The Hachibot pet robot belongs to a new generation of robots designed primarily for companionship.
The Beijing-based technology company approached us to collaborate closely with their in-house robotics team to define the design DNA, product form and interaction touchpoints, in order to develop a companion robot that would inspire trust and allow its user to establish an emotional bond with it.
Working with Hachibot, we successfully launched an engaging product that satisfied their technical requirements, satisfied the manufacturers needs and captured their business vision.
hachibot.com
Design DNA
3D CAD surfacing
Mechanical design
Colour, material & finish
User testing
Prototyping
The challenge was to create an experience that moved away from the dystopian robot world and into something friendly and approachable, without becoming too toy-like or trying to resemble a real pet.
Our team started experimenting with different design languages and worked with the client to identify an appropriate visual direction. In particular, we focused on the robot's eyes, which needed to communicate emotions and hide the multitude of sensors so the form could remain soft and uncomplicated.
Working with Hachibot, we successfully launched an engaging product that satisfied their technical requirements, satisfied the manufacturers needs and captured their business vision.
Our team started experimenting with different design languages and worked with the client to identify an appropriate visual direction. In particular, we focused on the robot's eyes, which needed to communicate emotions and hide the multitude of sensors so the form could remain soft and uncomplicated.
Working with Hachibot, we successfully launched an engaging product that satisfied their technical requirements, satisfied the manufacturers needs and captured their business vision.
