Romi Lacatan

Release

Jul 25, 2025

Price

¥98,780

Connectivity

4

Status

Available

Weight

Approx. 400g

Speed

Stationary tabletop companion with 2-axis movement

Companions Available

Romi Lacatan

Romi Lacatan is MIXI's newer Japan-market conversational AI companion robot. Official Romi pages describe it as a small tabletop communication robot with AI-generated speech, ChatRomi 1.0 and ChatRomi 2.0 conversation modes, web search, optional visual understanding, long-term memory controls, app-generated diary summaries, face and voice recognition for family members, touch response, expressive eyes, and more than 100 support and entertainment functions. MIXI's July 2025 retail-sale notice says the Lacatan model moved from reservation sales to general sales in Japan on July 25, 2025, and the official store currently lists purchasable color variants. The core trade-off is that Romi is a conversation-first companion, not a mobile chore robot, and normal use depends on Wi-Fi, the Romi app, and an ongoing cloud service plan.

Listed price

¥98,780

Official Romi Store variants list the Lacatan model at ¥98,780 including tax. Normal conversation, reply generation, and memory require the Romi cloud service: ¥1,958/month including tax or ¥19,580/year including tax on Romi's official price page.

Release window

Jul 25, 2025

Current status

Available

MIXI

Last verified

May 19, 2026

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Technical overview

Core specifications and system stack

A fast read on the mechanical profile, sensing package, and platform integrations behind Romi Lacatan.

Technical Specifications

Height

Not officially disclosed

Weight

Approx. 400g

Dimensions

Not officially disclosed

Battery Life

2,875 mAh lithium-ion battery; runtime not officially disclosed

Charging Time

Not officially disclosed; USB-C power, DC 5V/3A

Max Speed

Stationary tabletop companion with 2-axis movement

Operational profile

How this robot is configured

Capabilities

12

Connectivity

4

Key capabilities

Conversational AI companionshipLong-term memory with separate remember/speak app togglesWake-word conversation startFace recognition and family name callingVoice recognitionOptional visual understandingDiary summaries in the Romi appCustomizable speaking styles

Ecosystem fit

Romi app for iOS 17.0+ and Android 8.0+Romi paid cloud service planPassword-protected 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi network

Coverage

Related Articles

Reporting and explainers linked to Romi Lacatan.

About the Romi Lacatan

5Sensors4Protocols12Capabilities$98.8kListed Price

The Romi Lacatan is a Companions robot built by MIXI. Romi Lacatan is MIXI's newer Japan-market conversational AI companion robot. Official Romi pages describe it as a small tabletop communication robot with AI-generated speech, ChatRomi 1.0 and ChatRomi 2.0 conversation modes, web search, optional visual understanding, long-term memory controls, app-generated diary summaries, face and voice recognition for family members, touch response, expressive eyes, and more than 100 support and entertainment functions. MIXI's July 2025 retail-sale notice says the Lacatan model moved from reservation sales to general sales in Japan on July 25, 2025, and the official store currently lists purchasable color variants. The core trade-off is that Romi is a conversation-first companion, not a mobile chore robot, and normal use depends on Wi-Fi, the Romi app, and an ongoing cloud service plan.

At a listed price of $98,780, it positions itself in the enterprise segment of the companions market. See all MIXI robots on the MIXI page.

Spec Breakdown

Detailed specifications for the Romi Lacatan

Weight

Approx. 400g

Weighing Approx. 400g, the Romi Lacatan balances structural integrity with portability and maneuverability.

Battery Life

2,875 mAh lithium-ion battery; runtime not officially disclosed

With a battery life of 2,875 mAh lithium-ion battery; runtime not officially disclosed, the Romi Lacatan can operate for sustained periods before requiring a recharge. Battery life is measured under typical operating conditions and may vary based on workload intensity and environmental factors.

Maximum Speed

Stationary tabletop companion with 2-axis movement

A top speed of Stationary tabletop companion with 2-axis movement is calibrated for the robot's primary operating environment and safety requirements.

The Romi Lacatan uses ChatRomi 1.0 plus Lacatan-only ChatRomi 2.0; official guidebook says ChatRomi 2.0 uses OpenAI Realtime API, web search, optional visual understanding, customizable speaking styles, and long-term memory support after the April 21, 2026 Lacatan update as its intelligence backbone. This AI platform powers the robot's decision-making, perception processing, and autonomous behavior. The sophistication of the AI stack directly impacts how well the robot handles unexpected situations and adapts to new environments.

Romi Lacatan Sensor Suite

The Romi Lacatan integrates 5 sensor types, forming the perceptual foundation that enables autonomous operation.

This sensor configuration enables the Romi Lacatan to perceive its environment and operate autonomously in its intended use cases. Multiple sensor modalities provide redundancy and more robust perception than any single sensor type alone.

Explore sensor technologies: components glossary · full components directory

Romi Lacatan Use Cases & Applications

Companion robots provide social interaction, emotional support, and entertainment. Unlike utility robots, their primary value proposition is the relationship they build with their owner. The best companions learn preferences, develop personalities, and create genuine emotional connections.

Capabilities That Enable Real-World Use

The Romi Lacatan offers 12 distinct capabilities, each contributing to the robot's practical utility.

Conversational AI companionship
Long-term memory with separate remember/speak app toggles
Wake-word conversation start
Face recognition and family name calling
Voice recognition
Optional visual understanding
Diary summaries in the Romi app
Customizable speaking styles
Touch response
2.4-inch QVGA expressive display
Remote check-in through the Romi app
Weather, English conversation, songs, games, and other support features

These capabilities work together with the robot's 5 onboard sensor types and ChatRomi 1.0 plus Lacatan-only ChatRomi 2.0; official guidebook says ChatRomi 2.0 uses OpenAI Realtime API, web search, optional visual understanding, customizable speaking styles, and long-term memory support after the April 21, 2026 Lacatan update AI platform to deliver practical, real-world performance.

Ecosystem Integration

The Romi Lacatan integrates with the following platforms and ecosystems, extending its utility beyond standalone operation.

Romi app for iOS 17.0+ and Android 8.0+ Romi paid cloud service plan Password-protected 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi network

This ecosystem compatibility enables the Romi Lacatan to work as part of a broader automation setup rather than operating in isolation.

Romi Lacatan Capabilities

12

Capabilities

5

Sensor Types

AI

ChatRomi 1.0 plus Lacatan-on…

Conversational AI companionship
Long-term memory with separate remember/speak app toggles
Wake-word conversation start
Face recognition and family name calling
Voice recognition
Optional visual understanding
Diary summaries in the Romi app
Customizable speaking styles
Touch response
2.4-inch QVGA expressive display
Remote check-in through the Romi app
Weather, English conversation, songs, games, and other support features

Connectivity & Integration

How the Romi Lacatan communicates with your network, smart home devices, cloud services, and companion apps.

Network & Communication Protocols

✓ Wi-Fi for local network and cloud access · ✓ Bluetooth for direct device pairing — enabling the Romi Lacatan to participate in various networking scenarios.

Voice Assistant Integration

Enables hands-free control, smart home device management, and access to each platform's ecosystem of skills and services.

Romi Lacatan Technology Stack Overview

The Romi Lacatan by MIXI integrates 12 distinct technology components across sensing, connectivity, intelligence, and interaction layers. The physical platform features a weight of Approx. 400g, a top speed of Stationary tabletop companion with 2-axis movement, providing the foundation on which this technology stack operates.

Perception — 5 Sensor Types

The perception layer is built on 3 microphones, Camera for face detection and visual features, Touch sensor, Illuminance sensor, Accelerometer / gyroscope sensor. These work in concert to give the robot a detailed understanding of its operating environment. This multi-sensor approach provides redundancy and enables the robot to function reliably even when individual sensors encounter challenging conditions such as low light, reflective surfaces, or cluttered spaces.

Connectivity — 4 Protocols

For communications, the Romi Lacatan relies on Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.4, USB Type-C power, Romi cloud service. This connectivity stack ensures the robot can communicate with cloud services, local smart home devices, mobile apps, and other networked systems in its environment.

Intelligence — ChatRomi 1.0 plus Lacatan-only ChatRomi 2.0; official guidebook says ChatRomi 2.0 uses OpenAI Realtime API, web search, optional visual understanding, customizable speaking styles, and long-term memory support after the April 21, 2026 Lacatan update

ChatRomi 1.0 plus Lacatan-only ChatRomi 2.0; official guidebook says ChatRomi 2.0 uses OpenAI Realtime API, web search, optional visual understanding, customizable speaking styles, and long-term memory support after the April 21, 2026 Lacatan update serves as the computational brain, processing sensor data, making navigation decisions, and orchestrating the robot's autonomous behaviors. The quality of this AI platform directly influences how well the robot handles novel situations, adapts to changes in its environment, and improves its performance over time through learning.

Voice — ChatRomi 1.0, ChatRomi 2.0

Voice interaction is handled through ChatRomi 1.0 and ChatRomi 2.0, providing natural language understanding and speech synthesis that enable conversational control and integration with broader smart home ecosystems.

Who Should Consider the Romi Lacatan?

Target Audience

Social and companion robots are purchased by families, elderly individuals, and tech enthusiasts looking for interactive, emotionally engaging robotic pets or social companions. They are particularly popular in Japan and increasingly in senior care contexts worldwide.

Key Considerations

Emotional expressiveness, interaction quality, voice recognition, personality development over time, and durability (especially for children) are what matter most. Privacy controls for cameras and microphones are increasingly important. Battery life determines how available the companion is throughout the day.

Price Context

At $98.8k (Official Romi Store variants list the Lacatan model at ¥98,780 including tax. Normal conversation, reply generation, and memory require the Romi cloud service: ¥1,958/month including tax or ¥19,580/year including tax on Romi's official price page.), the Romi Lacatan sits in the enterprise price tier for companions robots. This price point typically includes professional support, integration services, and ongoing software updates.

Availability

Available

The Romi Lacatan is currently available for purchase. Check the manufacturer's website or authorized retailers for the latest stock and ordering information.

Romi Lacatan: Strengths & Trade-offs

Engineering compromises and where this companions robot excels

What the Romi Lacatan does well

Solid sensor coverage

The Romi Lacatan integrates 5 sensor types, providing good perceptual coverage for its intended applications. This sensor complement covers the essential modalities needed for effective companions operation while keeping complexity manageable.

Versatile connectivity

Supporting 4 connectivity protocols gives the Romi Lacatan flexible integration options. Whether connecting to local smart home networks, cloud services, or companion devices, the breadth of connectivity ensures compatibility across a wide range of deployment scenarios and reduces the risk of network-related limitations.

Broad capability set

With 12 distinct capabilities, the Romi Lacatan is designed as a versatile platform rather than a single-task device. This breadth means the robot can handle varied scenarios and workflows, reducing the need for multiple specialized robots and increasing its utility across different situations.

Currently available

Unlike many robots that remain in development or prototype stages, the Romi Lacatan is available for purchase today. This means you can evaluate the actual shipping product rather than making decisions based on projected specifications that may change before release.

Multi-platform voice support

Supporting 2 voice assistant platforms (ChatRomi 1.0, ChatRomi 2.0) means the Romi Lacatan integrates with whichever voice ecosystem you already use. This flexibility avoids platform lock-in and enables broader smart home interoperability.

What to consider carefully

Premium investment required

At $98,780, the Romi Lacatan represents a significant investment. While the price reflects the advanced technology and engineering involved, it places the robot firmly in the professional or enterprise segment. Buyers should build a thorough ROI analysis and consider the total cost of ownership, including integration, training, and ongoing maintenance.

Note: This strengths and trade-offs assessment is based on the Romi Lacatan's documented specifications as tracked in the ui44 database. Real-world performance depends on deployment conditions, firmware maturity, and environmental factors. For the most current information, check the MIXI manufacturer page or visit the official product page. Use the comparison tool to evaluate these trade-offs against competing robots in the same category.

How Companions Robot Technology Works

Understanding the engineering behind this category

Companion robots sit at the intersection of engineering and emotional design. Unlike utility robots measured by specifications like suction power or payload capacity, companion robots are judged by how well they make people feel — their expressiveness, responsiveness, personality, and ability to form genuine-seeming bonds with their owners. The technology behind these emotional machines is surprisingly sophisticated, drawing from psychology, animation, and cutting-edge AI.

Navigation & Mobility

Companion robots typically operate in confined indoor spaces and prioritize safe, predictable movement over sophisticated mapping. Most use simple but effective navigation combining bump sensors, cliff detection, and basic obstacle avoidance. Some advanced models incorporate camera-based person-following — the ability to track and follow a specific person through rooms. Unlike utility robots that need systematic coverage, companion robots navigate toward social engagement: moving toward voices, approaching detected family members, or positioning themselves for optimal interaction. The movement itself is often designed to convey personality — a curious robot might lean forward when exploring, while a timid one might approach cautiously.

The Role of AI

AI is the heart of a companion robot's appeal. Emotion recognition systems analyze facial expressions, voice tone, and behavioral patterns to infer the user's emotional state and respond appropriately. Natural language processing enables conversational interaction that goes beyond simple command-response patterns. Personality systems create consistent behavioral traits that make the robot feel like an individual rather than a generic device. Machine learning allows the robot to adapt to its owner's preferences, schedule, and interaction style over time. The most advanced companion robots use generative AI to create novel responses and behaviors rather than relying solely on pre-programmed scripts, making interactions feel more natural and less repetitive.

Sensor Fusion & Perception

Companion robot sensors prioritize social perception over environmental mapping. Cameras detect faces, read expressions, and enable recognition of family members. Microphone arrays with beamforming capture and localize voice from across a room, enabling natural conversation without shouting. Touch sensors across the body detect petting, hugging, and other physical interaction, triggering appropriate emotional responses. Some models include heart-rate or breathing-rate sensors in their touch surfaces, enabling health-monitoring features for elderly users. Temperature and light sensors help the robot understand context — bedtime versus activity time — and adjust its behavior accordingly.

Power & Battery Management

Companion robots need to be available throughout the day to maintain the social bond with their owner. Battery life of eight hours or more is typical, with automatic return-to-charging-dock behavior when levels drop. Power management is designed to be invisible — the robot should seem always available and never interrupt a social moment to announce low battery. Some companion robots use sleep modes during inactive periods, with motion or sound detection to wake instantly when the owner approaches. Charging docks often double as the robot's designated resting spot, making the charging behavior feel natural rather than mechanical.

Safety by Design

Companion robots prioritize child and elderly safety with rounded corners, pinch-free joint designs, and materials safe for skin contact. Emotional safety is equally important — companion robots are designed to never express anger, fear, or distress in ways that could upset vulnerable users. Privacy features include physical camera covers, microphone mute buttons, and transparent data handling policies. For elderly users, companion robots may include fall-detection alerts, activity monitoring, and remote check-in features that balance safety with privacy. The robot's emotional responses are carefully calibrated to avoid over-attachment or dependency concerns.

What's Next for Companions Robots

Companion robotics is evolving toward more nuanced emotional intelligence, deeper personalization, and expanded health-monitoring capabilities. Advances in generative AI are enabling more natural and varied conversational interaction. Future companion robots may serve as health monitoring platforms that detect changes in an owner's mood, activity levels, or cognitive patterns — providing early warning of health issues to family members or caregivers. The integration of companion features into utility robots (and vice versa) may blur category boundaries, creating household robots that are both helpful and emotionally engaging.

The Romi Lacatan by MIXI incorporates many of these technology pillars. For a detailed look at the specific sensors and components used in the Romi Lacatan, see the sensor analysis and connectivity sections above, or browse the complete components glossary for explanations of every technology used across the robotics industry.

Romi Lacatan in the Companions Market

How this robot compares in the companions landscape

With a price point of $98,780, the Romi Lacatan is squarely in the enterprise/professional segment. This pricing typically includes integration support, commercial-grade warranties, and ongoing software updates.

The Romi Lacatan's 5 sensor types provide solid perceptual coverage for its intended use cases. This mid-range sensor suite balances cost with capability, covering the essential modalities needed for companions applications.

Being currently available for purchase gives the Romi Lacatan a practical advantage over competitors still in development or prototype stages. Buyers can evaluate the actual product rather than relying on spec-sheet promises that may change before release.

Head-to-Head Comparisons

Side-by-side specs, capability overlap analysis, and key differentiators.

For the full picture of MIXI's portfolio and market strategy, visit the MIXI manufacturer page.

Deployment Readiness and Procurement Signals for Romi Lacatan

What the public profile tells you, and what still needs direct vendor confirmation

From a buying and rollout perspective, the Romi Lacatan should be read as a companions platform aimed at social, education, or care environments where interaction quality matters. ui44 currently tracks 12 capability signals, 5 sensor inputs, and a last verification date of 2026-05-19. That mix gives buyers a useful first-pass picture, but it is still only the public layer of due diligence, especially when procurement, uptime, and support commitments are decided directly with MIXI.

Commercial model

$98,780 list price

A published price gives buyers a starting point for budgeting, ROI modeling, and peer comparison before deeper vendor conversations begin.

Integration posture

4 connectivity options

The profile lists Wi-Fi 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4GHz and 5GHz), Bluetooth 5.4, USB Type-C power, Romi cloud service, plus ChatRomi 1.0 plus Lacatan-only ChatRomi 2.0; official guidebook says ChatRomi 2.0 uses OpenAI Realtime API, web search, optional visual understanding, customizable speaking styles, and long-term memory support after the April 21, 2026 Lacatan update as the AI stack. That is enough to infer the basic network posture, but buyers should still confirm APIs, fleet management, and workflow integration details. ui44 currently tracks 3 declared compatibility links.

Spec disclosure

2/7 core specs public

ui44 currently has 2 of 7 core physical and operating specs filled in for this model, leaving 5 gaps that matter for deployment planning. Missing runtime, charge, speed, or payload details can materially change staffing and site-readiness assumptions.

The current profile is useful for scouting, but it still leaves meaningful operational unknowns. If this robot is heading toward a pilot or purchase discussion, the next step should be a structured vendor Q&A that fills the remaining runtime, charging, payload, safety, or integration blanks before anyone builds ROI assumptions around it.

If you want a faster apples-to-apples read, compare the Romi Lacatan against nearby alternatives in ui44's compare view, then cross-check the underlying AI, sensor, and subsystem terms in the components glossary. For manufacturer-level context, the MIXI profile helps anchor this robot inside the wider product lineup.

Before you sign off on a pilot, confirm these points

  • Ask for real shift runtime under the intended workload, not just standby endurance.
  • Confirm how the charging workflow works in practice, including charger count, swap options, and expected downtime.
  • Clarify usable payload or tool-load limits before planning material handling or mounted accessories.
  • Check what safety, electrical, or deployment certifications exist for the region and task you care about.

Owning the Romi Lacatan: Setup, Maintenance & Tips

Practical guide from day one through years of ownership

Initial Setup

Companion robot setup is designed to be simple and engaging — the first interaction sets the tone for the relationship. Typical setup involves charging the robot, downloading the companion app, connecting to Wi-Fi, and going through an introduction sequence where the robot learns your face and name. Many companion robots have a personality development phase during the first few days, where they become more responsive and personalized as they learn your voice, habits, and preferences. Place the charging dock in a social area where the robot can be part of daily life rather than tucked away in a corner. Introduce the robot to all family members during setup so it can learn to recognize everyone.

Ongoing Maintenance

Companion robots generally require minimal maintenance. Weekly care includes wiping the exterior with a soft cloth, checking that sensors and cameras are clean, and ensuring the charging dock area is clear. Monthly tasks include checking for and installing software updates, cleaning any microphone or speaker grilles, and inspecting the wheels or locomotion system for hair or debris. The emotional design means that maintenance should feel like care rather than servicing — many owners naturally incorporate it into their interaction with the robot.

Software Updates & Long-Term Support

Software updates for companion robots often add new behaviors, expressions, voice capabilities, and interaction patterns. These updates keep the relationship fresh and can significantly enhance the robot's emotional range and social intelligence over time. Most companion robots update automatically during sleep or charging periods. Some manufacturers offer premium content subscriptions that add seasonal behaviors, educational content, or language capabilities.

Maximizing Longevity

Companion robots typically last three to five years or more with gentle handling. The primary concerns are battery health and physical wear from daily interaction. Avoid dropping the robot or handling it roughly, especially the camera and sensor areas. Keep the robot away from water and extreme temperatures. Battery life will gradually decrease over time; contact the manufacturer about battery replacement options when charging becomes noticeably more frequent. For children's companion robots, supervise initial interactions to establish gentle handling habits.

For MIXI-specific support resources and documentation, visit the MIXI page on ui44 or check the manufacturer's official website at MIXI's product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Romi Lacatan?
The Romi Lacatan is a Companions robot made by MIXI. Romi Lacatan is MIXI's newer Japan-market conversational AI companion robot. Official Romi pages describe it as a small tabletop communication robot with AI-generated speech, ChatRomi 1.0 and ChatRomi 2.0 conversation modes, web search, optional visual understanding, long-term memory controls, app-generated diary summaries, face and voice recognition for family members, touch response, expressive eyes, and more than 100 support and entertainment functions. MIXI's July 2025 retail-sale notice says the Lacatan model moved from reservation sales to general sales in Japan on July 25, 2025, and the official store currently lists purchasable color variants. The core trade-off is that Romi is a conversation-first companion, not a mobile chore robot, and normal use depends on Wi-Fi, the Romi app, and an ongoing cloud service plan. It features 5 sensor types, 4 connectivity protocols, and 12 distinct capabilities.
How much does the Romi Lacatan cost?
The Romi Lacatan is listed at $98,780 (Official Romi Store variants list the Lacatan model at ¥98,780 including tax. Normal conversation, reply generation, and memory require the Romi cloud service: ¥1,958/month including tax or ¥19,580/year including tax on Romi's official price page.). This places it in the enterprise tier for companions robots. Prices may vary by region and retailer.
Is the Romi Lacatan available to buy?
Yes, the Romi Lacatan is currently available for purchase. Check MIXI's official website or authorized retailers for the latest stock and ordering options.
What sensors does the Romi Lacatan have?
The Romi Lacatan is equipped with 5 sensor types: 3 microphones, Camera for face detection and visual features, Touch sensor, Illuminance sensor, Accelerometer / gyroscope sensor. These sensors work together through sensor fusion to provide comprehensive environmental awareness for autonomous operation. See the sensor analysis section for details.
How long does the Romi Lacatan battery last?
The Romi Lacatan has a rated battery life of 2,875 mAh lithium-ion battery; runtime not officially disclosed. Actual battery performance may vary based on usage intensity, ambient temperature, and specific tasks being performed. Heavy workloads like continuous navigation and sensor processing will consume battery faster than idle or standby modes.
What AI does the Romi Lacatan use?
The Romi Lacatan is powered by ChatRomi 1.0 plus Lacatan-only ChatRomi 2.0; official guidebook says ChatRomi 2.0 uses OpenAI Realtime API, web search, optional visual understanding, customizable speaking styles, and long-term memory support after the April 21, 2026 Lacatan update. This AI platform handles the robot's perception processing, decision-making, and autonomous behavior. The sophistication of the AI directly impacts how well the robot handles unexpected situations, learns from its environment, and improves over time.
How does the Romi Lacatan compare to the Poketomo?
The Romi Lacatan and Poketomo are both companions robots, but they differ in key specifications, pricing, and manufacturer approach. Use the side-by-side comparison tool to see detailed differences in specs, sensors, and capabilities. You can also browse other similar robots below.
Does the Romi Lacatan work with smart home systems?
Yes, the Romi Lacatan is compatible with: Romi app for iOS 17.0+ and Android 8.0+, Romi paid cloud service plan, Password-protected 2.4GHz or 5GHz Wi-Fi network. This ecosystem integration allows the robot to work alongside your existing smart home devices and platforms rather than operating as an isolated system.
How current is the Romi Lacatan data on ui44?
The Romi Lacatan specifications on ui44 were last verified on 2026-05-19. All data is sourced from official MIXI documentation, spec sheets, and press releases. If you notice any outdated information, please let us know.

Data Integrity

All Romi Lacatan data on ui44 is verified against official MIXI sources, including spec sheets, product pages, and press releases. Last verified: 2026-05-19. Official source: MIXI product page. If you find outdated or incorrect information, please let us know — accuracy is our top priority.

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