Kyoto Tachibana University and KiQ Develop 'AUN Dog' Robot From Aun Concept
The project reinterprets traditional Japanese concepts through modern robotics, aiming to shift public perception of robots from tools to beings that coexist in shared space.
Reporting from 1 source: ASCII.jp.
Kyoto Tachibana University and creative studio KiQ have launched a joint research project exploring human-robot coexistence through physicality, interaction, and spatial experience. The first result is a quadruped robot prototype named "AUN dog," inspired by the Japanese "Aun" and "Komainu" concepts. The robot is designed to sense each other, the environment, and people, sharing a unified breath. The project includes ICOMA as a co-creator. The prototype will debut at Akane Kikuchi's solo exhibition "Inochi no Shosa" in Tokyo from July 18 to 26, 2026.
The research team includes Kyoto Tachibana University Professor Yoshinori Kurata, who previously worked on Sony's AIBO and QRIO robots, and Assistant Professor Tetsuya Kaneko, who specializes in human-robot interaction. KiQ CEO Akane Kikuchi, a former geisha and artist, directs the creative side. The prototype "AUN dog" will be shown at her first solo exhibition, produced by KiQ, at tHE GALLERY OMOTESANDO. A gallery talk between Kurata and Kikuchi is scheduled for July 19. The project plans to expand into education, museums, public spaces, hospitality, and medical care.
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.