Keio University Reveals a Floating Whale Robot That Follows You Around

Researchers at Keio University in Japan have introduced a prototype of a floating companion robot designed to drift through indoor spaces alongside a user, according to a report covered by Habr citing CNET. The prototype features a lighter-than-air structure equipped with small stabilizers for smooth navigation.

Unlike traditional flying robots driven by exposed propellers, this design relies on a soft body with no pinch points or open moving parts, making close physical proximity safer. During demonstrations, the whale-shaped prototype drifted between rooms to wake users, deliver reminders, assist with studying, and move in sync with music.

The developers position the device as a physical character inhabiting the user's room rather than a functional replacement for a smartphone or smart speaker. The project also attempts to sidestep the uncanny valley effect by avoiding human-like facial features, relying instead on motion to convey presence and expression—an approach the creators suggest could become relevant as companies like OpenAI, Meta, and Apple push AI assistants into specialized hardware.

Source: habr