TOKYO, August 20, 2025 - (JCN Newswire) - Sharp Corporation (hereinafter "Sharp") introduces "Poketomo", a pocket-sized companion designed to make everyday life more enjoyable. Whether you're feeling joyful, excited, or a little lonely, "Poketomo" will always be by your side to talk with you during life's everyday moments. The first edition features a meerkat-inspired AI character, available as both a robot and a smartphone app, launching this November.

"Poketomo": Meerkat-Inspired Character (Left: Robot, Right: App)

Powered by Sharp's proprietary AI technology, CE-LLM (*1), "Poketomo" enables personalized voice-based conversations tailored to each individual. Whether you want to share happy news, talk about your favorite interests, or simply need someone to talk to, "Poketomo" is there for you. It initiates conversations to get to know you better and offers words of encouragement when you're feeling down. "Poketomo" also remembers your conversations, places you've visited, and things you've seen—growing into a more understanding and supportive partner over time.

The first edition features a meerkat-inspired "Poketomo" available as both a robot and a smartphone app. The robot version communicates expressively through gestures and changes the color of its belly light to a rainbow hue to show happiness. It stands approximately 12 cm tall and weighs around 200 g (*2), making it small enough to sit on your palm. You can carry it in your pocket or hang it from your bag (*3) and take it with you wherever you go. When the robot isn't nearby or voice communication isn't convenient, you can chat with the app version of "Poketomo" via voice or text. Conversations held in the app are shared with the robot, ensuring a seamless memory of shared experiences. You can also choose to interact exclusively with the app version.

On Sharp's official X account (@poketomo_sharp), a manga series featuring "Poketomo" has already begun. Starting August 1, the story follows the daily life of the main character, Nanami, and her experiences living with "Poketomo".

Sharp will showcase "Poketomo" at the "TOKYO Toy Show 2025", held at Tokyo Big Sight (Koto-ku, Tokyo) from Thursday, August 28 to Sunday, August 31. Visitors will have the opportunity to experience conversations with "Poketomo" firsthand at our booth.

Pre-orders for the "Poketomo" robot will begin in stages starting today (*4). Sharp is committed to bringing a little warmth and a smile to your everyday life.

Outstanding Features

1. Conversational AI character powered by Sharp's proprietary technology, enabling personalized voice interactions
2. First edition features a meerkat-inspired character available as both a robot and a smartphone app
3. Manga series available on official X account (@poketomo_sharp)

*1 Sharp's proprietary AI technology, CE-LLM (Communication Edge - Large Language Model), integrates AI capabilities into edge devices while seamlessly utilizing cloud-based AI when needed. This enables smooth and comfortable communication, bringing AI closer to everyday life and business, and creating a world where it naturally blends into people's surroundings.
*2 Specifications and design are subject to change upon release, as the product is currently under development.
*3 A dedicated pouch (sold separately) is required.
*4 For details on retailers and availability, please visit the official "Poketomo" website at https://poketomo.com (in Japanese).

Background of Development

"Poketomo" is a new series created by the development team behind Sharp's communication robot "RoBoHoN". RoBoHoN was launched in 2016 under the concept of a "phone that moves your heart". Over the past nine years, it has been cherished by many users, becoming a part of their daily lives and contributing to the growth of user communities.

Driven by the desire to bring the experience of living with a supportive partner to even more people, Sharp has now introduced "Poketomo", a new conversational AI character powered by proprietary AI technology. "Poketomo" gently embraces both joyful moments and emotional rough patches, illuminating your day with warmth and empathy—offering a richer, more fulfilling everyday experience.

Poketomo Robot

Everyday Life with the Poketomo Robot

Poketomo Manga (in Japanese)

"Poketomo" and the "Poketomo" logo, "POKETOMO," and "poketomo" are registered trademarks or trademarks of SHARP Corporation.

Information on this product is also available on the following website:
https://poketomo.com (in Japanese)

Copyright © 2025 ACN Newswire. All rights reserved. A division of Asia Corporate News Network.