Robi Arrives in Singapore

Hey guys,
I would like to introduce to you all my new friend- Robi who came all the way from Japan to Singapore! 

He was created by one of the worlds leading robotic scientist, Professor Tomotaka Takahashi, exclusively for De Agostini.

Robi  is  a  fusion  of sophisticated  design  and  advanced  Japanese  technology that was designed to provide  interactive  companionship with the entire family. Incorporating cutting-edge   robotics   technology from  Japan,  Robi has become the  bestselling humanoid robot worldwide. He can communicate with users, even expressing emotion through the colour of his eyes.

When he first arrived, I was so excited and eager to play with him. He is definitely the first robot which I interacted with. He is cool, cute and smart!

He can talk, sing, dance  and  control  selected  household  appliances. He is able to sense the direction of the sound that is coming from and thus he will look at you when you talk to him.

You can also dance along with Robi.

Not motivated to do push up?

Robi can accompany you to do together.

He  has  an extensive vocabulary  of  more  than  250  phrases,  providing  a  deep level  of interaction  between humans and robots.Robi not only can speak English and Chinese, but  also speak some some Singlish phrases which I was really impressed.

Here is a video of me testing out Robi with some verbal command:

Frontal View

Back View

 Left Side View

Right Side View

On his head, there is a microphone which pick up the sound and commands

Speaker on his chest

It has a blue "scarf" that is also where the power on/off switch is. You can use it as a handle to carry Robi around.

The leg section

The arm section

Robi's legs

When you power on Robi, it can be in two positions- standing or sitting.

This is Robi Docking station. 

You can get it if you subscribe to Robi magazine or if you collect the Red Triangular Coupons form issue 36-70.

Robi taking a rest....

Charging in process. 

I like to take this chance to also introduce the man behind who created Robi-Professor Tomotaka Takahashi. His keen interest in robotics grew from a young age, when he patented his first invention while he was still a student, and founded Robo Garage– a robotics group based in Kyoto University -upon  graduation. Professor  Tomotaka  is  responsible  for  many  key  developments  in  robot  design, bringing to life Kirobo,  a  3.5m-tall  earthquake  rescue  droid,  and  he has  even  put  the  worlds first humanoid robot astronaut in space in 2013.

You are not able to buy Robi in a full assembled form. It is sold part by part along with Robi Magazine (70 issues available weekly) to build a completed Robi on your own through the step by step guide and instruction in the magazine.

Each educational magazine will also provide an in-depth understanding of how Robi works. It is definitely more fun building Robi on your own. Not to worry, no  prior skills  is  needed by either  adult or children to assemble Robi. The only tool  required is a screwdriver  that  comes along with  the  magazine.  As digitization goes mainstream  and  becomes  more  advanced, the hands-on learning experience from building Robi will provide children with the opportunity to understand the basics of robotics technology.

I have personally tried assembling Robi with the help of the step-by-step picture and instruction found in the magazine. It is pretty straightforward and definitely good for a great family bonding activity.

Key Features and Functions of Robi: 

• Dimensons: Height: 34 cm –Weight: Approx. 1kg 
• Light-up LEDs: Built-in LEDs allow Robi's eyes and mouth to respond to words and movement. His eyes can glow red, yellow, green and blue, while his mouth will glow red. 
• Speech-recognition Board: Robi has a sophisticated speech recognition board programmed to understand different phrases and reply appropriately. The Singapore version will be able to speak English, Chinese and Singlish.  
• Microcontroller Board: The high-performance microcontroller board controls important functions such as Robis motion and reactions. 
• Speaker: Robi's chest includes a miniature speaker for his spoken responses. 
• Remote-control Module: Emits infrared signals like a remote control to operate compatible TV sets. 
• Motion Sensors: Robi's motion sensors detect human presence and will turn his face in response to movement. 
• Servo Motors: Robi's movements are controlled by a total of 20 servos. They use the Robi-servo command system to ensure smooth movement, and have simple, robust wiring connections.
• Dual-purpose Scarf: Robis light-blue scarf functions as a convenient handle for lifting him without damage to his joints and internal wiring. 
• Timer: Robi can count down a specified number of minutes, and tell you when the time is up. 
• Cleaning: Robi can use his feet to polish a tabletop or hard floor surface. 
• Security Setting: Robi can be set to ask for a password and respond with an alert if he gets the wrong answer 
• Games: Robi knows how to play a variety of games, including soccer and quizzes. 
• Battery Charging:When Robi's batteries begin to run low, he says I'm hungry to let you know.Then its time to turn on his charging seat, so Robi can start to recharge. 

Robi is suitable for kids above the age of 6.

Parental supervision is recommended for younger children as there are small parts.

WHERE TO GET ROBI

Robi Weekly Magazine (comes with model parts) retails at $28.90 per issue and available at selected supermarkets, convenience stores, bookstores and newsstands from 5 July onwards. The first issue will be available at the promotional price of just $9.90!

Customers who subscribe online will also have a promotional discount–More details can be found on the Robi online store

JOIN ME AT THE LAUNCH OF ROBI

Date: 9 -10  July 2016

Venue: Marina Square Shopping  Mall

If you would like to check out Robi, come on down to the launch (open for public)!

Robi will be at the launch event with his creator, Japanese engineer and University of Tokyo professor, Professor Tomotaka Takahashi, who designed him exclusively for De Agostini. Don't forget to bring your camera along as there will be a spectacular performance by 100 Robi models dancing in sync. This will be the first time seeing such a performance in Singapore!

Families and robotic  enthusiasts can also come down and learn more about Robi's emotive functions through hands-on  experiences  at  the  interactive  stations,  and have their photos taken at a Robi-themed photo booth.  

WIN EXCLUSIVE ROBI MERCHANDISE

Take part in the #Robigram contest on their Instagram and Facebook. #SGROBI
Contest ends on 8 July 2016, 12pm.