Couch-fishing gets real with this new Japanese robot

Friday, August 15th, 2008

Dr. Serkan Toto currently works as the first and only Asia-based writer for the TechCrunch network, mainly covering Japan-related technology and web companies for TechCrunch, CrunchGear and MobileCrunch. Serkan also works full-time as an independent web and mobile industry consultant with a focus on the Japanese market. He is sept-lingual, holds an MBA and is a PhD in economics. Serkan... → Learn More

http://blip.tv/play/ih_IiV6J5FQ
Here comes another robot fish from Japan. Starting today, toymaker Nakajima [JP] ships “Dynamic Fishing”, a toy kit that consists of an angling rod, a lure and a robotic fish. The set is Nippon-only, but If you are interested and live outside Japan, you can order it via Amazon Japan [JP/ENG] for $27 plus shipping.

The fish is passably similar to a real bass, 22.5cm long and – according to Nakajima – able to swim elegantly, like a real animal. It even moves its lips like a fish in nature. Judging from the video, this seems to be a slight exaggeration.

The robo bass starts to swim automatically after you put it into your bath tub, for example, and will supposedly shy away if you behave too clumsily. However, if the fish jumps for the lure and can’t escape anymore, it’s time to reel it slowly in, while it’s still floundering.

Nakajima has chosen adults as their main target group and claims playing with their robo fish is a good way to practice in order to become a bass hunter in real life. The company showcased their toy during this year’s Tokyo Toy Show.

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