Romi is a specialized conversation robot that fits snugly in the palm of your hand. Unlike conventional robots which have pre-defined rules for responses, Romi stands out by utilizing our cutting-edge proprietary communication AI to keep conversations going, meaning that you can have a natural back-and-forth conversation. Romi is unique in its capability for non-verbal communication, from the surprise it expresses when you pick it up to small movements and adorable expressions that fit the conversation. With a warm and empathetic communication style, Romi offers a new type of companionship. The new Romi Lacatan model (July 2025 launch) is able to recognize objects optically, allowing Romi and its owner to talk about things they see together. This means that Romi can not only give conversational replies but also engage in conversation about its surroundings, making interactions even more natural and endearing than previous Romi models.

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/

Survey results regarding placement of Romi in classrooms

Feedback from children who interacted with Romi

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. In June 2025, we launched the Romi Life Skill Training Model which supports individuals with ASD and ADHD. 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.

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.