Bring your 2-D waifu to life with world’s first life-sized “emotional” robotic figurine 【Video】

http://bit.ly/2H5Cpgg Oona McGee

You’ll never be lonely with Kosaka by your side.

Over the years, it’s been proven time and time again that there’s a huge market out there for life-sized anime character figurines. And despite being totally static, these figures have been known to sell for jaw-dropping prices well in excess of US$24,000.

So when robot development company Speecys Corp. brought out their Kosaka Cocona life-sized dancing idol figurine in 2017, the price tag of 980,000 yen (US$9,082.64) plus tax, was surprisingly reasonable.

Looking back now, though, the Kosaka prototype, with its jerky gestures and limited movements, had a lot of room for improvement. So after over a year of fine-tuning, Speecys is back with a brand new Kosaka figurine, and this time they’re dubbing it a world-first for its human-like “emotional gestures”.

According to Speecys, Kosaka now displays incredibly smooth movements with much greater articulation, thanks to 37 moveable joints, the most ever for a figurine of this type.

This smooth and delicate articulation creates unprecedented sensitivity and dynamic behaviour, allowing it to express subtle expressions and emotions in its gestures.

▼ Take a look at the video below to see Kosaka in action.

Kosaka can be controlled remotely on cloud-connected PCs or tablets, using MikuMiku Dance software so you can decide and programme her movements. 

While the figurine is a dream home purchase for many otaku, she can also be used in a wide range of scenarios.

The 155-centimetre tall figurine will be making her public debut at the Robodex robot development and application expo at Tokyo Big Sight, which will be held on 16-18 January.

Prices start at 20 million yen ($185,380) plus tax for a standard model with system software and a non-customised exterior. Rental options are currently being considered and will be determined on a case-by-case basis, which is good news for fans of idol anime franchises like Idolmaster and Love Live!

Source: @Press
Featured image: YouTube/benten 505
Insert images: @Press