The moment you have been waiting for has finally arrived! The creators of Paro-chan, the world's most therapeutic robot , have succumbed to the lure of the corporate dollar and finally decided to allow sales to consumers. The first limited-production run of 200 units will sell for 350,000 yen each. Orders are only being taken by telephone though so make sure you practice up on that Japanese. Paro-chan o kudasai!!

The National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has begun consumer sales of the world's most therapeutic robot recognised by the Guiness Book of Records, the seal-shaped "Paro-chan," from 1 March.

Paro-chan is covered in white fur, is 55 centimetres long and weighs 2.7 kilograms. The robot responds to light and sound (e.g. voice) by crying (i.e. emitting a sound) and moving its eyelids, body and flippers. It also has a function to remember words such as the user's name.

A research team led by Dr Takanori Shibata has been developing the robot since 1993 and it is the world's first to be recognised for its effectiveness in relieving depression and improving spirits. Until now, rental and sale of the robot has been limited to health and rehabilitation facilities. However, there have been over 200 inquiries regarding consumer sales.

200 units will be produced initially and priced at 350,000 yen. AIST has also developed a version of Paro-chan that can recognise 7 languages including Japanese, Korean, Chinese and English for display at the 2005 World Exposition in Aichi, Japan.

Inspired by:
http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/national/news/20050228i517.htm

Homepage:
http://paro.jp/english/index.html