Sony's bipedal robot and corporate goodwill ambassador, 'Qrio', would be displayed at four centres in the country. It aims to introduce science & technology and engineering to children in an exciting way, Katsumi Muto, general manager of Sony's Entertainment Robot Core, said.
"The 58 cm tall and about 7 kg robot can recognise face and voice and is also capable of walking on uneven surface," he said, launching 'Qrio science programme'.
Muto said the prototype robot was not for commercial use. "It is just a goodwill ambassador and aims at rekindling scientific temper especially in the students," he said.
Declining to reveal the investment made to build the robot, Muto said, "The technologies used to build the robot are being used in our products and some would be used in future. Since, it is not for sale the company has not put a price tag on it."
"The sensors incorporated within the machine helps it locate and follow an object. The technology also helps the robot stand without any help from outside," said Eishi Endo, a scientist in the company's research and development wing.
'Qrio' entertainment robots from Japanese electronics giant Sony, give a dance performance on stage at the Sony showroom in Tokyo. Sony's humanoid robots, 58 cm in height and weighing 7 kg, have three CPUs and 38 micro actuators to help them move smoothly. Photo: Yoshikazu Tsuno/AFP/Getty Images