NICOBO responds with sounds and gestures instead of doing the housework

Cleaning, deliveries, and housework often come to mind when people think about robots. Panasonic's NICOBO sits well outside that list. It cannot even move around on its own. Instead, it responds to speech and touch with sounds, expressions, and movements. It is designed as a companion to interact with, rather than a machine to delegate chores to.

Its round, knitted body has eyes and a tail. A camera recognizes faces and expressions, while multiple microphones detect speech and the direction of sounds. Sensors register when it is stroked or picked up. Springs inside allow its body to sway, a movement the manufacturer says helps give it a lifelike presence.

Speaking does not make NICOBO an assistant capable of answering complex questions accurately. The official guide says it may gradually learn short Japanese expressions while living with its owner, or repeat something the owner has said. It sleeps, talks to itself, and occasionally makes farting sounds. Unexpected reactions are part of its character, rather than precise responses to commands.

Keeping it nearby also means meeting its operating requirements. It is intended for use in Japan and needs Wi-Fi and a smartphone with the dedicated app. Power, charging, and subscription plans also need consideration. Placing it on its charging dock, described as its bed, becomes part of looking after it.

Judged by the number of chores it can perform, NICOBO does very little. Looking instead at who starts a conversation and who waits for a response reveals another scene. Someone picks up the round robot to move it, then answers the small sound it makes. Instead of doing the housework, NICOBO invites the person beside it to say something more.