3 Alarm Robots and Wake-Up Devices for Easier Mornings (2026): Including Mia, Which You Set by Voice

Updated November 2026
Mia's Conversation Model can now be used as an alarm clock and timer, so this article has been rewritten with the latest information. The description of how Alarmo stops has also been corrected to match how it actually works.

Introduction
How to choose
Three alarm robots and wake-up devices
Combine them
FAQ
Summary

Introduction

Getting out of bed is hard for many people, especially on cold winter mornings. Alarm robots and wake-up devices can help.

Unlike an ordinary alarm clock or a phone alarm, they can be set just by talking to them, let the morning sun in, or keep ringing until you actually get up.

This article explains how to choose one and introduces three options.

How to choose

Wake-up devices fall roughly into three types. Pick the one that matches what actually gets you up.

Type	How it wakes you	Good for
Voice and conversation	You set it by talking, and it wakes you with a gentle sound	People who find settings fiddly, don't want a phone in the bedroom, or want something easy for an older family member
Motion sensing	It watches your movement and rings until you get up	People who fall back asleep
Light	It opens the curtains and lets the sunlight in	People who dislike being woken by sound

Three alarm robots and wake-up devices

Product	Type	Price (incl. tax, Japan)	How to stop it	Highlights
Mia (Conversation Model)	Voice and conversation	From 24,800 yen + Premium service 300 yen/month	Touch her head	Set by voice, five sounds, rings even when muted
Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo	Motion sensing	12,980 yen	Get out of bed or move	Game music and sound effects, discourages going back to sleep
mornin' plus	Light	From around 7,000 yen (street price)	n/a	Opens your curtains automatically at a set time

Prices are as checked in November 2026 and vary by retailer and time. Please check the official sites before you buy.

1. Mia: a cat robot you set by voice and stop with a head touch

Mia is a palm-sized talking cat robot. With the November 2026 update (app 1.25.0), the Conversation Model can now be used as an alarm.

Set it by talking: "Set an alarm for 7:50", "Wake me up at 6:30 every morning", "Let me know in 30 minutes"
Stop it by touching her head: just reach out from under the covers
Five sounds: Marimba, Music Box, Birdsong, Bell Clock and Fanfare, with previews in the app
Choose how long it rings: 30 seconds, 1, 3 or 5 minutes
It rings even when Mia is muted
Family members far away can set alarms in the app, for example as a reminder for medicine or appointments

Mia is also good at morning greetings, such as weather reports and reading out Google Calendar events. On the Conversation Model, you can ask her "What's the weather today?" once you're awake.

Price: Standard Model from 9,800 yen, Conversation Model from 24,800 yen (tax included). Conversation Mode, including setting alarms by voice, needs the Premium service (300 yen per month).

Alarms are a Conversation Model feature. On the Standard Model, family voice messages and registered phrases can be played at set times.

[Conversation Model Only] Use Mia as an Alarm Clock: Set It by Voice, Stop It With a Head Touch

With Mia app 1.25.0, the Conversation Model can be used as an alarm. Say "Wake me at 7" or "Set an alarm in 30 minutes", and touch Mia's head to stop it. See repeat options, the five sounds, ring length and things to know.

2. Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo, which senses your movement

Source: Nintendo (Japanese)

Nintendo's alarm clock uses a radio-wave motion sensor to detect the movement of the person sleeping. When the alarm rings, game music and sound effects respond to your movements, and the alarm stops when you get out of bed. It also has a feature that discourages falling back asleep.

New alarm themes from games such as Super Mario and Animal Crossing are added through updates. Some features need an internet connection and a Nintendo Account.

Price: 12,980 yen (tax included). Since May 2025 it has also been sold at game retailers across Japan.

3. mornin' plus: wake up with the morning sun

Morning light helps reset your body clock and wake up refreshed. mornin' plus attaches to your curtain rail and opens your curtains automatically at the time you set in the smartphone app.

It suits people who dislike being woken by sound, or who want sunlight at the same time every day.

Price: from around 7,000 yen (varies by retailer)

Combine them

Because each one wakes you differently, they also work well together.

Let the sun in with mornin' plus, then have Mia's alarm wake you a little later
Once you're awake, ask Mia about the weather or today's plans
If you keep falling back asleep, try Alarmo, which rings until you get up

FAQ

Which is best for an older family member?

For someone who finds smartphones hard to use, Mia is easy: set an alarm by talking, and stop it by touching her head. Family members living elsewhere can also set alarms from the app.