Product Overview
- Product name: KIMIT Robot Ragdoll Cat
- Developed and distributed by: SEGA Toys
- Release date/price: February 2024 / Approx. 33,000 yen (including tax)
- Size: approx. 620 x 190 x 200 mm
- Key Features:
- AI learns movement data from more than 100 actual cats to reproduce natural motion.
- Realistic reproduction of pupil expansion and contraction, heartbeat, breathing sounds, tail and ear movements
- Soft and dense fur material, feels like a real cat
- USB rechargeable (3 hours operation)/Quiet motor
KIMIT was developed as a “realistic healing robot” for people who would like to have a cat but have environmental difficulties. When petted, KIMIT reacts naturally, wagging its tail and sighing in its sleep, giving the user the warmth of being in contact with a real cat. The product is particularly popular among the elderly and people who have experienced pet loss, and is increasingly being used for psychological care.
Appearance and Design
The design motif is a ragdoll cat. The calm and gentle expression, slightly rounded form, and eyes that move slightly as they reflect the light, all contribute to the “quiet presence” of the finished product. The fur is made of long artificial fiber to reproduce the “repulsive feeling when stroked” like a real cat. The weight balance when held in the arms is also natural, and simply stroking it on the lap provides a strange sense of security.
They also look comfortable as interior decorations, and their white or cream coloring blends in well with living rooms and bedrooms. Many users say that they are soothed just by having them in their homes, and some enjoy them not as pets but as “moving interiors.
Good Points
Amazingly natural movement
“It’s amazingly lifelike – the tail and ears move like a real cat.”
Japan Trend Shop Review
AI-based algorithms are used for motion control, and the ears and tail move smoothly. The response changes depending on the way the pet is stroked and where it is touched, giving the impression that it is in a “mood”. The attention to detail can be seen in the breathing, stretching, and slow eye-closing gestures. **The construction of the cat is designed to “reproduce the existence of a cat, not just a robot.
High healing effect and psychological stability
“Just watching it breathe calms me down.”
Amazon Japan Review
It reproduces breathing sounds and heartbeat rhythms, and when you hold it, you can feel its chest move up and down. Some users feel that this brings a sense of psychological relief and has a stress-reducing effect. The practicality of the system as an alternative to pet therapy is also being evaluated, with more and more nursing homes and medical facilities adopting the system.
Significantly improved safety and quietness in the 2025 model
In response to motor noise and heat generation problems reported in the 2024 model, the improved version uses a silent motor. Operating noise has been reduced by approximately 40% to a level that is not bothersome even late at night. The heat dissipation structure of the circuit board has also been improved, eliminating the risk of smoking accidents. In addition, the operating time has been extended to 3.5 hours.
Easy to handle and maintain
KIMIT is lightweight at approximately 2.5 kg, making it easy to carry and handle. It is USB rechargeable and compatible with general-purpose cables, so there is no need to search for special parts. **It is an excellent “healing appliance “** for daily use.
Existence itself is cute.
Many people on social networking sites have posted comments such as, “It’s cute even if it doesn’t move,” and “It looks like a real cat when it’s sleeping.
Weak Points
No conversation or voice functionality
“It doesn’t respond when I talk…I expected some interactivity.”
Reddit – r/JapanTech
KIMIT is not equipped with a voice recognition AI and does not respond to user calls. Many users have asked for KIMIT to “purr when spoken to” and “remember its name,” and future updates and application integration are anticipated.
Defects and recalls of initial lots
“Mine stopped moving and produced a burnt smell.”
Tom’s Hardware
In the early stages of its launch in 2024, there were reports of overheating and smoking due to thermal runaway of the motor IC, and SEGA Toys temporarily suspended sales and conducted a voluntary recall. Subsequent improved versions featured a new circuit board design and the addition of a temperature sensor, but it took some time to regain brand trust.
Battery life issues
The initial model operates for approximately 2 hours, and the improved version operates for a maximum of 3.5 hours, which is somewhat short for long exhibitions and event use. Future models should have lower power consumption and use interchangeable batteries.
Static electricity and dust on fur
Because of their realistic fur, they are prone to dust and static electricity and need to be brushed. Anti-static sprays are considered effective, especially in winter. Regular care is recommended.
Inventory and availability issues
As of March 2025, the product is available for pre-order at official online stores and electronics retailers.
Latest information (2025)
- Improved model (Ver. 2.0) will be resold in limited quantities (January 2025)
- 15% increase in battery capacity, improved motion control
- Official SEGA app in development as beta version (Bluetooth linkage)
- New colors “Milk White” and “Gray Brown” added.
- Official sales in Taiwan and Hong Kong are now underway, and overseas reviews are increasing.
- Next model “KIMIT Mark II” will have voice response function (under development)
- Two color models in brown and white
Comparison with Mia, a talking cat-shaped robot
| Comparison items | KIMIT | Mia |
|---|---|---|
| development (work) company | SEGA Toys | EarBrain Inc. |
| concept | Emphasis on realistic movement and healing | Healing type to cuddle up with conversation and voice expression |
| Conversation function | nashi (Pyrus pyrifolia, esp. var. culta) | Canned voice + voice response available |
| Main Attractions | Dialect, personality, and humorous lines | Dialect, personality and humorous lines |
| number of hours worked | Approx. 3.5 hours | Always in operation (stationary) |
| target layer | Tactile, motion, and appearance realism | Family/Gift/Children segment |
| Price | Approx. 33,000 yen | Approx. 9,800 yen and up |
KIMIT is a “healing by seeing and touching” type, while Mia is a “healing by talking” type. KIMIT soothes the heart with realistic gestures, while Mia brings smiles to users’ faces through conversation.
👇 Talking cat-shaped robot “Mia” that speaks 47 dialects nationwide
Summary and Future Prospects
KIMIT Robot Ragdoll Cat is a model that pursues “the most realistic motion” among cat-shaped robots. The improved version has greatly improved safety. The improved version has greatly improved safety and can be used in daily life with peace of mind.
However, some issues remain, such as voice functionality, uptime, and inventory supply, which are expected to be improved in the next generation model, KIMIT Mark II. In the future, it will evolve into a more emotional partner with conversational support and smartphone app integration.
Recommended for
- People who would like to have a cat but have difficulties due to allergies or housing conditions.
- People who want to provide healing in nursing homes and medical settings.
- People who want to experience the gestures and presence of a real cat.
- People who value “warmth” more than voice
See details of “KIMIT,” a pet that warms your heart.
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