The nationwide rollout will be preceded by pre-sales at designated dealers in Tokyo and Aichi Prefecture this winter, for which advanced orders will be taken online. Kiboro Mini is tentatively priced at 39,800 yen (around RM1,620).
Toyota described the Kirobo Mini as a miniature communication partner developed to provide companionship. It fits in the palm of the hand and is only 10cm high when seated. It turns its head towards the person speaking and engages in casual conversation while moving its head and hands. Its compact size means it can be taken just about anywhere, helping it to fulfill its role as a companion always on hand for communication.
Kiboro Mini's range of gestures and conversation abilities are mainly made possible by connecting Kirobo Mini via Bluetooth to smartphones installed with a dedicated app. A built-in camera enables Kirobo Mini to recognise people's facial expressions, through which it tries to detect their emotions so that it can adjust its manner of speaking and moving. Kirobo Mini can also converse based on information drawn from the vehicle or home.
Kiboro Mini forms part of the Toyota goal to develop a humanlike interaction between man and machine.
