SoftBank alum unveils 'affectionate' companion robot in Japan

Children pose with Groove X's Lovot at its demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japanese startup Groove X, founded by an alumni of SoftBank Group Corp's robotics unit, unveiled its first creation on Tuesday - a companion robot designed to make users happy.

The Lovot, an amalgam of "love" and "robot", cannot help with the housework but it will "draw out your ability to love," Groove X founder and CEO Kaname Hayashi told reporters at the launch in Tokyo.

A boy calls up Groove X's Lovot at its demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Using artificial intelligence (AI) to interact with its surroundings, the wheeled machine resembles a penguin with cartoonish human eyes, has interchangeable outfits and communicates in squeaks.

It is designed to mimic affection for users who show it kindness by becoming warm to the touch, going to "sleep" when it's cuddled or following users when called.

Its practical uses are limited to simple tasks like baby monitoring or watching over the house via a camera that users can access through a mobile app while they are out.

A man and woman dress Groove X's Lovot at its demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

While Japan is already a leading manufacturer of industrial robots, Groove X is trying to expand the fledgling market for household robots. It has raised 8 billion yen ($71.1 million) from investors including a Toyota Motor Corp-backed fund, chat app operator Line Corp and the Japanese government.

The Lovot will compete with Sony Corp's AI-powered robot dog Aibo, revived last year more than a decade after it ceased production.

Hayashi worked on SoftBank's humanoid Pepper robot, which can be found greeting customers in shops and restaurants across Japan but has been a flop with households three years after its launch.

Groove X's Lovot robots are displayed at their demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

SoftBank has recently increased its focus on more practical robots, last month launching the Whiz autonomous cleaning machine which uses technology from portfolio company U.S.-based Brain Corp.

As with Pepper, Lovot's uptake is likely to be hampered by its hefty price tag of 349,000 yen ($3,100) before tax with ongoing subscription fees. Units will start shipping in late 2019.

Japan ranks lowest among the G7 highly industrialized nations in the United Nations annual happiness ranking.

Groove X's Lovot moves between the legs of a man at its demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

($1 = 112.5600 yen)

Groove X's CEO Kaname Hayashi poses with Lovot at its demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

(Reporting by Sam Nussey; Editing by Stephen Coates)

Groove X's Lovot is displayed with accessories at its demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Groove X Lovot robots are pictured at their demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Groove X's Lovot robots are displayed with charging dock at demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

A woman holds Groove X's Lovot at its demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Groove X's Lovot robots are pictured at their demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Groove X's Lovot is pictured at its demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

A woman holds up Groove X's Lovot at its demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Children touch Groove X's Lovot at its demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Groove X's Lovot charges using a charging dock at a demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

Children hold GROOVE X's new home robot LOVOT at its demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

A woman calls up GROOVE X's new home robot LOVOT at its demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

GROOVE X's new home robots LOVOT are pictured at its demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

A girl carries a Groove X's Lovot at its demonstration during the launching event in Tokyo, Japan, December 18, 2018. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon