# Responsive Cat-Inspired Robots The Panasonic 'Nicobo' Has a Cartoon-Like Appearance By Michael Hemsworth | Published 2021-02-19 | Tech Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nicobo References: [yankodesign](https://www.yankodesign.com/2021/02/19/panasonics-cat-robot-nicobo-talks-wags-its-tail-in-anticipation-and-even-farts/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+yankodesign+%28Yanko+Design+-+Form+Beyond+Function%29) & [panasonic.jp](https://panasonic.jp/) The [Panasonic](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/panasonic-avionics-corporation) 'Nicobo' is a [robotic pet](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/owlbear) created in co-development with the robotics researchers from Toyohashi University of Technology Michio Oka Laboratory and is focused on providing companionship in a new way. The cat-inspired robot has a rounded design that gives it an almost cartoon-like appearance that will react according to the user. This includes a wagging tail and eyes that will wink in appreciate when petted, while the cheeky [companion robot](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-vex) can even fart when it doesn't get what it wants. The Panasonic 'Nicobo' is available now for purchase in Japan, but is limited to just 320 examples priced at $360 each. If successful, the robot could be made in larger quantities to offer consumers a less labor-intensive way to keep a pet companion nearby. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.8/10 - Popularity: 84% | Activity: 81% | Freshness: 9% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Tech](https://www.trendhunter.com/tech) > [Gadgets](https://www.trendhunter.com/gadgets) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Robotic Companions:** The trend of creating cute and responsive companionship robots could lead to disruptive innovation opportunities in the pet industry. - **Cartoon-like Design:** The trend of using cartoon-like designs in robotics provides an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the toy industry. - **Behavioral Intelligence:** The trend of developing intelligent robots that respond to human interaction presents disruptive innovation opportunities for the robotics industry. ### Who This Affects Most - **Robotics Industry:** The robotics industry could benefit from producing more responsive and intelligent robots. - **Pet Industry:** The pet industry could explore the development of robotic companions as a new product category. - **Toy Industry:** The toy industry could use cartoon-like designs to make more appealing and entertaining products. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Autonomous AI-Powered Robot Cats](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/macroact-maicat.md) - [Emotion Recognition Robot Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/kakaloom.md) - [Robotic Pet Companions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/guliguli-smart-companion.md) - [Charming Robotic House Pets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/loona-pet-robot.md) - [Automated Pet Companion Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/enor-e1.md) - [Roving Household Pet Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/meowmates.md) - [Adorable Cyber-Pet Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cyberpet.md) - [AI-Powered Cat Tracking Robots](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-companion-robot.md) - [Interactive Companionship Robotic Dogs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ecovacs-lilmilo.md)