# Creepy Fetal Cellphones The Hiroshi Ishiguro 'Elfoid' Adds Robotic Facial Expressions to Phoning By Amelia Roblin | Published 2011-01-27 | Unique Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hiroshi-ishiguro-elfoid References: [asia.cnet](http://asia.cnet.com/crave/2011/01/24/hiroshi-ishiguro-your-next-phone-could-be-a-telenoid/) & [bbc](http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-11493961) An Osaka University professor has been in the media in the past few years for his unusual technological ideas, but the release of the embryonic Hiroshi Ishiguro 'Elfoid' is creating quite a stir. According to its creator, the cellphone version of the larger Telenoid R1 will be ready to hit the market in a few months' time, offering users an innovative way to experience [mobile communication](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/santas-magical-telephone). The small [anthropomorphic device](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cyberpet) looks a lot like a developing fetus, but has been designed with the ability to form [facial expressions and movements](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/emo-robot-1) that mimic the user on the other end. Watch the video to see the inventor with several Hiroshi Ishiguro 'Elfoid' prototypes interacting with a friend through the larger Telenoid R1. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 3.2/10 - Popularity: 9% | Activity: 78% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Unique](https://www.trendhunter.com/unique) > [Bizarre](https://www.trendhunter.com/bizarre) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Robotic Facial Expressions:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in creating robots or devices with the ability to mimic human facial expressions and movements. - **Anthropomorphic Devices:** Potential for disruptive innovation in developing devices that have human-like characteristics and interact with users in a more lifelike manner. - **Mobile Communication Experience:** Opportunity for disruptive innovation in reimagining and enhancing the mobile communication experience through innovative devices or technology. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Robotics:** Disruptive innovation opportunities in the robotics industry by integrating facial expression and movement capabilities into robot designs. - **Consumer Electronics:** Opportunities for disruptive innovation within the consumer electronics industry by developing anthropomorphic devices that offer a more immersive and interactive user experience. - **Telecommunications:** Potential for disruptive innovation in the telecommunications industry by redefining and enhancing the mobile communication experience through innovative devices. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Robotic Companion Smartphone Models](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/honor-robot-phone.md) - [Portable AI Emotional Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ai-emotional-companion.md) - [Robotic Baby Car Puppets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/iruyo-intelligent-puppet.md) - [Interactive Desktop Robot Toys](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/eilik-companion-robot.md) - [Cartoonish In-Car Connectivity Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/car-robot.md) - [Child-Friendly Service Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/next-generation-service-robot.md) - [Adaptable AI-Enabled Smartphones](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/play-t-1-foldable-phone.md) - [Pocket-Sized AI Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sharp-poketomo.md) - [Animated-Photo AI-Fueled Chat Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/embodyme.md)