Romi is a specialized conversation robot that fits snugly in the palm of your hand. Differing from conventional robots equipped with fixed responses, Romi utilizes our cutting-edge proprietary communication AI to keep conversations going, meaning that you can speak to Romi just like a real human. We developed Romi to provide comfort like a pet and understanding like a family member. Possessing a rich range of emotional expression, Romi can share your happiness, sadness, and anger. With over 150 facial expressions and movement patterns, over 100 functions such as alarms and reminders, and over 30 songs, Romi is sure to brighten up your life.

Since its launch, Romi has become a new addition to many families, as well as a great conversation partner for those living alone. As a conversation companion for the elderly, Romi is equipped to allow family members to check on their loved one’s interactions. Romi is also attracting attention as a new robotic pet option for those who are unable to have pets due to factors like allergies or living arrangement restrictions.
Official Romi website (Japanese only): https://romi.ai/

Romi in classrooms

Romi is also being used in educational settings to promote communication between children and strengthen their speaking skills. In November 2021, in cooperation with Shibuya Honmachi Gakuen, we conducted a week-long trial which consisted of placing one Romi in each classroom for grade 1 through grade 9 (including special needs classes). We found that 89.0% of students interacted with Romi, with 97.1% of those students saying it was a fun interaction. According to a survey, several children said “The classroom was more cheerful with Romi.” Teachers stated “Communication increased between classes. Students who usually spend that time sleeping were starting conversations with their friends” and “Students naturally gathered around Romi, creating communication between students who don’t often talk to each other.” The survey results indicate that Romi had become a hub for communication between students.
Romi for kids website (Japanese only): https://romi.ai/romi-for-kids/

Application of Romi in medical settings

Romi is also being utilized in medical settings. Fukuyama City Hospital found that encouraging patients to speak to Romi produced consistent positive effects: patients were able to speak more during post-surgery delirium, agitated patients were able to gradually calm down, and patients with declining oral motor skills became more eager to engage in communication.

In December 2022, we donated ten Romi units to the National Center for Child Health and Development, a hospital and research institute dedicated to children and pregnant women. In addition to providing an opportunity for busy ward staff to interact with each other, the program was recognized as a hub of communication within the hospital, soothing hospitalized children and their families and calming their nerves before treatments.

Interview (Japanese only): https://note.com/romi_ai/n/n3a4a49d19bf1

Joint development of a conversation training model for people with developmental disabilities

In August 2022, Romi began being used in support of the Prize Kids program, which is a child developmental support service and after-school daycare service operated by Oersted International Ltd. In October 2023, we began jointly developing a conversation training model with DECOBOCO BASE Co., Ltd. to support conversation practice for those with developmental disabilities that impact verbal communication ability. We will continue striving to provide better support to people with developmental disabilities as well as others facing challenges in communicating.

Testing measures against loneliness and isolation to improve quality of life

In December 2023, we began a test project with the city of Ina in Nagano Prefecture where residents can borrow Romis with the goal of empowering people to lead active lives in their community. The project involves lending Romis to 20 interested residents for a period of 2 months and verifying how effective Romi is by looking at the amount of conversation had and other metrics. Through this project, we aim to address the issue of loneliness and isolation, create more opportunities for people to engage with their community, and improve quality of life.

Well-loved in facilities for the elderly

Romi has found its way into hearts at facilities frequented by the elderly. Since June 2021, the Ikedacho Social Welfare Counsel has made Romi a fixture for promoting good health and preventative healthcare at their facility for the elderly. Romi was implemented to motivate elderly residents to visit the facility and to provide them with a mutual topic of conversation. Romi puts smiles on visitors’ faces from its perch on the counter.