Kirobo, Kibo Robot Project, mini humanoid robot astronaut, Japan

Toyota is teaming up with Japan's space program to send Kirobo to space. The robot astronaut is built with Toyota's latest voice-recognition software to test future applications for robot-human interaction.

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Robot astronaut Kirobo has become the first robot ever to speak in space. The historic first words in space reflected the importance of Kirobo's 18-month long mission: "On August 21, 2013, a robot took one small step towards a brighter future for all."

Kirobo and his earth-bound mission counterpart, Mirata, are two humanoid communication robots developed under the Kibo Robot Proejct, a joint research project between Dentsu Inc., University of Tokyo's Research Centre for Advanced Science and Technology, Robo Garage Co., and Toyota Motor Corporation. The project is also extensively assisted by Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).

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Being an astronaut can be an overwhelming experience, so Japanese researchers are using a robot to see if an artificial friend can help lonely spacemen bear the solitude of the cosmos.

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For those of us who always wanted a robot companion the wait is over after Toyota unveiled the 'Kirobo Mini' at the Tokyo Motor Show 2015, Wednesday.

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Toyota is bringing Kirobo Mini to market in 2017, proving that robots can be cute and companionable as well as useful.

Developed as a “communication partner,” Kirobo Mini can hold a basic conversation, make hand gestures, and can respond to human emotions, Small enough to fit in the palm of the hand, it is perfectly portable so can serve as a constant companion to its owner.

Sales will start at selected Toyota dealers in Japan this winter ahead of a nationwide roll-out next year.

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The new robot from Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. can't do much but chatter in a high-pitched voice. But the $390, 4-inch-tall, doll-like Kirobo Mini supposedly has the smarts of a 5-year-old. (Oct. 3)

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The new robot from Japanese automaker Toyota Motor Corp. can't do much but chatter in a high-pitched voice.

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