Doraemon Turns Thirty
In commemoration of the 30th anniversary of the famous cartoon character Doraemon’s debut on TV Asahi in Japan, Bandai has recruited the famous blue robot cat to serve as a "communication robot."
The robot, which stands 16.5cm high, incorporates an infrared sensor, motion sensor, optical sensor, audio sensor, and temperature sensor. The various data is collected, and analyzed—for example if you are behind him, he will turn his head toward you and then respond verbally. In all he can collect and store more than 1,300 words. If you turn off the light, he will wish you “Good night,” and if the room rises above a certain temperature he’ll complain about the heat.
Also, in what is claimed to be a first in a toy item, a new type of paper LCD enables Doraemon's eyes to vary their expression, enabling the robot to display a wide range of emotions.
Aimed at people in their 30s who are likely to enjoy the companionship of their favorite robot, "My Doraemon" is priced at 31,500 yen ($320).
