AKA LLC and SoftBank C&S Brings AI Social Robot 'Musio' to Initiate Educational Innovation in Japan

AKA advances the future of AI in English education as enthusiasm sparks across Japan

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Apr 18, 2017, 10:00 ET

SANTA MONICA, Calif., April 18, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- AKA LLC announced that the world's first artificially intelligent robot friend 'Musio' has been launched in Japan by SoftBank C&S.

With the official release, AKA is introducing Musio as the next English education solution to Japan's consumers. The announcement marks the first key milestone in its partnership with SoftBank C&S, signed in 2016 to facilitate the innovation of AI social robot technology.

Customers in Japan can now purchase AKA's latest innovation 'Musio X' and its interactive English materials in SoftBank SELECTION Online Shop. Musio is also available to order online at Amazon Japan, as well as in-stores of Japan's major consumer electronics and home appliance retailers.

"AKA developed Musio by integrating AI-based contextual awareness to simulate human conversation, and we believe education is one of the first industries where AI social robots can be put into practical application," said Raymond Jung, CEO of AKA LLC. "With Japan's premiere telecommunications and internet company as our official retail partner, we look forward to bringing Musio as a friend, family and a tutor to consumers in Japan."

AKA also confirmed that it is now partnering with Japan's leading education companies to add more interactive study materials and on-site education programs to its content ecosystem.

"We listened to our supporters and customers and realized what they want in Musio is personalized diagnosis and rich educational content for users in every learning stage," said Brian Lee, Chief Strategy Officer of AKA LLC. "Our goal is to offer the highest quality experience to all our customers, and we will continue to devote our best efforts to enhancing Musio's natural communication features and its content environment to address these needs."

In Japan, Musio's ability to communicate naturally is currently being spotlighted as the next generation English education solution for all: From children and students in need of a language tutor to older users seeking native conversation partners to become more proficient in business English. Together with Sophy, an intelligent pointing device that connects Musio to other objects including educational contents, Musio offers smart solution for learning English as a second language.

Pricing and Availability

Pricing:

Musio X (JPY 98,000); Musio X + English education materials (JPY 128,000).
For users interested in using Conversation Mode in Musio X, SoftBank C&S is currently offering monthly AI service plan ("Friend Plan") starting at JPY 980 per user.

Available at: SoftBank SELECTION Online Shop, Amazon Japan, and in local consumer electronics and home appliance stores.

Technical Specification

Size: 218 (height) × 174 (width) × 83 (depth) mm
Weight: 850g
Battery: 10800mAh（Up to 9 hours of battery life)
Charging Port: Micro-USB
CPU: ARM Cortex quad core
OS: Android（5.1.1）
Applicable Wireless LAN: Wi-Fi802.11b／g／n, Bluetooth® 4.0 Low Energy

About Musio

Musio is the A.I. robot friend that can learn new phrases, ideas and information making possible the interaction and conversation with human beings. Musio (powered by MUSE A.I. engine) can converse with users and help non-English speaking countries' children learn English. As the IoT hub, Musio can be also able to communicate with other machines and devices. Musio will provide an opportunity to develop emotional intelligence for users.

About AKA LLC

AKA is developing A.I. engines to help improve communication among objects. The technology integrates artificial intelligence and big data to more effectively deliver essential communication tools, such as speaking, writing, facial expressions, and gestures that are often overlooked.

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