Japanese startup Groove X, founded by a former SoftBank robotics unit member, unveiled its first creation, the Lovot, a companion robot designed to make users happy.

The Lovot, combining “love” and “robot,” is not for housework but aims to evoke affection. It uses AI to interact, resembling a penguin with human-like eyes, and has interchangeable outfits.

The robot shows affection by becoming warm when touched, “sleeping” when cuddled, and following users when called.

Its practical uses are limited to tasks like baby monitoring or home surveillance via a mobile app, Reuters reported.

Groove X, aiming to expand the household robot market, has raised 8 billion yen ($71.1 million) from investors including a Toyota-backed fund, Line Corp, and the Japanese government.

The Lovot will compete with Sony’s AI-powered robot dog Aibo. Despite its hefty price of 349,000 yen ($3,100) plus subscription fees, units will start shipping in late 2019.

This launch comes as Japan ranks lowest among G7 nations in the UN’s annual happiness ranking.

Written by B.C. Begley