutter up and down - think everyone can benefit from a bot that just wants to be loved.

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