The company said it will put the Japanese-speaking humanoid, designed by well-known roboticist Tomotaka Takahashi, on the market early next year at a price of 15,000 yen (USD 140) apiece at stores and online in Japan.
Its Chinese-speaking siblings will also debut in Taiwan and Hong Kong at around the same time, a company official said, after Robi jr. Was unveiled at the Japan Robot Week exhibition in Tokyo.
When asked to sing a song, the robot will answer, "Okay. Then let's sing along together" or "No. Ask me later because I am busy", depending on "its mood".
Tomy plans to sell 50,000 Robi jr units a year in its home market.