Sharp to Launch Portable "Robot" Phone in May

TOKYO, JAPAN – APR. 14: Sharp Corp. said Thursday it will launch a small robot-shaped mobile phone equipped with artificial intelligence features on May 26 with a price tag of 213,840 yen (about $2,000), venturing into the business of Internet-connected consumer electronics.���The release of the "RoBoHoN" will come as Sharp is aiming to develop next-generation home appliances under the influence of Taiwan's Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., which recently took over the struggling Japanese electronics maker.���Sharp says the robotic phone, about 19.5 centimeters tall and weighing 390 grams, can flexibly react to users in conversation through artificial intelligence besides having basic mobile phone functions such as a voice service and camera. Sharp started accepting orders Thursday.���In addition to a 980 yen monthly basic fee excluding tax to use the unique features, users need to pay a monthly telecommunication fee to use it as a regular mobile phone.���At a launch event in Tokyo, the RoBoHoN replied, "Clear after rain," when asked for the weather forecast by a company official. It also said, "What about something sweet?" in response to a question on whether any restaurants are nearby.���The RoBoHoN can listen and respond to users as it can learn their preferences and behavioral patterns through dialogues, according to Sharp, adding the device can also walk and dance, controlled mainly through voices.���The phone can add dedicated applications besides initially installed apps such as for weather and news. It has a 2-inch touchscreen on its back and a built-in small laser projector.