[SenseRobot Review] AI arms dance on the board! Future Game Partners｜Updates, User Reviews, and Improvement Points Summary

SenseRobot is a device developed by SenseTime, a company that boasts the world’s most advanced image recognition and AI technology, and is a breakthrough in home robotics. In Japan, Benefit Japan Corporation, a TSE Prime-listed company focusing on the robotics business, provides and supports the product through channels such as Robot Planet as an authorized distributor.

Product Overview

Its greatest feature is its unique precision robotic arm. Until now, game playing applications have been little more than a “flat workflow” of tapping on the screen of a smartphone or tablet. SenseRobot, however, uses an AI-equipped camera to visually recognize the board in real time, and a physical arm to represent the calculated optimal solution. The series of actions of actually grabbing a piece and placing it in the correct position on the board is truly astonishing, as if a “future opponent” had appeared in front of you.

It is not just a game machine, but a product that is the pinnacle of edutainment (education + entertainment), respecting the traditional behaviors of Shogi and Igo while integrating cutting-edge deep learning technology.

SenseRobot センスロボット｜家庭用AI囲碁ロボット

AI囲碁ロボットSenseRobotのページです。機能の詳細や体験・購入できる場所等を紹介しています

www.senserobot-jp.com

Summary of key points

What is SenseRobot?

This is a “hands-on AI game and learning partner” where AI scans the board and moves physical pieces and stones using a robotic arm like a human. Domestic support by Benefit Japan is included, and the system is suitable for beginners to professional-level players.

good point

• Unparalleled realism and immersion: Players can enjoy the “click” sound and feel of the real board and pieces while playing the game, not through the screen.
• Lifestyle and rehabilitation effects: Senior citizens and bedridden people who have difficulty going out can feel the excitement of a Go hall or Shogi dojo in the comfort of their own homes.
• Accurate and unmatched AI levels: from 18-kyu beginner to 9-dan professional level, more than 20 levels can be adjusted, always presenting a “one step ahead” target.
• Reliable support in Japan: Benefit Japan is the contact point for support in case of malfunction and follow-up on how to use the system.
• Eye care design: A special LCD with reduced blue light is designed to minimize the effects of prolonged study on eyesight.

points of concern

• Secure the installation environment: A stable desk with sufficient depth and width is required to allow the robot arm to move through its range of motion.
• Mechanical drive noise: In a quiet room late at night, the motor noise of the arm moving and the sound of the piece being placed may be distracting.
• Initial investment hurdle: The price is around 160,000 yen because of the precision equipment. However, if you consider hiring an instructor for the rest of your life, your perception of cost performance will change.

Users who may be suitable for

• Serious competitors who want to improve: Those who have trouble concentrating on the screen, but can immerse themselves for hours on a real board.
• Seniors and their families: Those who want to give their parents, who are less likely to go out, a gift to prevent blurring, a new hobby, or a reason to live.
• Parents considering a digital detox: You want to teach your child Shogi or Go, but are concerned about excessive use of smartphones and tablets.

rough conclusion

Benefit Japan brings you the ultimate AI masterclass to energize your mind and stimulate your intellect through your fingertips.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Price.: Depending on the model, it is offered in Japan at around 165,000 yen (including tax).
• Developed and provided by? Developed by SenseTime, Inc. and provided and supported in Japan by Benefit Japan Inc.
• What can it do? The software offers: AI games, fill-in problems, automatic recording of game records, and synchronization of online games.
• What OS/updates are supported? The dedicated application is compatible with iOS/Android. The main unit can be updated with software via Wi-Fi.
• Can seniors use it? Yes, the voice guidance function and simple operation panel make it intuitive to use.
• Can I play online? Yes: You can play with players from all over the world through the physical board.
• What are the electricity and maintenance costs?: There is basically no monthly cost. Electricity costs are about the same as for ordinary household appliances.

What are the prices and where can I buy them?

In Japan, the robot is handled at permanent stores such as Robot Planet operated by Benefit Japan Inc. and online, and is priced around 165,000 yen (tax included). While this may seem expensive, it is an unparalleled premium value that includes world-class AI algorithms, industrial-level robot arm technology controlled on a millimeter-by-millimeter basis, and extensive after-sales support in Japan.

What specific features are available?

In addition to the AI game function, the system also has a “Kifu Lineup” function that recreates past famous games and your own games, a “Problem Exercise” function that allows you to practice fill-in Shogi and Go games according to your level, and a “Synchronization Function for Online Games”. The synchronization function is particularly revolutionary: when playing with a distant friend via the Internet, the moves played by the opponent are reproduced directly by the robot arm in front of you.

Are there any disadvantages or cautions?

Because of the large physical movement of the robotic arm, a large space with no obstructions around it is required. In addition, special contrast-adjusted pieces and stones (accessories) must be used in order for the AI to accurately recognize the pieces. It is important to understand before purchasing that not all commercially available pieces can be used as is.

Are there any software updates?

Yes, this is done on a regular basis. By connecting the unit to Wi-Fi, you can easily perform system updates such as brushing up the AI’s thinking algorithm, improving the user interface, and adding new features. The product continues to “evolve” after purchase, so you can always practice against the most up-to-date game.

Can elderly or bedridden people operate the system?

It has been well received by a very large number of senior users and their families. The operation screen is simple, and light and voice guidance (guidance) tell the user where to hit next, so even those who are not good at machine operation can proceed without hesitation. The physical touch of the pieces and the movement of the arm itself is highly appreciated by caregivers as a good stimulus for hand rehabilitation and brain stimulation.

Can I use it even if I don’t have an Internet connection (Wi-Fi)?

The basic AI game functions and preset fill-in-the-blank problems can be used offline without an Internet connection. However, to play online games, compete against other users from around the world, or use the latest software updates, you must be connected to a Wi-Fi environment.

What is the difference from other Shogi and Go software and apps?

The “psychological impact of having an entity” is definitely different. With SenseRobot, the opponent (robot) is sitting right in front of you, creating a pleasant sense of tension with each move you make, and allowing you to develop a “depth of reading” that is similar to a face-to-face game.

Are there any monthly fees or other running costs?

There are basically no monthly fees that are required after purchase. The online game and AI analysis functions are also included in the current specifications in the purchase price of the unit and can be fully utilized without additional charges. The only maintenance cost is a small electricity bill for daily charging and driving, making it a very economical hobby partner in the long run.

Specifications Summary

Reviews (Word of mouth)

We will focus on Amazon customer reviews and other real voices from users who have actually purchased and used the product in its original form.

Good Reviews

My bedridden father is feeling better.

I bought this for my father who is no longer able to go to the Go hall. He said he can choose the strength of the game so he can enjoy it every day. I would like to thank everyone involved in the development of this robot.

– Source: Amazon.co.jp Customer reviews (more than 21 supported)

“Creating a sense of fulfillment and enjoyment in daily life.”

Even in situations where it is difficult to go out, the experience of “being able to play your favorite game of Go or Shogi on a real board” gives vitality and enjoyment to daily life.

– Source: Amazon.co.jp Customer Review Trends (from a total of over 70 “helpful” ratings)

I can see my family being happy.”

Not only the individuals who have purchased the products, but also their families who watch over them have expressed their joy, saying that they are “feeling more energetic” and “seem to be enjoying their efforts.

– Source: Amazon.co.jp Customer Review Trends (from a total of more than 50 “helpful” ratings)

points of improvement

I want the cord connecting the board to the main unit changed.”

The cord (USB C) that connects the board to the main unit is embedded in the board on one side. Wouldn’t it be better to make both of them pluggable? If the cord is damaged, we may be able to replace it with a cord we have.

– Source: Amazon.co.jp Customer Reviews

More than enough for a human opponent, but not for research.”

The win rate of an amateur 6-dan player against a 4-dan player on this machine is about 15%.
This is a good machine for enjoying a quick and easy game of Go.
It is a machine that prioritizes speed and reduces strength.
When played against other AI software, it loses even at 9-dan setting,
If you want to study this machine, you need to buy a cheap cell phone,
It is better to buy a cheap cell phone and play against other stronger software for Go research.

The improvements of this machine are
1. “Waiting” can only return one move, and it is not suitable for research because it is not possible to register a game record.
However, AI has “Kakari” but not “Shimari” and “Hiraki”, and there is little concept of “Fuseki” to begin with.
The concept of “fuseki” is not very common in AI.
2. There are no instructions for the next move, so you cannot know the next critical point on the board.
3. Manuals are too simple. Especially, the work to connect to the Internet.

While AI Go is an eye-opener, it plays in a way that is incomprehensible to conventional wisdom.
It uses the entire board to make decisions.
For those who have learned Go with human common sense, reskilling in Go is a painful process.
You are confronted with the fact that everything you have done up to now is wrong,
It is really painful because you are confronted with the fact that everything you have done up to now is wrong, and your firm common sense is totally denied.
Fortunately, a professional who is the current titleholder has written a book explaining some of AI’s moves, which is very helpful.
It is an important task for professionals to explain “AI’s moves” in the future.
It is the duty of professionals, even if they don’t want to do it, because only professionals have the ability to explain it.
Humans can only proceed with a rationale,
AI can only proceed based on calculations.
And human judgment is inferior to AI’s comparative calculation judgment.

Currently, go players, both professionals and amateurs, are facing AI,
In the future, humans will be forced to face AI in all fields,
AI engineers as a profession will become the flower of the industry,
AI engineers as a profession will flourish, while those who cannot cope with AI will be driven away, and those who can will find their way to the fields where AI cannot,
Those who can handle AI will be driven out, and those who can will find a way of life in the fields where AI cannot.
Just as Picasso found a way of life in abstraction with the advent of the camera.

– Source: Amazon.co.jp Customer Reviews

comprehensive evaluation

SenseRobot is a gem that transcends the framework of a mere board game machine and has been elevated to “a partner that relieves human loneliness and stimulates intellectual curiosity” through the use of AI technology and precision engineering.

The fact that Benefit Japan Inc. is the authorized contact point in Japan is very significant, and eliminates the concerns (breakdowns and usage) associated with expensive products. as the Amazon review says, it is a “new window” for people with physical disabilities, and the elation of going to the Go Club as they once did can be recreated. This is what technology is supposed to do, and perhaps the main reason why people choose SenseRobot.

Comparison with “Mia,” a talking cat-shaped robot

We compared a full-fledged “functional/competitive robot” like the ones handled by Benefit Japan with Mia, an everyday “healing/sympathetic robot” that fits your lifestyle.

Key points of comparison: Mia emphasizes “warmth that accompanies daily life. With its unique Japanese dialect of speech and affordable price of less than 10,000 yen, it is a suitable choice for those who want to easily incorporate everyday healing and familiarity.

👇 Talking cat-shaped robot “Mia” that speaks 47 dialects nationwide

【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

SenseRobot is a technology solution to a very specific and sincere wish: “I want to play face to face but have no partner,” or “I want to enjoy my hobby seriously again for rehabilitation. This unit, provided by Benefit Japan Inc., turns your home into a Go club and turns lonely practice time into instructional Go with a professional.

On the other hand, for those who want to fill the loneliness of casual everyday moments more easily or enjoy loose conversation with a family-like presence, a “talking healing robot” like Mia can be a reassuring ally.

Are you (or your loved one) looking for “a sense of accomplishment through serious competition on the board” or “the warmth of a fleeting moment in your daily life”? Please try to find a partner who matches the answer to that question.

👀 Also read this article.

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👉What is “Mia”, an AI pet robot that speaks 47 dialects nationwide?