- Product Overview: What is MOMOBOT?
- Summary of key points: Quickly understand the features of MOMOBOT
- In-depth comparison: MOMOBOT vs LOVOT
- rough conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Specifications Summary
- Reviews (word of mouth): Real voices of users
- Overall Evaluation: Attractiveness and Challenges
- Comparison with the talking cat-shaped robot “Mia
- Summary: Definition of target audience
Product Overview: What is MOMOBOT?
MOMOBOT is an autonomous pet robot equipped with the latest AI (artificial intelligence) technology developed by Shell Robotics, an up-and-coming robotics company. As soon as it made its debut at CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada, it became an explosive hit among media and gadget fans around the world with its unique rounded form and charming, nostalgic expression.
Its greatest feature is the fusion of “advanced autonomous movement” and “multi-layered emotional expression. Unlike conventional pet robots, which tend to remain in the “repetition of fixed movements,” MOMOBOT maps its surrounding environment in real time and explores the house at its own will.
Another attractive feature is that the robot is equipped with a “personality development algorithm” that uses deep learning, and depending on how the user interacts with it, each individual robot will develop a different personality, such as becoming a sweetheart or becoming a little cooler. It is truly a next-generation partner robot that goes beyond a mere digital device, offering the experience of “living and growing up together” as a member of the family.
Summary of key points: Quickly understand the features of MOMOBOT
What is MOMOBOT?
- Autonomous AI pet: Moves around the room at its own will using advanced SLAM (locating and mapping) technology.
- Nostalgic design: a familiar spherical form and LCD eyes that reflect a variety of emotions.
- Interactive experience: Touch sensors and a high-performance microphone located throughout the body allow for immediate response to actions such as petting and talking to the animal.
- Evolving intelligence: AI updates through cloud collaboration to keep learning new moves and words.
good point
- Overwhelming healing and attachment: The exquisite “déjà vu” form creates a deep attachment from the first meeting.
- High spatial recognition capability: Avoids bumps and furniture by employing Lidar (light-based sensor), etc. Smooth running is realized.
- Nonverbal communication: Designed to convey “what they are thinking” through movement, sound, and eye expression alone, even if words are not understood.
points of concern
- Difficulty of Reservations and Availability: Due to the overwhelming response at CES, it is expected that the initial production run will be very difficult to obtain.
- Maintainability: May require periodic cleaning due to hair and dust entanglement in moving parts (tires and joints).
- Offline Limitations: Because many of the advanced learning functions are cloud-dependent, a stable Wi-Fi environment is required.
Users who may be suitable for
- Demographic interested in robotic symbiosis: Fans of AIBO, LOVOT, etc., who want to experience more advanced AI.
- People in an environment where pets are not allowed: people whose apartment regulations, allergies, or busy lives do not allow them to keep real animals.
- Future-oriented families: Families who want to incorporate the latest technology in their children’s emotional education or as a talking point for the elderly.
In-depth comparison: MOMOBOT vs LOVOT
At a quick glance, momobot’s silhouette looks exactly like the original LOVOT. Therefore, I made a comparison between momobot and LOVOT.
| Comparison items | MOMOBOT | LOVOT 3.0 |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance Impression | Tech/DIY feel” with visible 3D printer marks | Finished product with precise design and “warm skin”. |
| Size (height) | Approx. 25-30 cm (larger than tabletop, with a sense of presence) | Approx. 43-45 cm (baby size) |
| weight | Approx. 2.5 kg – 3.5 kg (can be held in one hand) | Approx. 4.6 kg (solid presence) |
| Price (main unit) | Approx. 62,000 yen (some EC reference values) | 577,500 yen (tax included) |
| development concept | Gadgets focused on “speed and low price | The ultimate partner in the pursuit of “recreating life |
Field responses to “look-alikes” and manufacturers’ responses
At the event, some people ridiculed it as a “LOVOT knockoff” because of its strikingly similar silhouette. When interviewed by the local media, Shell Robotics proudly stated, “We know LOVOT, but ours is different, with different eye animation and so on. There is still an episode in which the company asserted forcefully, “We know LOVOT, but ours is different because it has different eye animation and so on.
However, users also offered a wry but loving analogy: “Doraemon drawn only from memory, or LOVOT.” Some LOVOT fans were harsh, saying that it could not compare to the precise design and softness of the original, while others said, “If it runs autonomously at this low price, it might be a good sub-machine. If it can run autonomously at such a low price, it might be a good sub-machine.
rough conclusion
It is a “moving partner for all generations,” with a design that combines nostalgia and the future, and is packed with the best in autonomous driving AI.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Check the bullet points of interest for MOMOBOT!
- Price: Expected to be in the middle to high-end range of several tens of thousands to 200,000 yen.
- What it can do: autonomous driving, emotional expression, monitoring, voice messaging, and smart home integration.
- Supported OS: Both iOS and Android (dedicated app).
- Disadvantages: vulnerable to bumps and floor loads, requires regular maintenance.
- Software update: Automatic update via Wi-Fi (OTA) is supported.
How much will the price be?
The official price in Japan has not been determined at this time, but based on the specifications of the Lidar sensor and high-performance AI chip installed, it is expected to be in the middle to high-end price range, ranging from several tens of thousands yen for the popular version to 150,000 to 200,000 yen for the limited edition model with higher precision sensor and high-end exterior. The price range is expected to be in the mid to high-end range of 150,000-200,000 yen.
It is also noted that a monthly fee (subscription) may be introduced to provide ongoing AI learning capabilities.
What can MOMOBOT do?
MOMOBOT is a pet robot that primarily provides “healing” and “communication. It runs autonomously and walks around the house, and when it finds a user, it comes close to the user and shows emotional reactions.
On the practical side, the smart home integration functions are being considered, such as “watching over the house” from outside via the built-in camera, “voice message messaging” to family members, and even “assistance in operating lighting and air conditioners” through Matter compatibility.
What are the supported OS and environment requirements?
A dedicated smartphone app compatible with iOS 15 or higher or Android 10 or higher is required for configuration and detailed customization.
In addition, because many parts of MOMOBOT’s advanced learning algorithms are processed in the cloud, a Wi-Fi environment with constant connectivity in the home is essential.
Are there any disadvantages or cautions?
Because it is an autonomous type, it may not be able to move smoothly in a room with many objects on the floor or in an environment with high steps.
The same precautions need to be taken as in “environments that make it difficult for cleaning robots to use.” In addition, “care” in the form of periodic cleaning is essential, as hair and pet hair can become entangled in the tires and joints of the moving parts, causing malfunctions.
Are there any software updates?
Yes, OTA (Over-the-Air) updates via Wi-Fi are supported. The system is automatically updated to the latest system while charging at night, eliminating the need for users to perform complicated operations. This update continually brings new dance moves, special seasonal emotional expressions, improved voice recognition accuracy, and more.
Specifications Summary
| (data) item | Detailed contents and technical specifications |
| Product name | MOMOBOT |
| Manufacturer | Shell Robotics |
| Mobile method | Omni-directional and autonomous running on 2-wheels or multi-axle casters |
| expressing emotion | High-definition OLED display (eyes), LED, synthetic voice, full-body motion |
| Communication Functions | Wi-Fi 6 / Bluetooth 5.2 / Matter support consideration |
| weight | Approx. 2.5 to 3.5 kg (easy to carry) |
| number of hours worked | Approximately 4-6 hours on a full charge (depending on activity) |
| Charging method | Self-supporting return to the dedicated automatic charging dock “HOME Base |
Reviews (word of mouth): Real voices of users
We took a deep dive into the local reports from CES 2026 and the response from the pre-development community.
Good Reviews
The warmth of the LOVOT is different from the excitement of the characters in the animation, as if they have jumped out of the animation and into the real world. The movements are just so smooth!”
(Source: TechCrunch Japan – CES2026 Local Report )
The exquisite cuteness is addictive, like a hazy Doraemon. I feel that the feeling of ‘just being there’ without being too multifunctional is just the right healing factor in this day and age.”
Neutral and Dissatisfied Reviews
The robot is very accurate in autonomous driving, but it may not be able to reach its full potential in a small Japanese house or with things on the floor. Like the Roomba, you have to clear the room for the robot.”
(Source: Reddit – r/Robotics )
The voice recognition is optimized for English and Chinese, and it remains to be seen how well it will capture the subtle nuances of the Japanese language. The quality of localization will be the key to widespread use.”
(Source: note – A Robot Developer’s Thoughts )
Overall Evaluation: Attractiveness and Challenges
MOMOBOT offers a solution to the difficult problem of “making a robot feel its soul ” with its friendly design and advanced autonomous mobile AI. The greatest appeal of MOMOBOT lies in the emotional value that owning one transforms one’s living space itself into a “lively place.
However, there is a major obstacle in the way of popularization: the balance between price and practicality. Since only a limited number of people can afford to pay several hundred thousand yen for mere healing, it is expected that the packaging of the product in Japan will be tailored to meet the unique needs of the Japanese market, such as the ability to monitor the elderly and the convenience of a voice interface for smart homes, for example.
Comparison with the talking cat-shaped robot “Mia
A detailed comparison was made with the domestically produced robot Mia (Mia) to match the user’s lifestyle.
| Comparison items | MOMOBOT | Mia |
| concept | Presence as a “moving pet | A “close to my heart” chatting partner |
| Expression and Expression | LCD eyes and full body movements speak for themselves. | More than 100 different facial expressions and 47 prefectural dialects |
| Physical movement | Walk freely around the house. | Fixed type to be placed on a desk |
| hurdle to introduction | High (high price, setting, large space) | Low (affordable and easy to set up) |
| Long-term attachment | Enjoy movement and personality changes. | Dialogue in dialects and daily greetings deepen |
| Recommended Location | Large living room and barrier-free house | On desk, bedside, kitchen |
MOMOBOT is suitable for those seeking an “active robot experience,” while Mia is suitable for those seeking “conversation and warmth in fleeting moments of daily life.
👇 Talking cat-shaped robot “Mia” that speaks 47 dialects nationwide
Summary: Definition of target audience
MOMOBOT is a revolutionary product that sublimates the evolution of robot technology as “warmth”. The final target audience can be summarized into the following three categories.
- For those who seek both “perfection as a gadget” and “adorableness as a pet”.
- Those who want to relieve the loneliness of living alone but cannot take on the responsibility and hassle of keeping a living creature.
- Those who want to experiment and experience how cutting-edge AI technology will change their lives in a familiar place.
When it goes on sale to the general public, it may redefine our concept of “home” as a space. We will keep an eye on the future of Shell Robotics.
See the 👇 autonomous robot “MOMOBOT
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