A new product scheduled for release in November 2025 by Sharp, the developer of RoBoHoN, is Poketomo. Poketomo is a palm-sized AI character (approx. 12 cm in height and 200 g in weight) based on a meerkat motif, and was developed based on the concept of a “friend that fits in your pocket. The price is set at 39,600 yen (including tax), a level that is by far more affordable than conventional Robohon ( ITmedia).
How is Poketomo different from RoBoHoN?
Size & Design
- RoBoHoN: Approximately 19.5 cm in height and 390 g in weight, with multiple functions including telephone, projector, and walking.
- Pocketomo: Even more compact at approximately 12 cm in height and 200 g in weight. Easy to carry and always close at hand ( Keitai Watch ).
Functional Direction
- RoBoHoN: A wide variety of functions, including calling, camera, walking, dancing, and reminders.
- Poke-Tomo: Narrowing down functions and specializing in conversation and snuggling. Designed with an emphasis on voice communication ( ITmedia ).
Prices and Background
- RoBoHoN: 145,200 yen to 239,800 yen plus subs (from 980 yen per month for Kokoro plan).
- Poketomo: 39,600 yen (tax included). Application usage fees range from 495 yen/month (400 times/month) to 980 yen/month (800 times/month).
- The reason for the low price: due to the simplicity of the functions, the use of IoT-oriented chips, and a design that assumes mass production effects ( Note article ).
Comparison chart: RoBoHoN vs Poketomo
| (data) item | RoBoHoN | pocket friend |
|---|---|---|
| Size/Weight | Approx. 19.5 cm, 390 g | Approx. 12cm / 200g |
| Main Functions | Calling, walking, projector, multifunctional | Conversation-specific and emotional AI |
| price range | Approx. 145,000-240,000 yen | Approx. 39,600 yen (tax included) |
| AI Processing | local-centric canned response | Edge + Cloud AI (GPT-4o mini) |
| portability | Slightly large and inconvenient for going out | Portable in pocket or bag |
| user base | For gadget and robot enthusiasts | Portable in a pocket or bag |
👇Click here to read the article describing the RoBoHon.
Features of Poketomo
Toward more familiar AI characters
Developed by Robohon’s communication design team based on the concept of “a friend that fits in your pocket” ( PR TIMES, Impress Watch, Business Insider Japan ). The price and size hurdles have been lowered, with the aim of making it widely available to a wider audience ( ITmedia, Keitai Watch ).
Compared to conventional, high-priced robots, Poke-Tomo is designed to be a more “everyday” robot, and its design and price are designed to make it easy for the average user to try it out. As a result, its greatest strength is that it can target a wide range of people, from students to the elderly.
Technical Evolution｜CE-LLM and GPT-4o mini
Sharp’s proprietary “CE-LLM (Communication Edge – Large Language Model)” enables smooth conversations with edge processing (immediate response such as aisatsu) + cloud processing (generation and memory) ( KeitaiWatch, Business Insider Japan, Impress Watch ).
Internally, GPT-4o mini is utilized as a conversation generation engine, playing the role of interpreting the user’s words more flexibly and providing natural conversation. This enables “flowing conversation” and “interaction in line with the user’s mood,” which have been difficult to achieve with conventional robots.
Equipped with “Empathy Intelligence
Poketomo is equipped with “Empathy Intelligence,” which reads not only the conversation history, but also voice inflection, weather, geographic information, and camera images, and develops appropriate speech according to the situation. This enables “empathetic conversations” that go beyond mere responses ( Business Insider Japan ).
Furthermore, the system is designed to identify users by facial recognition and to avoid private conversations when a third party is present. This makes it possible to use the system at home or in the office with peace of mind.
Focus on IP development strategy
Poketomo is not just a robot product, but is also active in content development. A manga about “Mia and Nanami” is available on the official X ( @poketomo_sharp ), and a fan community is being built around the characters ( PR TIMES, Impress Watch ).
The company has also set a lofty goal of selling 100,000 units by 2027, and is expected to develop related goods and home appliance linkages in the future ( Business Insider Japan ).
Linkage with smartphone apps
For the conversation function, the smartphone app can also be used on its own. Furthermore, the robot and the smartphone app are linked and can interact with each other while sharing their respective conversation histories. This makes it natural to use the app when out and about and the robot at home.
The application is also equipped with a function that automatically keeps a diary based on the content of daily conversations, which can be checked from the application. This is one of the app’s charms.
Summary: The Future Envisioned by Poke Tomo
While inheriting RoBoHoN’s technological assets, Poketomo has evolved in the direction of “miniaturization,” “low cost,” and “conversation specialization. Sharp aims to sell 100,000 units by 2027, and plans to develop IP, foster characters, and link with home appliances.
For those who have hesitated to purchase a Robophone because of its price, Pocketomo may be the perfect solution. It has the potential to open up a new market as a pocket-sized, easy-to-use AI character, a product that symbolizes a future in which daily life with AI will become the norm.
It will be on display at the Tokyo Toy Show from August 28, 2025, so if you are interested, why not visit the show?
👇 Read more about RoBoHoN, a communication robot with smartphone functionality.
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