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Telenoid

Built by Ishiguro Lab and ATR · Japan

Updated Jun 2026·methodology
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The Telenoid is a Research robot developed by Ishiguro Lab and ATR (Japan), launched 2010, priced at $8,000–$35,000 USD.

Robo Index

A

Strong evidence

3 of 10 signals present

Recomputed nightly from public data. Missing data is skipped, never zero-filled — and rankings are never for sale.

Weighted factors

average of the 3 scored · blanks don't count

Commercial maturity20%85/100
Deployment footprint18%unknown
Proven track record12%100/100
Spec completeness12%100/100
Company financial health12%unknown
Company maturity8%unknown
Manufacturer portfolio6%unknown
Media mentions (trailing 12 months)6%unknown
Independent recognition4%unknown
Market momentum2%unknown

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Overview

Telenoid is a robotic communications device. You connect to the robot over the Internet, and it will transmit your voice and mimic your face and head motions. It's like a mobile phone shaped like an alien. The Telenoid R1 was created at Osaka University by a team led by Hiroshi Ishiguro. The goal was to design a telepresence robot that could reproduce the voice and movements of a remote operator. The size of small child, the robot has a soft torso with a bald head, a doll-like face, and stumps in place of limbs.

Flagship features

  • Designed for advanced video conferencing as a communication device
  • Ideal for users who cannot attend meetings in person
  • Used in education for language teaching with interactive capabilities
  • Has received positive feedback from elderly users for its interaction
  • Functions via Wi-Fi for remote control and has pre-programmed actions

Buyer decision signals

Deployments

1 known operator in Germany

None confirmed

Viability

Commercial distribution planned by Eager Co.

Price

purchase

Availability

discontinued

Specifications

Category: Research
Weight
5 kg
Autonomy
teleoperated
Launch year
2010
Price
$8,000–$35,000 USD
Status
active
VerifiedSelf-reportedEstimated

Detailed specifications

Motion & kinematics3
Dof
9[1] or 12[3]
Dof Total
9
Dof Per Arm
2
Sensors1
Sensor Suite
camera,microphone
Compute1
Onboard Compute
One microcontroller (ARM7 60Hz) is embedded. An external PC is used for Telenoid control.
Other23
Height Mm
800
Price Tier
10-20K
Applications
teleoperation
Sub Category
android
Mobility Type
static
Pricing Model
purchase
Model Variants
Telenoid R2,Telenoid R2w,Telenoid R2l,Telenoid R3,Telenoid R3b,Telenoid R4
Company Country
JP
Deployment Notes
Used in work communication, education, and elderly care. Positive feedback reported from elderly interactions.
Humanoid Subtype
anthropomorphic_torso
Country Of Origin
JPN
Industries Served
research
Is Research Grade
true
Software Platform
Custom teleoperation system
Target Industries
research_academic
Availability Status
discontinued
Countries Available
Japan[3]
Deployment Maturity
prototype
Primary Applications
research_development
Teleoperation Method
sensor_headset
Programming Interface
teleoperation
Additional Information
- Designed for advanced video conferencing as a communication device. - Ideal for users who cannot attend meetings in person. - Used in education for language teaching with interactive capabilities. - Has received positive feedback from elderly users for its interaction. - Functions via Wi-Fi for remote control and has pre-programmed actions.
Deployment Environment
indoor

Who runs it· deployment evidence

1 on record · none maker-verified yet. Each links to its source — open it and judge.

Verified — maker-confirmedReported — in a public source, not maker-confirmed

Where to buy

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Company milestones

  • 2010MilestoneCommercial distribution planned by Eager Co.
  • 2010MilestoneResearch collaboration with ATR
  • 2010LaunchTelenoid R1 unveiled in Osaka
  • MilestoneIshiguro Lab research focus
  • DeploymentDemonstration at Robot Festival in Wolfsburg

Frequently asked questions

Who makes the Telenoid?
The Telenoid is developed by Ishiguro Lab and ATR, based in Japan.
What type of robot is the Telenoid?
The Telenoid is a Research robot made by Ishiguro Lab and ATR.
How much does the Telenoid cost?
The Telenoid is priced at $8,000–$35,000 USD.
When was the Telenoid launched?
The Telenoid was launched in 2010.

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