Miuro - The all new iPod Robot!
Written By: Joseph Gillespie
Yes, you read that right, a robot for your iPod has been developed and released in Japan. Called the "Miuro" (short for "music innovation based on utility robot technology" and no, we don't know how Technology became an O) the robotic iPod accessory will allow your music to travel with you throughout the house, rolling around and dancing to the beat wherever you go. Like a loyal dog that can actually speak. The Miuro is developed by ZMP Inc. and features a high quality speaker system by Kenwood Corp. The Miuro is 14 inches wide, weighs 11 pounds, and looks sort of like an opened egg with a ball inside. The Miuro has a built in iPod Dock on the top of it's central ball, and responds to commands given to it by a remote control. The Miuro is also capable of receiving wireless signals from computers using such programs and iTunes and other related software.
At a demostration in Tokyo, the Miuro performed a preprogrammed routine of dancing and rolling about. "This is a robot version of music-on-the-move that's so popular," said Miuro designer Shinichi Hara, "I designed it to have a gentle look because it becomes a part of everyday life by integrating robotics and music." Hara also said.
The Miuro is currently available only in Japan, however overseas release is targeted for the second half of 2007. The Miuro retails in Japan for around $930, no word on whether the price will raise or lower when released on this side of the globe. ZMP's goal is to sell over 10,000 Miuros in the first year, bringing a gross profit of around $8.5 Million. With the iPod's ever increasing popularity, and it's constant addition to new and existing techinlogy (cars, cell phones, PDAs, etc.) ZMP President Hisashi Taniguchi says robotic technology adds yet another convenience to mobile music. "The robot helps you listen to music wherever you are without even thinking about it," he said. "Sometimes I don't even have the energy to put on a CD." The Miuro is available in four different colors, Black, Red, Yellow, and White.
ZMP Inc. has also stated that it plans to bring further Miuro accessories to the market in the coming months, such as a camera and special sensors that would allow the Miuro to be able to track out and remember certain routes around the house. Not much has been released on these additions, and there's no word on when they might be available.
Last Modified: September 1st, 2006
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