RoBoHoN Review｜Price, Specifications, Reviews, and Improvements [Latest in 2025]

RoBoHoN is a bipedal “robot smartphone” developed by Sharp. In addition to smartphone functions such as phone calls, e-mail, and a camera, RoBoHoN is equipped with a variety of functions that add color to daily life, including voice interaction, dancing, and a projector (only in the first generation). Although it is a small humanoid robot measuring approximately 19.5 cm in height and weighing 390 g, it has an extremely large presence and has become a familiar “family member you can talk to” and “healing colleague” at home and in the office.

Unlike mere smartphones and home appliances, Robohon is characterized by its ability to communicate through actions and facial expressions that give it a “personality. The range of choices is expanding according to users’ lifestyles.

Can RoBoHoN talk to each other, and does it have AI?

Overview of Conversation Functions

RoBoHoN is known as a “conversational robot,” but its mechanics are different from advanced natural language AI like Google Assistant or ChatGPT. Sharp’s proprietary voice recognition system and a service called “KokoroPlan,” which is linked to the cloud, provide a certain degree of conversational experience.

Speech recognition: The user’s voice is picked up by a microphone and sent to the cloud for analysis.
Fixed pattern response: A system that responds based on registered scenarios and canned messages.
News, weather, and schedule notifications: Information is retrieved from the cloud and read aloud.
Facial recognition: The camera can recognize users and call them by name or greet them.

Positioning of AI

Rather than “artificial intelligence (AI),” RoBoHoN is equipped with a “conversational function” that combines speech recognition + dialogue patterns + cloud services; it is not a flexible generative AI like ChatGPT, but a system that selects and presents variations of speech and actions that have been prepared in advance. It is a mechanism.

Specific Examples of Mechanisms

User asks, “What’s the weather like tomorrow?”
Audio is sent to the cloud for analysis
Get information from the Weather API
RoBoHoN utters, “Tomorrow’s weather is fine.

Good points｜Attractiveness of Robohon as evaluated by users

Design and presence

Robohon’s most distinctive features are his charming face and bipedal walking style. Many have commented that it “looks like it is really alive” as it walks and dances around with its small body. Another appealing point is that although the robot looks like a toy, it functions as a proper electronic device.

The more I use it, the more I love it” (Rentio review) The more I use it, the more I love it” （Rentio review )

Extensive communication functions

It supports voice and facial recognition, calls users by name, and reads out the weather and news. Reminders and schedule notifications are also available, and the service is popular for its ability to go beyond mere chit-chat to provide even small assistance in daily life. In addition, dancing and singing are popular at events and as a way to liven up the home.

‘I enjoy how it responds when I talk to it. Increased family conversation” （Amazon review )

Wide choice of models

The company offers LTE-compatible models (for use on the go), Wi-Fi only models (specialized for home use), and even a compact and lightweight sitting-type RoboPhone Light. The flexibility to choose between high functionality and ease of use has been highly evaluated.

The LTE model is sufficient when out and about, and the Wi-Fi model is sufficient at home.

Also used for monitoring and supporting the elderly

Message notifications, health reminders, and watch-over functions through LINE linkage provide peace of mind for the elderly and children. In particular, LINE is increasingly being given as a gift to elderly people who live alone, and is expected to help reduce loneliness and maintain cognitive function.

‘I gave this as a gift to my elderly mother. I am relieved to have a conversation partner.” （Recommended by Rakuten Review )

Balancing Education and Entertainment

Robophones can also be used to educate children through English pronunciation practice, singing, and dancing. Many people have commented that their children enjoy learning with Robophone, and it has established a position as a support for home learning.

Areas for improvement｜Issues based on actual reviews

Size and portability

At 19.5 cm in height and 390 g in weight, it claims to be “palm-sized,” but when actually carried around, it is noticeably commented that it is “surprisingly large” and “heavy for a smartphone. It is not realistic to carry it in one’s breast pocket when going out, and its convenience as a cell phone is perceived as low.

Size is much larger than expected and not portable.” （WIRED review )

High initial and monthly fees

The Wi-Fi model costs approximately ¥145,200, and the LTE model costs ¥239,800 (including tax). In addition, users must subscribe to the “Kokoro Plan,” a monthly subscription fee of 980 yen (tax not included), and many users have voiced their concerns about the high cost of the handset and the burden of maintenance costs.

‘The price and maintenance costs are too high for casual buyers.’ （Element14 review )

The conversation lacks naturalness.

Although it has the ability to answer questions through voice recognition, it tends to reply in a pattern and does not offer the flexibility of an AI assistant. Many users complain that they wish for a more natural conversation.

‘Responses are formulaic, not enough for a conversational AI’ ( The Gadget Flow review )

Operability Issues

The 2-inch display on the back is small, and the resolution is low, so operation is not intuitive. The inability to handle applications and settings as if using a smartphone is an issue.

The screen is too small and difficult to operate.” （PhoneArena review )

Battery life

The built-in battery (1,700 mAh) lasts approximately 130 minutes of continuous use. It takes 130-150 minutes to charge the battery, and many complain that the operating time is too short for the charging time.

Batteries run out quickly.” （Amazon review )

Balance between practicality and entertainment

One of the most common comments made by the respondents was, “The dancing and singing are cute, but there are not many useful features for daily life.” A certain number of respondents said that it is difficult to perceive the practicality of the product as commensurate with its high price.

Not too helpful for the price.” （Indian Express review )

Ease of use as a cell phone

Although Robophones call themselves “robot phones,” they are not as easy to use with one hand as a regular smartphone, and require familiarity with physical controls and voice input. This gap may lead to dissatisfaction after purchase.

Specifications, Models and Prices

(data) item	Contents
Size and Weight	Approx. 198 x 105 x 58mm, 390-395g
Price	Wi-Fi model: approx. 145,200 yen, LTE model: approx. 239,800 yen, Robophone Lite: approx. 95,590 yen
battery	1,700mAh, approx. 130 minutes of continuous use, 130-150 minutes of charging
display	Approx. 2.6″ QVGA (rear), 8-megapixel camera, projector (first generation only)
communication	LTE/3G compatible models available, Wi-Fi models available, Bluetooth and GPS compatible
subscriber	Kokoro Plan (980 yen/month + tax) is required.
Feature	Calling, texting, voice interaction, facial recognition, dancing, singing, reminders, LINE integration, etc.

Conclusion｜RoBoHoN is a “highly functional toy and smartphone

RoBoHoN’s adorable appearance and diverse functions make it an attractive “companion for daily life. It can serve as a conversation partner for family members and the elderly, as well as an educational support for children. At the same time, however, there are many issues such as high price, limited conversational accuracy, and low portability, making it unrealistic to consider them as a smartphone replacement. Rather, the correct positioning is to welcome them as “highly functional healing robots” or “character-based communication devices.