KDDI develops "Comi Kuma", a teddy bear that communicates the user’s feelings based on physical interactions

Back to News Title

Print this Page
  • 1.
    Overview of Comi Kuma

    Comi Kuma is a new IoT communication tool that does not have any buttons or keyboard, which lets users exchange stamp images simply by touching it or changing its position. Equipped with a communication module [1] and 12 sensors, Comi Kuma can send 11 different types of stamp images based on how the user interacts with it. Stamp images received by the other Comi Kuma are shown on a display embedded in the ribbon mounted on the bear's chest. Due to the simple operation, users who are not familiar with using smartphones, such as young children or the elderly, can use Comi Kuma to easily send stamp images to each other. The stamp images, which do not include any text, intuitively communicate the users' feelings regardless of their age or location.

    • [1]
      Bluetooth communication module for establishing connection with smartphone

    <Examples of interactions and corresponding stamp images>

    Good morning Kiss I love you

  • 2.
    Technology in Comi Kuma

    Interactions with Comi Kuma are detected using 12 sensors, such as a touch sensor (pressure sensitivity detection) and kiss sensor (CO2 detection). Comi Kuma recognizes actions such as patting the head, kissing, holding hands, hugging, moving the arms and legs, and tickling, and it sends the corresponding stamp image to the other Comi Kuma.

    <Sensor locations>

    <Sensor types>

<Reference>Comi Kuma interactions and corresponding stamp images

Patting the head
  • Touch sensor
Capacitance is detected when the user touches the head, and Comi Kuma recognizes that it is being patted.

Good morning

Good afternoon

Good evening
Raising an arm
  • Tilt sensor (1)
Tilt is detected when an arm is raised. Comi Kuma recognizes that the arm is raised when it reaches a certain angle.

Hey
Holding hands
  • Push sensor
The density of the stuffing is detected. The stuffing is compressed when squeezed, and Comi Kuma recognizes that the hand is being held once a certain density is detected.

Friendly
Hugging
  • Hug sensor
The density of the stuffing is detected. The stuffing is compressed when hugged, and Comi Kuma recognizes the hug once a certain density is detected.

I love you
Laying face down on stomach
  • Tilt sensor (2)
Located in the center of the body, this sensor detects Comi Kuma's orientation. Comi Kuma recognizes when it is sitting upright, laying face down on its stomach, or laying face up on its back.

Tired
Laying face up on back
  • Tilt sensor (2)
Located in the center of the body, this sensor detects Comi Kuma's orientation. Comi Kuma recognizes when it is sitting upright, laying face down on its stomach, or laying face up on its back.

Good night
Laying face up on back
+
Touching the feet
  • Tilt sensor (2)
Located in the center of the body, this sensor detects Comi Kuma's orientation. Comi Kuma recognizes when it is sitting upright, laying face down on its stomach, or laying face up on its back.
  • Tickle sensor
Capacitance is detected when the user touches the bottom of the feet, and Comi Kuma recognizes that it is being tickled.

Tickle tickle
Laying face up on back
+
Moving legs up and down
  • Tilt sensor (2)
Located in the center of the body, this sensor detects Comi Kuma's orientation. Comi Kuma recognizes when it is sitting upright, laying face down on its stomach, or laying face up on its back.
  • Tilt sensor (3)
Tilt is detected when a leg is raised. Comi Kuma recognizes that the leg is raised when it reaches a certain angle.

Fun
Kissing
  • Kiss sensor
The sensor detects carbon dioxide exhaled by the user, and Comi Kuma recognizes the kiss once a certain concentration is detected.

Kiss
  • About au Unlimited Future Laboratory

    au Unlimited Future Laboratory is an open laboratory that specializes in next-generation smartphone inventions aimed at creating the communication of the future.
    In 2014, the laboratory invited the general public to participate as researchers via their website, and it periodically invites experts from various fields to participate in activities such as hackathons and online discussions. The laboratory has developed a total of 15 different prototype concept models under the themes of "clothing", "food", and "home". One such prototype is FUMM, a shoe concept model developed in collaboration with New Balance Japan, Inc. (President: Tomoo Tomita, Head office: Chuo-ku, Tokyo).

    Open link in a new windowDetails about FUMM
  • The information contained in the news releases is current at the time of publication. Products, service fees,service content and specifications, contact information, and other details are subject to change without notice.