Humanoid AI Robot Demonstrates World-First Gesture Technology
Humanoid AI Robot Demonstrates World-First Gesture Technology
https://newsonjapan.com/article/149858.php
Publish Date: 2026-07-04 16:12:00
Source Domain: newsonjapan.com
OSAKA –
A humanoid AI robot under development in Japan demonstrated what its developer described as a world-first gesture-recognition technology during a studio appearance, raising questions over whether Japan can regain ground in a field now led by the United States and China.
The robot, named cinnamon 1, was developed by Donut Robotics as a form of “physical AI,” or artificial intelligence placed inside a machine body. While the United States and China are seen as global leaders in humanoid robots, the Japanese-made system appeared in the studio to show how it can converse, observe its surroundings and respond to human gestures.
Daisuke Goto, representative of Donut Robotics, said the robot is being designed to replace human labor in real-world settings such as construction sites. Cinnamon 1 is roughly 170 centimeters tall and weighs about 70 kilograms, a size close to that of a human worker. Its price is expected to be around 18 million yen. The robot’s body is made overseas, while its AI brain is developed in-house by Donut Robotics.
Cinnamon 1 entered the studio on foot and bowed to the people present, drawing attention for its human-like movements. The robot was then asked whether it knew actor Yukio Ozawa, but replied that it does not identify individual celebrities by appearance. When asked again, it said it could provide information about the actor’s works if given more details, but that it could not currently recognize him visually.
Asked what it is good at, the robot said it can provide information through conversation, explain situations while observing human movements, and communicate using simple gestures and actions. It said it could help with daily tasks such as greetings, giving directions and offering simple explanations.
The robot is equipped with cameras that allow it to describe its surroundings. When asked what kind of place it was in, cinnamon 1 said it appeared to…
