The National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation (Miraikan) in Tokyo’s Odaiba unveiled “Keparan,” a partner robot developed by Toyota that showcases the future of human-robot interaction. Equipped with 34 motorized joints, Keparan can dance smoothly and recognize both people and objects, captivating museum visitors with lifelike expressions and movements.
Toyota, already known for its Olympic and Paralympic mascot robots, created Keparan as part of its ongoing research into supporting human life activities, particularly for people with physical disabilities and the elderly. This development aligns with Toyota’s vision of creating robots that harmonize with humans, as the company explores new frontiers in communication between robots and people through its Tommy Project, launched in June 2023.
In a recent episode of Toyota Times News, Yuta Tomikawa reported on the project, where he visited a kindergarten in Aichi Prefecture and explored the latest advancements in robotic technology. Miraikan Chief Executive Director Chieko Asakawa and Toyota Frontier Research Center President Nobuhiko Koga joined the discussion, offering insights into Toyota’s vision for robots that, like cars, may someday become beloved companions.
Chairman Akio Toyoda’s long-held belief that cars are more than machines extends to Toyota’s vision for robots, suggesting a future where robots, like Keparan, could become an integral part of human life.
