2024

Maneki Robot Pet
Prototype Of An Interactive Emotional Support Robot Pet

Maneki is a prototype of an innovative emotional support robot designed for individuals living alone, drawing inspiration from the beloved Maneki-Neko, or “beckoning cat.” This comforting companion aims to provide emotional solace through its soft, huggable form and interactive features. By combining a cute, approachable design with smart technology, Maneki addresses the emotional needs of users who seek companionship without the commitment of a real pet.

The design process involved extensive ideation, including sketches to explore various geometric forms. We settled on an organic droplet shape to evoke warmth and comfort. Key features include sound recognition, body position detection, and an expressive face display screen, enabling empathetic responses to user emotions.

Credit: Nguyen Quoc An, Le Khanh Thu

May 2024.