“Hello Robi!”

DeAgostini just released a Manglish speaking robot that can interact with you and the family. Robi is a build yourself robot that is designed to interact in English, Malay and Mandarin.

Created by Professor Tomotaka Takahashi, Robi can talk, sing, dance and control selected household appliances. He can respond to over 250 phrases, as well as communicate with users through the change in eye colours. The Malaysian version is programmed to speak some Manglish phrases, as well as English, Malay and Mandarin Chinese.

Professor Takahashi designed the robot based on his love for Astroboy. Prior to Robi, he designed Kirobo, a 3.5m-tall earthquake rescue droid, as well as put the world’s first humanoid robot astronaut in space in 2013.

“I truly believe that artificial intelligence and the creation of responsive robots can bring tremendous benefits to people and society, and I dream of fostering closer relationships between robots and human beings. We’re excited to introduce Robi to Malaysia, and hope to inspire the next generation of Malaysians to harness technology to improve the lives of citizens and build stronger communities.” Professor Tomotaka Takahashi said.

Speaking at the official launch, Hajime ‘Jimmy’ Murano, Chief Executive Officer of DeAgostini Japan, “We are very happy to be bringing Robi to Malaysia. Robi was first introduced in Taiwan, followed by Hong Kong, China and last year in Singapore. Ever since its launch, it has been very well received and has received a lot of positive feedback. In 2014, it became the top grossing magazine in Taiwan. Today, there are a total of 130,000 assembled Robi robots worldwide, making it the world’s best-selling multilingual humanoid robot.”

Robi comes in 70 separate parts box, along with a magazine with instructions and information about the robot. Pushed out weekly, the different parts can be collected every week and the robot can be put together gradually across weeks to encourage interaction within the family. The magazine also includes educational materials about the robotics industry, encouraging learning within young minds.

The robot has also been designed so that no prior skills is needed by either adult or children to assemble. The only tool required is a screwdriver that comes along with the magazine.

Robi will retail at RM 74.90 per issue, available at 7Eleven, Borders, Cold Storage, Hamleys, Jason’s Food Hall, Kinokuniya, Mercato, MPH Bookstores, myNEWS.com, Pansing, POPULAR, RadioShack, Times and WHSmith. It is also available for purchase online at http://www.myrobi.my/

There is a weekly subscription model online at 10% discount. The first issue will be available at the roadshow for RM24.90. The roadshow will run from 10 to 12 March at One Utama.

Key Features and Functions of Robi:

• Dimensions: 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 Manglish.
• Microcontroller Board: The high-performance microcontroller board controls important functions such as Robi’s 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’: Robi’s 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 it’s time to turn on his charging seat, so Robi can start to recharge.