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"wakamaru" Design

Design conscious of "Living with Humans" for the first time ever

The design concept of Mr.Toshiyuki Kita, who designed "wakamaru", was to create "a humanoid robot that can approach its user." "wakamaru" is designed in the image of a human being, not merely as a "machine" or a "computer terminal," but rather as an "independent personality." Its familiar facial expressions and body appearance make it feel friendly to everyone from children to elderly people.
Design conscious of 'Living with Humans' for the first time ever
Toshiyuki Kita/ Product Designer

Toshiyuki Kita/ Product Designer

He began designing instarted his design activity since 1969. He is a successful designer, producing a string of hit items such as "WINK" the of Italian company Cassina's "WINK" andor "AQUOS", a of crystal display of television set manufactured by the Japanese firm Sharp. He is actively working in the fields of household electric equipments and consumer , daily goods, not only in Japan, but also in Europe and around, namely across the world. Many of his works are in collected by museum collections s wworldwide, including the Museum of New York Modern Art in New YorkMuseum. His other extra-field activitiesy ranges from to promoting activation of local industries andor traditional arts, and to activities as creative director, as well as holding a as professorship at Osaka University of Arts.

"wakamaru" design points

Eyes

Eyes of 'wakamaru'

Eyes of "wakamaru"

"wakamaru's" eyes are necessary not only from a technological point of view, but also to express its understanding of the emotions of the person who stares at it.
The shape and size of "wakamaru's" eyes directly express its personality. Its large eyes express "wakamaru's" understanding of what is being spoken, indicating that reliable communication can be established. Its eye expressions are intended to create a feeling for reliable intelligence.

Mouth

Mouth of 'wakamaru'

Mouth of "wakamaru"

The mouth may take on a slight smile or even express an air of melancholy. As with the eyes, the mouth appears differently depending on the emotions of the person who stares at it. This robot actually bears the role of "living with humans".

Eyebrows

Eyebrows of 'wakamaru'

Eyebrows of "wakamaru"

Although the eyebrows were designed to satisfy functional necessity, their position and shape ended up giving rise to "wakamaru"'s" character. In fact, the name "wakamaru" was chosen because of the eyebrows' resemblance to those of Ushiwakamaru, a 12th century samurai warrior. As with Ushiwakamaru, who grew up to be the famous Yoshitsune, we expect further growth and development of "wakamaru" down the road.


Business contact: Transportation Systems & Advanced Technology Division Intelligent Transport Systems Department Intelligent  Transport Systems Sales Section +81-78-672-5270

Business Segment: Machinery & Steel Infrastructure Systems
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