Animals comfort humans through nonverbal communication. This prompted us to look at the tail as a communication tool and develop a pillow-shaped robot with a tail that reacts to the user’s touch. We named this product, “Qoobo.”

By developing the simplest mechanism possible, we achieved our goal to create a robot that can be offered for under $100 USD. Qoobo’s primary mechanism consists of an accelerometer, two small motors and batteries.

The overwhelming response from consumers and the media to the launching of the product, including the 10 million online video views and the Kickstarter fundraising that netted 147 percent of our goal amount, indicates the strong marketing potential for this unique, portable companion robot. We envision the use of Qoobo not only in homes but also in hospitals, nursing homes and offices. While making preparations for mass production of the product, we are engaged in discussions with various institutions for potential uses at their facilities.

We identified “nonverbal communication” as the means through which animals deliver comfort to people. By focusing on the tail, a nonverbal communication tool unique to animals, we invented a product that brings a sense of comfort and smiles to anyone whom Qoobo touches.

March 2017 – Idea conceived and development launched.

Oct. 3, 2017 – Prototype unveiled at CEATEC JAPAN, an annual home electronics tradeshow in Japan, instantaneously drawing attention of consumers and media.

November-December, 2017 – Kickstarter project succeeds with $115,000 USD raised from more than 900 backers.

December 2017 through present – Taking pre-orders while preparing for delivery in September 2018.

Animals have healing powers. But too many people are deprived of the benefit, either because their apartments do not allow pets, because they are too old to take care of pets, or for various other reasons that restrict them from pet ownership. We wanted to create a product that allows these people to tap into the healing power of animals.