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CanguRo is a three-wheeled mobility-robot prototype that can move autonomously beside or behind a person, then transform into a vehicle the person can ride. The “smart scooter” label is a handy shorthand, but its creators at Chiba Institute of Technology’s Future Robotics Technology Center (fuRo) call it a “RidRoid”—a transformable partner robot designed for both assistance and personal transport.
How CanguRo’s two modes work
Roid mode: autonomous movement and following
In Roid mode, CanguRo can map and navigate its surroundings, generate and follow a route, and follow a person. fuRo says it can escort its user and be summoned using a smartphone or tablet. Its navigation uses fuRo’s proprietary scanSLAM technology; SLAM combines map-building with estimating the robot’s position. These are capabilities described by the maker, not independently benchmarked performance results.
Ride mode: a transformable vehicle
In Ride mode, the robot’s body reconfigures for a rider. The rider steers using the handlebars, while fuRo lists active lean, obstacle detection with automatic braking, and bilateral-control handlebars among the mode’s features. The maker describes force sensing that detects the rider’s trunk movement, handlebar feedback that communicates turning radius, and pulses through the saddle that signal speed.
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These are the figures published by fuRo for its prototype, not independently tested consumer-vehicle performance or evidence that a production model is available.
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| Specification | fuRo’s published value |
|---|---|
| Length | 550 mm in Roid mode; 750 mm in Ride mode |
| Width | 440 mm |
| Mass | 64 kg |
| Maximum listed speed | 10 km/h |
| Battery | 52.8 V LiFe |
| Drive and steering | Front-wheel drive; rear-wheel steering |
| Wheels | 12-inch front; 10-inch rear |
| Listed sensors | 3D laser sensor, wide-angle camera, rear distance sensor, inertial measurement unit, and floor-reaction sensor |
Source for the specifications: fuRo’s CanguRo specification page. The project overview describes the robot as less than 600 mm wide; the Japanese specification page gives the more precise 440 mm figure.
Why its creators describe it as a partner robot
CanguRo’s design is intended to make a vehicle feel less like a tool and more like a companion. In a September 2018 interview with the Government of Japan, Takayuki Furuta, fuRo general manager, explained the idea this way: “The relationship we were trying to imagine was the ancient bond between humans and horses. While horses can be ridden, they also form an emotional connection with and enjoy the trust of people. We’ve tried to develop a new type of connection between people and vehicles through CanguRo.”
Rank #2
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The project was developed by fuRo with product designer Shunji Yamanaka. Yamanaka’s project page dates the work to 2016–2018, and the iF Design listing classifies CanguRo as a concept vehicle.
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No. fuRo says it does not sell CanguRo and warns that online shopping sites claiming to sell it are phishing sites. The center also says it has not licensed the relevant rights to third parties. Avoid purported purchase listings; the available official information does not establish a consumer sales channel or a retail version.
Rank #3
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What the published information does not establish
The listed speed and dimensions describe a prototype; they do not establish independent test results, a practical travel range, charging time, road-legal status, or availability for purchase. The maker’s descriptions of navigation and ride features should likewise be understood as project claims, not independent test findings.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【BRING MORE LIFE TO YOUR DESK】 Meet Eilik – your little robot friend with personality. With loving animations, expressive reactions, and playful interactions, Eilik brings more joy to your everyday life. Whether on your desk, at your workspace, or by your bedside, Eilik quickly becomes a familiar companion for special moments.
- 【EVERY INTERACTION BRINGS A NEW SURPRISE】 Touch Eilik and discover playful reactions that bring your little robot friend to life. Whether you’re giving Eilik a gentle touch, picking Eilik up, or playing together, Eilik responds with expressive animations, charming expressions, and playful reactions. Every interaction reveals more of Eilik’s personality and makes your little companion feel even more special.
- 【READY FOR LITTLE MOMENTS, RIGHT AWAY】 Eilik is ready to interact right out of the box – no complicated setup required. A simple touch is all it takes, and Eilik responds with expressive animations and charming reactions. Easy, intuitive, and full of little surprises that make every moment special.
- 【EVEN MORE FUN TOGETHER】 Every Eilik has its own charm. Bring two or more Eiliks together and watch them interact in their own playful ways – they play, dance, tease each other, and create fun moments together. Whether with friends, family, or as a couple, more Eiliks mean even more ways to play and enjoy.
- 【MORE POSSIBILITIES AWAIT】 Eilik is more than a little robot – it’s the beginning of a bigger world filled with new experiences. Expand your Eilik experience with AI Station for natural AI conversations and Panxer for exciting adventures. Regular updates also bring new animations, games, and surprises along the way.（AI Station and Panxer sold separately.）
Rank #4
- 𝗧𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗩𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝗯𝗼𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶, 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗮 𝟮.𝟰 𝗚𝗛𝘇 𝗪𝗶-𝗙𝗶 𝗻𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸: 𝟭- Open Google Chrome on your computer & navigate to Vector websetup. 𝟮- Double-click the button on Vector's backpack. Click Pair with Vector on your computer. 𝟯- Select the matching Vector Bluetooth code from the browser pop-up list. 𝟰- Enter the 6-digit PIN shown on Vector’s face screen. A network list will load. 𝟱- Select your local 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network. Enter your Wi-Fi password & click Connect to Wi-Fi.
- 𝗡𝗼𝘄 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗚𝗣𝗧: Experience a new level of conversation with more natural, intelligent, and meaningful interactions. Powered by ChatGPT, Vector can answer complex questions, engage in richer conversations, and provide more insightful responses. 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗲 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗚𝗣𝗧 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝗰𝗿𝗶𝗽𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 (𝗮𝗽𝗽 𝗮𝘃𝗮𝗶𝗹𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗔𝗽𝗽 𝗦𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗲).
- AI-Powered & Fully Autonomous: Vector navigates, recognizes faces, and reacts to his surroundings with lifelike independence — no remote control required.
- 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘂𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁: Vector can now understand multiple languages, making him the perfect smart companion for global households and language learners. Vector can now understand Spanish, French, German, Chinese and more! Say “Hey Vector.”
- 𝗦𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗺𝗲𝗿𝗮 & 𝗦𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀:Built with an HD camera and advanced sensors for real-time mapping, facial recognition, and obstacle detection.
Sources
- fuRo: CanguRo project overview
- fuRo: CanguRo specifications (Japanese)
- Government of Japan: September 2018 interview and article
- Shunji Yamanaka: CanguRo project page
- iF Design: CanguRo listing
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