[On-site Report] A moving and surprising "remote hug"! A thorough introduction to the booth of the remote hug robot "FuAra," which was unveiled for the first time at the Expo
Even when we're far apart, our hearts are connected. iPresence's future communication experience has received a huge response!
The remote hugging robot "FuAra," jointly developed by iPresence Inc. (Higashinada-ku, Kobe, Hyogo Prefecture) and Osaka Institute of Technology, was unveiled for the first time for a limited time from September 9th (Tuesday) to September 15th (Monday, national holiday) at the "Osaka Healthcare Pavilion Reborn Challenge" at the recently concluded 2025 Osaka-Kansai Expo!
The FuAra booth was a huge success every day during the event, with many visitors trying out the experience. This time, we'll report on the excitement and surprise that the "remote hug" experience generated, with photos and videos from the event.
FuAra proves that technology can create "heartwarmth"
"FuAra" is a robot developed jointly by iPresence and the Flexible Robotics Laboratory of the Department of Robotics, Faculty of Robotics and Design, Osaka Institute of Technology.Soft avatar robot with a soft bodyIt was born from the desire to "deliver heartwarming to loved ones even when they are far away."
Unlike previous stiff robots, FuAra conveys a gentle, enveloping sensation, just like a human hug.
[Experience 1] "Hugging for One" - Feeling the Heartbeat from a Distance
At the booth, FuAra first offered visitors the experience of giving a gentle hug. While hugging, visitors could feel the vibrations of FuAra's heartbeat and the warmth of its heart. People who experienced it commented, "Even though it's a robot, it really made me feel warm," and "For some reason, I felt a sense of security," proving that FuAra is not just a machine, but a being that can convey emotions.
[Experience 2] "Remote collaborative experience for two" that closes the emotional distance
The most popular experience was a shared experience with a loved one.
When one person makes a hugging motion, that movement is transmitted to FuAra in real time via motion capture, and the other FuAra then reproduces the hug.
Many people commented, "I was surprised that I could hug someone even when we were far apart," and "It felt like I was being embraced." Through technology, people were reminded of the "connection of the heart" that transcends physical distance, and many smiles were born.
A video report capturing the excitement on-site has been released!
We have released a video capturing the excitement at the Expo site and the excitement of visitors experiencing FuAra. Be sure to check it out and see the moment the future of communication becomes a reality!
[Report video]
Beyond Event Success: iPresence's Future
Through its first public unveiling at this Expo, we have become strongly convinced of the potential of FuAra to contribute to fields such as mental healthcare.We have used robot technology to realize the value of "the sense of security that comes from touch," something that traditional communication tools have been unable to provide. Please look forward to future developments with iPresence, which embodies the feeling of "being there."
"FuAra" Exhibition Overview (Achievements)
