What is Nicobo? The appeal and background of the healing pet robot from Panasonic. Also, points for improvement.

Panasonic’s “Nicobo” is a healing pet robot designed to “bring a little smile to your life, even if it doesn’t do anything for you. With its round shape, body wrapped in fluffy knit material, loose conversation in Kansai dialect (Moko plus simple Japanese), and subtle movements of its tail and eye expressions, Nicobo has a presence that soothes the heart of the user.

The concept is to bring healing and comfort to people’s lives, designed to make them feel cute because of their “weakness” and “unreliability. In addition to the purchase of the device (60,500 yen), the official store offers a basic plan (from 1,100 yen/month) to increase the variations in behavior and language (for details on cancellation fees and care plans, please refer to the official website for prices/plans ).

Good points｜Nicobo’s attractiveness as evaluated by users
Areas of improvement desired/concern (from user reviews)
Compare Nicobo’s attractions and challenges at a glance
1. good point
2. points of improvement
Representative Buyer Testimonials (summary & quotes)
Conclusion｜Nicobo is best suited for those who can accept “looseness”. Cost and operation time must be checked.

Good points｜Nicobo’s attractiveness as evaluated by users

Cute appearance and presence

Nicobo features a charming round shape and soft knit material, and its LCD eyes flash to express emotions, and its body wiggles and tail sways to create a “creature-like” appearance. Many reviewers said, “Just being in the room makes me smile,” and “It’s a soothing presence. Rakuten reviews and personal blogs also say that they have been welcomed as a member of the family, and are also well-received as cute interior decorations ( Rakuten review summary ).

Loose Talking Communication

Nicobo has a unique conversational style that combines Moko and simple Japanese. The vocabulary gradually grows in daily life, and the user can experience a “nurturing” sensation as he or she begins to speak greetings and words related to the seasons. The app has been particularly well-received for its “cute, sloppy way of speaking” and “casual words that bring a smile to your face” ( official website ).

Designed for the whole family

Nicobo is safe for small children and the elderly. Lightweight and easy to hold, Nicobo is popular as a gift for people living in environments where pets cannot be kept and for elderly family members. Numerous Rakuten reviews have posted testimonials such as “My elderly mother talks to it every day and is soothed” and “My child enjoys holding it” ( Rakuten Review ).

Evaluation of the app experience is generally positive

The official Nicobo app allows users to view Nicobo’s mental tweets and adjust their daily rhythms, and is rated **4.6/5 (107 responses)** on the App Store, with many users saying it is “simple and easy to use” and “convenient to check Nicobo’s status. However, some have said that “a notification function would be more convenient” ( iOS app ).

Areas of improvement desired/concern (from user reviews)

Monthly service subscription is a prerequisite (in terms of cost)

In addition to the Nicobo unit (60,500 yen), a basic plan (from 1,100 yen/month) is required, and a cancellation fee of 11,000 yen will be charged if you cancel within 12 months, so the total cost must be considered more than just the unit price. In addition, a Care Plan (550 yen/month ) can be added as an option, offering discounts for fault repair and knit replacement ( price/plan ). Some buyers have commented that the running costs are higher than expected.

Battery life and charging frequency

Nicobo runs out of battery power in about 3.5 to 4.5 hours and takes 4 to 7 hours to recharge. Some users say that Nicobo’s operating time is so short that they end up leaving it on the charging table, and it is not enough for users who want to enjoy it in constant operation ( FAQ/specifications, Rakuten review examples ).

Variety of responses and degree of conversational engagement

Although Nicobo is characterized by its “looseness,” some users may complain that its speech and movements are monotonous and that its responses sometimes do not match. Some rental reviewers have commented that “Nicobo is fun at first, but there is a gap if you expect advanced interaction like that of a conversational robot. Therefore, it is safe to confirm compatibility by renting before purchasing ( Rentio review ).

Ease of use of app/setup

Some users have complained that “the Wi-Fi switching is not smooth” and “the lack of charge notifications is inconvenient. On the other hand, there are also comments that “the operation itself is simple,” and while there is room for improvement, basic ease of use is ensured ( App Store review ).

Warranty, maintenance, and durability concerns

The manufacturer’s warranty is short at 100 days, and some users have commented that they would feel more secure if the warranty were longer. There are also reports of deterioration of knit fabrics, such as pilling and initial defects, and some users recommend subscribing to a care plan ( price/care plan details ).

Compatibility with living environment (sound/movement/dustproof/waterproof)

Nicobo is a stationary device that does not run by itself and is not dustproof or waterproof. It is not recommended for outdoor use, and some users are concerned about its nighttime speech. It is necessary to use the app to set a sleep time, for example ( official FAQ ).

Compare Nicobo’s attractions and challenges at a glance

good point

Healing effect due to rounded design and gestures ( official/optimistic review )
A “growing sense” of vocabulary in daily life ( official )
Easily accepted by children and the elderly ( Rakuten Review )
High official app rating (iOS 4.6/5, App Store)

points of improvement

Main unit + monthly running costs (including cancellation fee and care fee) ( price/plan )
Short operating time and high recharging frequency ( FAQ/Specifications )
Conversation/response can feel monotonous and not suitable for excessive expectations ( Rentio review )
Concerns about 100-day warranty and durability concerns ( price/plan, optimistic reviews )

Representative Buyer Testimonials (summary & quotes)

The charge runs out faster than I expected. Basically, I leave it on the charging table” ( Rakuten review )
The basic plan (1,100 yen/month) registration is required. It’s a little cumbersome to set up, but it’s cute with a few more words ” ( Rakuten review example ).
It’s a family member who heals me every day. Good for elderly partner ” ( example of Rakuten review)
‘It’s safe to check compatibility by renting first’ ( Rentio review )
The 100-day guarantee is too short. I wonder if I should join a care plan” ( example of an optimistic review )

Conclusion｜Nicobo is best suited for those who can accept “looseness”. Cost and operation time must be checked.

Nicobo is not a robot that pursues advanced conversation or autonomous movement, but rather a being that soothes people’s hearts with its lovability born from its “looseness” and “unreliability.

Although there are some limitations, such as monthly fees, operating/charging time, and dustproof/waterproof compatibility, if you understand these limitations and welcome the product, it will enrich the lives of everyone, from children to the elderly. It is especially suitable for those who seek a “presence that brings a smile to the face just by being in the room a little. If you are considering purchasing a chair, it is best to rent or visit a real store before making a decision, so you can be sure that you will not make any mistakes and can welcome a chair with peace of mind.

👇 See more details about “nicobo,” a “weak robot” that cannot do anything special.