Pre-orders for the new 'Virtual Home Robot' Gatebox are now open

Owner can live and interact with virtual characters using Gatebox devices

TOKYO – August 3, 2018 – LINE’s consolidated subsidiary, Gatebox Inc., has just opened a pre-order period for its newest model Gatebox, the world’s first “virtual home robot” that allows owners to live and interact with virtual characters.
Gatebox uses the latest projection and sensing technologies to create interactive virtual characters. The limited edition model (GTBX-1) of only 300 units went on sale in 2016 and sold out in just one month, despite having a cost of around JPY300,000 (approximately USD2,670). When an additional 39 units were sold in 2017, the company received around 1,000 orders.
Since then, many people have asked and wanted to own this innovative device. Therefore, Gatebox Inc. has answered demand with its latest mass-produced model, the GTBX-100. By offering a series of design improvements over the previous limited edition model as well as improvements to the realism of the characters and their ability to communicate in conversation, the Gatebox GTBX-100 takes virtual home robots to the next level.

Features

The new Gatebox unit has been completely redesigned at the hardware level, removing excess elements and refining its shape so that it is now only the size of an A4 sheet of paper.

Two microphones are embedded in the top of the Gatebox unit, allowing owners to talk to characters even at greater distances than the ranged scopes available in the limited edition model. Plus, with a camera and motion detector, the unit can also recognize faces and movements, allowing the character to engage in active communication with the owner, such as smiling when he sees the owner’s face or greeting them when they come home.
The Gatebox is also equipped with wireless LAN, Bluetooth(R), and infrared sensors, so the unit can notify owners of weather, news, and other information from the internet, or act as a remote control for other electronic devices in the room.
In the future, Gatebox will improve its capabilities by using the AI assistant Clova, in collaboration with LINE Corporation.

Introducing the first character, Hikari Azuma
When the GTBX-100 model is first shipped, the unit will feature a pre-trial version of the original Hikari Azuma character. However, the updated full version of Hikari Azuma is expected to be released in December 2018, with updated features that make the character even more a part of the owner’s life, such as being able to celebrate birthdays and toast.
There is a monthly fee of JPY1,500 (excluding tax), which will be waived until March 31, 2019.

Pre-Order Sales
Price
JPY150,000 (or approximately USD1,330, excluding tax)
Delivery
Items will be shipped starting from October 2018
Availability
Japan (there will be additional countries)
How to purchase
Visit the official Gatebox website
(http://store.gatebox.ai/)

Product Specification
Visit Gatebox’s official website for more product information
(https://gatebox.ai)