Bandai Co. said it will release in late March a talking toy robot based on the cartoon character Doraemon, a robotic feline from the future.
Priced at 19,800 yen, Doraemon the Robot can respond to simple expressions with a vocabulary of about 750 words and phrases and can sense tactile stimulation, Japan's biggest toy maker said.
The toy's voice will be done by voice actress Nobuyo Oyama, who also does the voice of the roly-poly blue cat in the popular animated series.
In the TV series that started in 1979 and its precursor comics, Doraemon is a robot cat from the 22nd century with a magic pocket, from which he pulls out all manner of amazing, futuristic gadgets.
Bandai said the release of the toy is in line with its Real Dream Doraemon Project, under which the firm aims to build a robot cat like the animated character by 2010.
The 1.3-kg toy says "I want to pet you, too!" when petted, and "Help me up!" when it tumbles over. It can also move via remote control.
