Introduced during the ROBODEX 2002 event, Q.Taro or just known as 'Q.' is a sepherical therapy robot prototype created by Sony Creature Labs. It was developed not by the Aibo team but by one individual - Nara Yamatoji, at Sony independently. Dubbed 'healing creature', the robot's focus is on sensory stimulation and making the user feel calm from its presence. Like Aibo, Q.Taro has its own set of emotions which are shown as colours on the main light oval on the front. The robot is equipt with 36 sensors including microphones, speakers, heat sensors, cameras, distance sensors and touch sensors similar to the ERS-7.
The internals of Q.Taro are quite unique in that it has a system that allows the robot to stay upright while travelling in its protective clear casing. It also allows it to wirelessly charge via the supplied fold out mat. Q.Taro will follow white paths laid out for it or stay in place on its Q charging mat. There is also a charging display cradle which the gold prototype has.
Not much was seen of Q.Taro after 2002. The prototypes were flaunted at a few events before vanishing. The latest appearence was an earlier teal prototype showcased as part of the 'Its a Sony' exhibit in 2016.
Q.Taros could communicate with eachother through song - Here are two rare videos of Q.Taro in action.
View of Q.Taro prototypes travelling along the designated white path. I believe the tiles could be organised in whichever configuration. The mat tiles are able to charge Q.Taro wirelessly.
It is not known why this technology was never incorporated into any Aibo products, but it could be due to the cost and infancy of the technology.
These robots appear to be set up at a bar, showcasing how easy it is to set up a display area for Q.taro.
The robots could be left to roam autonmously in an area - all that is needed is a black tape boarder around the area to create a boundry for the robot to not go past.
The 'Stay' mat for Q.Taro. The robot knows to stay put due to the design. This mat can also be set up so the robot can charge wirelessly on top of it.
Known functional Q.Taro prototypes - The location of most are unknown. A YouTube video of the red one popped up online in 2007 in Spain (video now lost). The gold prototype is currently owned by a collector in the UK - given as a gift from a Sony Europe employee.
Earlier teal prototype seen at the 'Its a Sony' exhibit in 2016. Notice how the sensor cutouts aren't as well finished as the others + the addition of a duotone finish around the emotional light window. (Image: The Verge)
Q.Taro in the dark, better showing off their light arrays.
Q. Taro Installation at CIBONE Aoyama store.
Original brochure for Q. Taro given out at CIBONE Aoyama store
Q.Taro at ROBODEX 2002
Storage case and ownership card for Q.Taro. The details on the certificate appear to be placeholders, suggesting that Sony was looking to sell these robots eventually.
