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

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.

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

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.

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

A robot Bocco is pictured in a studio in Tokyo.

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.

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

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

Diners interacting with robots Lovot in a cafe in Kawasaki

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.