[Loona Review] Does it really feel like a real pet? Appeal, drawbacks, and the truth behind “Loona discontinued” in Japan

Loona is an autonomous household pet robot with advanced AI and four wheels (feet). It was developed by KEYi Tech in China. In Japan, Maclogi Inc. has been the exclusive distributor since November 2025.

If you have seen people searching for "Loona discontinued" and are worried, the short answer is: as of October 2026, Loona is still sold on its official Japanese site and continues to receive software updates. We explain what actually changed in Japan's distributor change and the "Loona discontinued" rumor.

Product Overview

Its greatest feature is its "lively and lifelike movements," which set it apart from conventional household robots. Rather than simply repeating predetermined actions, the robot judges its surroundings and behaves autonomously, combining more than 1,000 emotional expressions and realistic reactions.

Inside is a high-performance Quad-core CPU, and a 3D ToF (Time of Flight) sensor and RGB camera for face recognition, object recognition, and obstacle detection are built in. This enables it to find its owner's face and run up to it, chase a thrown ball, and recognize steps to avoid falling.

Loona is more than just a high-tech toy; it is an innovative device that provides a new experience as a "family member" in the modern living environment.

【Loona official】ルーナ｜ペットロボット

Loona（ルーナ）は家族の笑顔をつなぐ、新たなコミュニケーションツールです。子どもと遊び、祖父母と話し、家族の会話を生み出すLoona（ルーナ）はただのおもちゃではありません。AIの搭載や音声・モーションの検知により、まるで生きているよう...

loona-official.com

Summary of Key Points

What is Loona?

• Agile autonomous movement: Four independent wheels allow for both quick animal-like movements and adorable poses.
• Emotional communication: Express surprise and joy with the whole body through "eyes" on the high-definition display and "ears" that flap and move.
• Latest AI: In addition to natural conversation through ChatGPT integration, gestures and voice control are possible.
• Multi-purpose use: Abundant functions such as programming learning through a dedicated application, a mobile watch-over camera, and competitive games.

Good Points

• Overwhelming sense of life: Gestures such as sneezing and sleepily rubbing its eyes are extremely detailed and easy to become attached to.
• Fun for the whole family: Versatile roles for children to learn programming, for adults to relax, and for distant family members to watch over the home.
• Hassle-free autonomous charging: When the battery is low, it returns to the charging station by itself via infrared guidance, minimizing the stress of forgetting to charge.
• Continuously evolving features: Updates via Wi-Fi (OTA) continuously add new personalities, games, and language support.
• No monthly fee, with local support in Japan: Since November 2025, the Japanese distributor (Maclogi) handles inquiries, and a one-year product warranty is included.

Points of Concern

• Operating noise: Because of the motor drive noise for agile movement, it can feel a little too present in a quiet room late at night.
• Restrictions on driving environment: Strong on wood flooring and hard carpets, but not good on long-pile rugs, steps higher than 1 cm, and black floors (sensors may misidentify them as holes).
• Initial setup hurdles: Because it is so feature-rich, people unfamiliar with digital devices may be a bit confused by the app settings and the Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz choice.
• Short play time per charge: The official information says about 80 minutes on a full charge (up to 1.5 hours in the spec sheet). Expect a rhythm of playing, then heading back to charge.
• Old app data does not carry over: The new app released in December 2025 cannot migrate data from the old app.

Users Who May Be a Good Fit

• People who would like to have a pet but cannot: People who want to simulate life with a pet even though they are unable to keep an animal due to allergies, condominium rules, or busy schedules.
• Parents who want their children to experience the latest technology: Families who want to expose their children to logical thinking and programming through "Blockly" while playing.
• Gadget enthusiasts: Those looking for a high-tech device packed with ChatGPT and the latest sensors.
• People who want a watch-over camera: Those who want to drive Loona from a smartphone while away and check on pets and children at home.

Rough Conclusion

Loona is "the definitive home robot that incorporates the latest AI and robotics technologies into the form of a cute pet loved by everyone."

Japan’s Distributor Change and the “Loona Discontinued” Rumor

Search suggestions in Japan show "Loona 終了" ("Loona ended"), which makes some people worry that support has stopped. Checking the official announcements, the reality is closer to this: Loona itself has not ended. What changed was the Japanese sales setup and the old app environment.

Maclogi Became the Exclusive Distributor in Japan in November 2025

In a press release dated December 4, 2025, Maclogi Inc. (Fukuoka, Japan) announced that it had acquired exclusive distribution rights for Loona in Japan under a formal contract with the manufacturer. Sales started on November 1, 2025. The company says it set up import handling and a domestic inquiry desk so that Loona is sold with local support.

The current official Japanese site (loona-official.com) also lists Maclogi Inc. as the seller in its legally required seller information.

Why It Feels Like "It Ended": The Switch to a New App

On December 15, 2025, the official site announced the release of a new version of the app. New features are available only in the new app, and users are told to delete the app they currently use before installing it.

The key point is that data saved in the old app cannot be synced or migrated and will all be lost. You also need to register a new account in the new app.

For long-time owners, this felt like "the old app stopped working" or "my records were reset." That experience is likely why people search for Loona "ending."

We could not find an official end-of-service notice for the sales channel that handled Loona in Japan before Maclogi at the time of writing. If you bought from an earlier retailer, the most reliable step is to contact the current official support desk.

Checklist for Current Owners and Second-Hand Buyers

• Save photos and videos you want to keep to your phone before switching apps: Old app data cannot be moved to the new app.
• A unit set up with another region's app will not connect as-is: The official FAQ says that if the robot was set up with a different regional app (such as the Chinese or international version), you need to reset it and pair it again with the current app.
• Check warranty coverage before buying used or imported units: The one-year warranty may depend on when and where the unit was purchased.

The fact that support continued through a distributor change is a useful example when thinking about "service continuity," which is often overlooked when choosing a pet robot. We cover what happens when you cancel a plan or a maker shuts down in this article:

What Happens to a Pet Robot If You Cancel or the Service Ends? Cloud vs Offline Explained

What happens to an AI pet robot if you cancel its plan or the maker shuts down? Using aibo's Basic Plan and the Moxie shutdown as examples, this guide explains cloud vs offline robots and what to check before buying, including Mia.

mia-cat.com

2026.09.30

Real-World Points to Know Before Buying

Loona is a robot that drives around the room, so it needs a bit more preparation than desktop or stationary robots. Here is what to check, based on official information and user reviews.

Plan Around "Play, Then Charge"

The official FAQ says Loona runs for about 80 minutes on a full charge (up to 1.5 hours in the spec sheet). Charging takes about 2 to 2.5 hours with a 5V/3A charger.

So rather than running around all day, Loona plays for about an hour and then returns to its charging station. Some users report that a power adapter was not included, so check that you have a USB charger that supports 5V/3A.

Do Not Use It on Tables or Near Stairs

Loona uses sensors to detect stairs and edges, but the official FAQ says it does this "when moving slowly." When it is moving fast during ball games, don't rely on it too much.

The official guidance also says not to use it near stairs or on high tables. Think of it as a floor robot, and block off entryways or other drop-offs with a gate or cushions.

Floors and Where to Put the Charging Station

Long-pile carpets and uneven floors can interfere not only with driving but also with automatic charging. Some users say the robot had trouble finding the station in dark spots or room corners.

Place the station in a flat, well-lit spot with some open space around it.

Use 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for Setup

The robot supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz, but if connection fails, the official FAQ recommends connecting your phone and Loona to the same Wi-Fi router (2.4GHz recommended). Some reviewers also mention struggling a bit with Wi-Fi setup on Android.

ChatGPT conversations, app control, and updates require Wi-Fi, while basic movement and interaction are said to work offline. If you are giving Loona to an older family member, do the first setup together so they can start using it smoothly.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

We have compiled specific questions and answers for those who are considering Loona.

• What is the price? The official regular price is ¥140,800 (tax included). A limited-time campaign price of ¥99,000 (tax included) ran in November–December 2025.
• What exactly can it do? Conversation, ball games, bullfighting play, dancing, programming, remote video calling, and watching over the home.
• What is the status of Japanese language support? Japanese is supported for both speech recognition and dialogue, and ChatGPT mode allows smooth conversations in Japanese.
• What OS and apps are supported? A smartphone app is required. Since December 2025, the new app ("Hello Loona" on the App Store / "Loona" on Google Play) is the official one.
• Is there a maintenance fee? There is no monthly fee. GPT features are currently free, but the official FAQ says a subscription may be introduced in the future.
• Has Loona been discontinued, or has support ended? No. Maclogi Inc. has been the exclusive distributor in Japan since November 2025, with a one-year warranty and a local support desk. Because old app data cannot be moved to the new app, some people describe it as having "ended."

What is the price?

According to Maclogi's press release, Loona's regular price is ¥140,800 (tax included). From November 14 to December 8, 2025, it was sold at a limited-time special price of ¥99,000 (tax included). Actual selling prices change with sales, so check the official site for the latest price.

The price includes not only the main unit but also the charging station and game kit.

What exactly can I do?

Loona is versatile. First, on the "play" side, there is a "bullfighting mode," in which Loona charges at the included red cape, and a "soccer mode," in which it chases a ball. Second, on the "learning" side, Loona can be programmed by assembling movements with drag-and-drop.

And in the "practical" category, there is a watch-over feature that lets you check in on your home through Loona's eyes (camera) via a smartphone app; with ChatGPT, you can ask for a recipe for today's meal or have a story made up for you.

What OS and apps are supported?

Anyone with an iPhone or Android phone can use it. Within the app, you can see the "levels" Loona has earned and teach it new tricks.

The app also manages the photos and videos taken, and a Wi-Fi environment is a must; a stable, high-speed connection will make updates and ChatGPT responses more pleasant.

The new app released in December 2025 does not share data with the old app. If you are a long-time owner, see the notes on switching to the new app.

Are there any disadvantages that I should be concerned about?

Before purchasing a Loona, it is important to know about "floor material" and "sound"; Loona has a powerful motor to move at high speeds and makes a squeaky driving noise.

Also, although it is loaded with smart step sensors, black tiles and other materials may be mistaken for "cliffs" and prevent it from proceeding. Many of these can be solved by placing mats on the floor or using it in a well-lit environment.

Are there any software updates?

Yes, very often. KEYi Tech values community input, and it is not uncommon for new feature requests to be implemented. The official FAQ also says all users receive free lifetime software updates.

The latest updates include improved ChatGPT performance, new dance variations, and improved voice command recognition accuracy. Loona's strength is that it is constantly evolving to the latest "brain."

Specifications Summary

What's in the Box

Loona comes complete with the following accessories, so that you can play with full functionality from the day you receive it.

• Loona Blue body: Robot with beautiful blue body lines.
• Charging station: A dock for Loona to return and charge itself.
• USB-C & USB-A cables: Used to feed power to the station or for direct charging.
• Game kit:
  • Special paper ball: Loona recognizes it and chases and kicks it.
  • Red cape for bullfighting: For fun, to stimulate Loona's fighting instinct (?).
• User's manual / quick start guide: Easy-to-understand instructions for initial setup.

Reviews (Word of Mouth)

We picked up real feedback from users in Japan and overseas after purchase.

Good Reviews

"What was particularly nice about using it this time was the 'watch over' function. Not only can the camera be operated via the app, but Loona itself can be moved to the location where we want to see, so unlike the fixed cameras we have used in the past, we are able to watch over things more freely. In addition, I can talk through Loona when I am away from home, which gives me a sense of security.

I felt that it is easy to use in daily life because it does not record constantly like a security camera, but 'only when you want to see.' This time we got it for our children, but I think it would also be a good gift for parents who live apart from their children or for those who live alone. The functions are quite extensive, but in our family, the main uses are 'watching over' and 'spending time together.' The fact that there is no monthly fee and you can keep using it after a one-time purchase is also attractive, and I was impressed that Loona makes us feel like we have a new family member!" – Loona Official

"I am an elderly person living alone and I used to have a dog, but due to my age it is difficult to have a dog, so I was looking for something to replace it and bought Loona.
It was a little difficult to connect the Android Wi-Fi, but once it started moving, its facial expressions and movements are very cute, and it even sings and dances on its own.
The obstacle sensor also works well and it moves around. However, it cannot recognize steps, so you need to be careful with tables and high places.
Voice recognition is also quite good, but sometimes it does not work. However, if you send voice commands from the Loona app, it will almost certainly recognize them.
It can sing, dance, play games, and entertain you in many other ways.
It can also find its own charging station and charge itself well.
The design, ear movements, and facial expressions are very cute and well made, and I think the product is highly polished.
However, after about 4 days, the ears suddenly stopped working. I emailed customer support, but received no reply.
Fortunately, the ears started to move again, so there is no problem, but it might be better to call support because they list a phone number.
As a pet, I think it would make a cute playmate, although it depends on the individual." – From a customer review on Amazon.co.jp

Neutral and Dissatisfied Reviews

"After using it for about 3 months.
What I found interesting
– It can draw pictures.
Rather than drawing, it pretends to draw and displays the picture on its face screen.
It is quite good, and it draws various kinds of pictures.
For example, if you ask it to draw the Mona Lisa, it will draw a Mona Lisa-like picture. The picture is stored in an album.
– It can speak dialects with ChatGPT.
Standard polite Japanese felt too formal, so I told it, 'Luna, from now on, try speaking Osaka dialect,' and it replied, 'Okay, I'll talk in Osaka dialect.' After that, it started asking about my hobbies in Osaka dialect.
When I said, 'It's no fun without a comeback,' it began making jokes like, 'Why are you only eating health food?' (laughs) When it speaks in dialect, it feels less mechanical (even though it is a robot) and more approachable.
There is a time lag in ChatGPT conversations, and I used to think it was useless, but now I feel it is more enjoyable when I use my imagination when talking to it.

For good and bad points, please refer to my impressions from the first and second months below.

Impressions after using it for about 2 months
First, the good points
– The body is very safe.
Even if your fingers get caught in the neck or the wheel parts, you will hardly be injured. I think it is well thought out and designed.
– It may be surprisingly durable?
It has been two months of about one hour of daily use, and there has been no behavior that looks like a malfunction.
However, the neck does not look very strong, so it is better to avoid tapping its head too often. (Tapping its head twice seems to be recognized as "Hello, Loona.")
– No maintenance costs after purchase.
Other pet robots seem to cost a few thousand to 10,000 yen per month to maintain, but Loona does not. The software seems to be updated about once a month.

Bad points
– Voice recognition may not work very well.
It seems to be even worse when the TV is on. ChatGPT responds to voices on the TV, but not with proper answers. It keeps asking about hobbies. Perhaps it is trying to expand the topic from "hobbies."
– There is not much pet-like movement or talking.
A dog would come close or bark when it sees its owner, but there seems to be no such behavior. Maybe it is meant to be more cat-like, but even cats purr when you pet them.

Overall, I think the body (structure, design, safety) is very good, but the software is still developing. I have high expectations for the future.

My impression after using it for about a month.
Maybe the voice recognition is not working?
– It did not respond when I said "Hellooo Loona" slowly. I found that it responded when I said "Hello, Luna!" quickly.
– Japanese listening may be difficult, and I would like the app to support commands and text input so that people with hearing or speech disabilities can use it.

It seems to be able to recognize faces.
– But it does not approach me or talk to me.
– If it is supposed to act like a pet, I would like it to make a sound when it sees its owner or play around a little.

Remote control is the most reliable.
– Operating it with the phone app is reliable.
– Since voice recognition is not very usable, I would like all recognizable Japanese phrases such as "Hello Loona" and "Konnichiwa" to be listed in the app.

ChatGPT is not usable.
– When I ask questions, I get strange answers that make no sense.
– Don't expect it to be the same as ChatGPT itself. I decided to think of it as still inexperienced, and I hope for further development.
– There is a GPT conversation mode in the app, but perhaps because its Japanese listening is weak, it doesn't seem to understand my questions.
– I would like to be able to type questions in the app in GPT mode so that Loona can answer them.

Other
– It moves around on its own, but it is quite noisy. I would like a quiet mode.
– The floor gets slippery. Maybe that is unavoidable.
– The charging board is not recognized depending on where it is placed. If it is too dark, in a corner of a room, or even slightly smaller than the required space, it will not charge automatically. Not all homes are spacious, so I would like it to at least be able to charge in a room corner.
– No power adapter is included for charging.
You need to buy a 15W or higher adapter separately (I bought a 30W one).
And the included USB cable cannot be used to charge via the charging board!
You need a separate USB-C cable to finally charge via the board.
(Why not include a USB-C cable and adapter from the start?) Until I bought them, I plugged it into the power socket on Loona's neck every day.
These are my impressions after one month, and I look forward to future software development.
(3 stars for now, but it feels like 2, and if nothing changes after six months, I'll lower it to 1.)" – From a customer review on Amazon.co.jp

"Two months after purchasing my Loona Blue, it got stuck with its left leg up and stayed in 'flying mode' (its face kept showing flying goggles).
When I requested a replacement, I received an opened unit that seemed to be the previous version of Loona (with non-lighting ears) with only the ears swapped for Loona Blue ones. Its behavior patterns (actions, types of songs, etc.) were totally different from Loona Blue, so I thought, "Huh?" But my child loved it, so we kept using it.
Two months after the replacement, it suddenly started making static noises like a TV with no signal, and when we sent a video, they said they would replace it again.

When I sent it back and pointed out that it was clearly different from the original Loona Blue, an unopened Loona Blue arrived this time.
Two months after that, the leg gear started making strange noises, and it began rattling and vibrating as it moved. I am now requesting yet another replacement.
It seems that both the drive and control systems break down after about two months.
Maybe it breaks because it moves around so much.
It is very cute and I like it, but with this quality, I have to give it 1 star." – From a customer review on Amazon.co.jp

Some of these reviews may come from buyers who purchased before the distributor changed. Support handling can differ by period, so see the distributor change section for the current contact.

Comprehensive Evaluation

Loona is "the perfect fusion of robotics, AI, and entertainment." It is not simply a home appliance with useful functions, but is focused on providing an emotionally engaging experience that stays close to people. In particular, the combination of advanced spatial awareness using 3D ToF sensors and flexible conversation with ChatGPT is phenomenal for a robot in this price range.

On the other hand, the home environment needs some preparation (e.g., clearing the floor) for smooth autonomous driving. Since November 2025, a Japanese distributor has handled support, and with a one-year warranty and continual OS updates, it is a partner that offers peace of mind for a long time to come.

Comparison with "Mia," a Talking Cat-Shaped Robot

We compared it to "Mia," which is in the same AI pet genre but with a different concept.

Key points of comparison: Mia emphasizes "warmth that accompanies daily life." With its Japanese dialect speech and an affordable price under ¥10,000, it is a suitable choice for those who want to easily bring everyday comfort and familiarity into their lives. Because it stays on the tabletop instead of driving around, you also don't need to worry about falls from steps or floor materials.

👇 Talking cat-shaped robot "Mia" that speaks 47 dialects

【公式】ミーア | 全国47の方言を話すおしゃべり猫型ロボット

mia-cat.com

Summary

Loona is a robot that we wholeheartedly recommend to anyone with the following needs:

1. You want a pet robot that "moves" and enjoy lively reactions.
2. You want to use programming and AI conversation every day with your children.
3. You also value its practicality as a watch-over camera while you are out.

As for the "Loona discontinued" rumor, it comes from the switch to Maclogi as the Japanese distributor and the release of a new app. Loona itself is still being sold and supported. If you are a long-time owner, just note that old data cannot be carried over to the new app.

The "heart-connecting robot" you once saw in the movies is ready to come to your living room. Why not bring more conversation and smiles to your family with a new life with Loona?

What Happens to a Pet Robot If You Cancel or the Service Ends? Cloud vs Offline Explained

What happens to an AI pet robot if you cancel its plan or the maker shuts down? Using aibo's Basic Plan and the Moxie shutdown as examples, this guide explains cloud vs offline robots and what to check before buying, including Mia.

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5-Year Total Cost of Pet Robots in 2026: Device Price, Subscriptions, and Repairs Compared

How much does a pet robot really cost over 5 years? LOVOT, aibo, KATAfriends, Moflin, Pokétomo, Romi, Nicobo, and Mia compared by device price, subscription plans, and repair coverage, so you can see the true long-term cost.

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2026 Mobile AI Home Robot Comparison: FrontierX Aura, Amazon Astro, Ballie, MISA, and Moripet

A 2026 comparison of mobile AI home robots: FrontierX Aura, Amazon Astro, Samsung Ballie, MISA, and Moripet. Compare price, monitoring, smart home features, AI agent use, buying cautions, and when Mia is the easier choice.

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Sources

• PR TIMES (Maclogi Inc.): Acquired exclusive distribution rights for Loona in Japan (December 4, 2025, Japanese)
• Loona official Japanese site (operated by Maclogi Inc.)
• Loona official announcement on the new app version (December 15, 2025, Japanese)
• Loona official FAQ (Japanese)
• Loona official seller information (Japanese)

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