Product Overview: What Is MIMO?
MIMO is an AI monitoring cat robot introduced on Makuake.
It is designed around conversation AI, daily dialogue, conversation history, family sharing, reminders, and family notifications based on signs found in conversation. Its body looks like a soft plush cat, and its eyes use an LCD display for expression.
The main target use case is supporting older family members who live apart. Instead of relying only on a camera-based monitoring system, MIMO aims to let families understand daily condition through ordinary conversation and app-based notifications.
This article is based on the MIMO Makuake project page checked on July 7, 2026. Reward availability, prices, shipping timing, specifications, and service fees may change, so please confirm the official page before supporting the project.
Key Takeaways
What MIMO Offers
- AI monitoring cat robot on Makuake
- Conversation AI for natural daily dialogue
- Conversation history saved in the companion app for a limited period
- Family notifications based on notable words or signs in conversation
- Reminders for medicine, hospital visits, meals, and alarms
- LCD eyes for facial expression
- A cat-like mode when the robot is gently moved during sleep mode
- Optional bundle rewards with the R44 indoor monitoring camera
Good Points
- Helps families check in without always using a camera
- Soft cat-like body that is easy to hold
- Family members can use the app for conversation history and reminders
- Voice patterns and volume can be adjusted for older users
- Camera bundle rewards can add fall detection and other monitoring features
Things to Watch
- It is a Makuake support-purchase project, so shipping timing and final specifications may change
- Some early rewards may already be sold out
- Fall detection service after the included service period requires a separate annual contract
- Body weight was not confirmed in the official information reviewed
- Buyers should check delivery timing and mass-production changes before ordering
Who It May Suit
- Families who want to check on a parent living apart without creating a strong sense of surveillance
- People who want a robot to handle reminders for medicine, hospital visits, and meals
- Users looking for a soft cat-shaped robot they can hold
- Buyers comfortable with Makuake-style support purchases and shipping risks
- Families who may also want an optional monitoring camera and fall detection service
Quick Verdict
MIMO is less a general "talking cat robot" and more an AI cat robot designed around family monitoring.
Its appeal is easy to understand: daily conversation, reminders, conversation history, and family notifications can reduce the need for check-in calls that feel only like task management. At the same time, it is still a Makuake support-purchase product, so pricing, service fees, specifications, and shipping timing should be checked carefully before ordering.
If your top priority is family monitoring for an older parent, MIMO is worth considering. If you want an easier-to-start desk-friendly cat robot with dialect conversation, weather updates, calendar reminders, family messages, and daily companionship, Mia is also worth comparing.
Reference video: Not confirmed in the official information reviewed.
Price and Purchase Options
Price
The Makuake page listed the following MIMO rewards when checked for this article.
| Reward | Price | Contents |
|---|---|---|
| Super Early Bird 48% off | 15,500 yen | MIMO x 1. Shown as sold out |
| Early Bird 40% off | 17,800 yen | MIMO x 1. Shown as sold out |
| Makuake limited 34% off | 19,800 yen | MIMO x 1 |
| Standard retail price | 29,800 yen | MIMO x 1 |
| Two-unit set 50% off | 29,800 yen | MIMO x 2 |
| Parent-support light set 35% off | 34,800 yen | MIMO x 1, R44 monitoring camera x 1, two months of detection service |
| Parent-support premium set 36% off | 54,800 yen | MIMO x 1, R44 monitoring camera x 1, one year of detection service |
The planned standard retail price for MIMO alone is listed as 29,800 yen including tax. The project page also notes that this planned price is an estimate and may change depending on development progress, specifications, and market conditions.
For MIMO itself, the project team states that there is no monthly fee when buying only the robot.
For plans that include the monitoring camera, the fall detection service is included free for two months. After that, continued use is optional and is offered only as an annual contract, not a monthly contract. The stated fee is 40,000 yen per year, which is about 3,333 yen per month when averaged. It does not automatically become a paid monthly plan or automatically switch to an annual contract after the free period; users must apply again if they want to continue.
Where to Buy
Notes Before Buying
- The project end date is shown as September 29, 2026
- Reward delivery is listed as scheduled by the end of October 2026
- Shipping may be delayed because this is a support-purchase project
- Design and specifications may change before mass production
- Makuake's support-purchase system fee may apply at checkout
- MIMO alone has no monthly fee
- Some monitoring camera features, including fall detection and cloud storage, require service enrollment
- Continuing fall detection after the included period is optional; there is no automatic billing or automatic renewal, and continued use requires a 40,000 yen annual contract
Main Features and Use Cases
Conversation AI
MIMO is presented as more than a robot that repeats prerecorded phrases. The project describes it as using conversation AI to respond based on context.
The project also says that daily conversations help MIMO understand the user's normal patterns over time. Actual real-world quality will need to be checked after use, but the concept is clearly centered on conversation rather than simple audio playback.
Conversation History and Family Sharing
MIMO's companion app is described as saving conversation history for a certain period. Family members living apart can check whether the user has been talking normally and whether unusual words or signs appear.
This is one of MIMO's key differences from camera-first monitoring. It is designed to help families notice changes through conversation while reducing the feeling of being watched.
Reminders
MIMO can be used for reminders such as medicine, hospital visits, meals, and alarms set through the app.
This matters because family calls can easily become repetitive checks like "Did you take your medicine?" MIMO can handle some of those routine prompts, leaving family calls for more relaxed conversation.
Cat-Like Expressions and Cat Mode
MIMO uses LCD eyes to show expressions. The project page also explains that when it is in sleep mode, gently moving the body can switch it into a cat-like mode that responds with cute cat sounds.
It may also make small sleeping sounds over Wi-Fi while idle. These details make MIMO feel less like a pure monitoring device and more like a soft companion robot.
Monitoring Camera Bundle
Some rewards bundle MIMO with the R44 indoor monitoring camera. The camera side is described as supporting fall detection, abnormal sound detection, real-time smartphone alerts, event tracking, and live view.
However, AI fall detection, fall history, recorded-image checks, and cloud storage are tied to the fall detection service. Buyers should separate what MIMO itself can do from what requires the camera and paid service.
FAQ
Quick Summary
- Price: MIMO rewards start from 15,500 yen on Makuake, though some early rewards are sold out. The listed standard retail price is 29,800 yen.
- What it does: Conversation AI, conversation history, family notifications, reminders, LCD expressions, and cat-like mode.
- Target users: Families who want gentle conversation-based monitoring for an older parent living apart.
- Main cautions: Shipping risk, specification changes, service fees for optional camera features, and the difference between MIMO itself and the monitoring camera.
- Before buying: Check which features are included in the robot alone and which require the camera or fall detection service.
Does MIMO Require a Monthly Fee?
For MIMO itself, no monthly fee is required when buying only the robot, according to the project team's answer.
If you buy a plan that includes the monitoring camera, two months of fall detection service are included. After that, continued use requires the user to apply for an annual contract. The fee is 40,000 yen per year, which is about 3,333 yen per month when averaged.
There is no automatic monthly billing and no automatic switch to an annual contract after the included period ends.
Can MIMO Monitor Without a Camera?
MIMO itself is designed to notify family members based on conversation history and notable signs in conversation, rather than constantly watching a room with a camera.
If you want fall detection, live view, or other camera-based monitoring features, you need to check the R44 monitoring camera bundle and its service terms.
Is It Easy for Older Users?
The Makuake page says voice patterns and volume can be adjusted through the smartphone app. This may help when a higher voice is hard to hear or when room conditions require different volume settings.
Initial setup and app use should still be planned as something a family member may need to support.
When Is Shipping Scheduled?
The Makuake page lists delivery by the end of October 2026.
Because this is a support-purchase project, delivery may change depending on manufacturing and parts procurement. Buyers should check the latest project updates before ordering.
Specifications
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Product name | MIMO |
| Project owner | KAMI Inc. |
| Platform | Makuake |
| Price | Makuake rewards from 15,500 yen. Listed standard retail price: 29,800 yen |
| Main use | Conversation, reminders, family monitoring notifications, companionship |
| Size | Approx. 250 mm bottom width x approx. 270 mm depth from feet to tail x approx. 330 mm height |
| Colors | Greige x white, black x white |
| Materials | Outer: polyester fiber / filling: polypropylene cotton |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 2.4 GHz |
| Power | USB Type-C charging |
| Speaker | Built in |
| Microphone | Built in |
| App support | iOS / Android |
| Battery | 1000 mAh / 3-5 hours continuous operation |
| Language | Japanese |
| Expression | LCD display eyes |
| Volume adjustment | Adjustable through the app or by voice |
| Appearance | Cat-shaped body, fabric texture, LCD eyes |
| Conversation | Conversation AI |
| Conversation start/stop | After Wi-Fi connection, conversation can start after a few seconds without the app. Conversation can be stopped with a switch built into the left hand |
| Voice | Multiple voices selectable |
| App features | Conversation history, family sharing, reminders, voice and volume settings |
| Monitoring features | Notifications based on notable signs in conversation. Camera bundle can add fall detection |
| Monthly fee | MIMO alone has no monthly fee. Continuing camera fall detection after the included period requires a 40,000 yen annual contract. No automatic billing or automatic switch |
| Delivery schedule | Scheduled by the end of October 2026 |
| Weight | Not confirmed in the official information reviewed |
| Included items | MIMO unit, Type-C charging cable, user manual |
Overall Assessment
MIMO is an AI cat robot that tries to connect family monitoring with everyday conversation.
Its reminders, conversation history, and family notifications are easy to understand for families caring about an older parent. Its cat-like body, expressions, and soft companion feel may also make it easier to accept than a purely functional monitoring device.
At the same time, as of July 7, 2026, it is still a support-purchase product. Delivery timing, final specifications, and the annual fee for continuing the optional camera fall detection service should be checked carefully.
Comparison With Mia, the Talking AI Cat Robot
| Comparison Point | MIMO | Mia |
|---|---|---|
| Form | Soft cat-shaped AI monitoring robot | Compact cat-shaped talking AI companion |
| Main features | Conversation AI, conversation history, family notifications, reminders, monitoring camera bundle | Japanese dialects, expressions, voice conversation, Google Calendar integration, weather updates, 15 English characters |
| Main use | Monitoring a family member living apart, reminders, conversation | Daily conversation, companionship, schedule and weather prompts, gifts |
| Monitoring approach | Notices condition through conversation history and keyword notifications. Camera bundle available | Creates daily communication through family messages, schedules, weather, and voice prompts |
| Conversation experience | Promotes natural conversation through conversation AI | Focuses on approachable voice conversation and dialect personality |
| Family features | App-based conversation history, reminders, and notifications | Google Calendar integration, family message feature, recorded messages, weather updates |
| Device price | Listed standard retail price: 29,800 yen | From 9,800 yen including tax |
| Purchase type | Makuake support purchase. Delivery timing and specification changes should be checked | Available through the official Mia website |
| Best for | Families who prioritize conversation history and notifications for monitoring a parent living apart | Families who want daily voice prompts, family messages, and dialect conversation for an older parent living apart |
Mia, the talking AI cat companion robot with dialects and daily voice features
Summary
MIMO combines conversation and family monitoring in a soft AI cat robot. It may be a good fit for families who want to understand how a parent living apart is doing, support reminders for medicine or appointments, and avoid the feeling of constant camera surveillance.
However, MIMO is a Makuake support-purchase product, so practical use information, shipping timing, specification changes, and service fees should be checked carefully. It is especially important to separate what MIMO itself can do from what requires the monitoring camera and fall detection service.
Mia is a cat-shaped AI robot for everyday voice prompts, dialect conversation, and family communication. It starts from 9,800 yen including tax and supports dialects, expressions, voice conversation, Google Calendar integration, weather updates, family messages, and 15 English characters.
Choose MIMO if conversation history and notifications are the priority. Choose Mia if you want family messages, daily voice prompts, dialect conversation, and an easier-to-start companion for everyday monitoring and communication.
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