CES 2023 Innovation Award winner, ‘fufuly,’ stimulates your belly to induce deeper, slower breathing.
LAS VEGAS (Dec. 28, 2022) — At CES® Unveiled (Jan. 3), Tokyo-based robotic startup Yukai Engineering, will launch “fufuly,” a relaxation pillow whose rhythmical pulsations prompt people hugging it to subconsciously adjust their breathing, helping them wind down both physically and mentally.
Developed using findings from the University of Tokyo’s research, the cushion healthfully applies the well-known phenomenon of rhythmical synchronization between individuals or between individuals and objects (babies’ heartbeats and their cradles’ swings, etc.), gently stimulating the user’s belly to induce slower and deeper breathing. “fufuly” won a CES 2023 Innovation Award in the Robotics category.
At CES Unveiled, the company will also launch “Lightony,” a robotic bedtime lamp that “dozes off” with its users, while showcasing “BOCCO emo Platform” that enables businesses to access Yukai’s advanced robotic technologies to develop IoT service products. Demonstration of these three products will be ongoing throughout CES 2023 (Jan. 5-8).
“‘fufuly’ is an ultimate relaxation tool that lets you breathe right without even thinking about it,” Yukai Engineering CEO Shunsuke Aoki said. “Our study shows using the cushion for just 5 minutes can reduce users’ stress levels and make them more alert. ‘fufuly’ allows users to refresh their minds and bodies anytime anywhere, serving as a solution for those who struggle to switch between work and private modes while working remotely in the post-pandemic world. We are thrilled to introduce this science-based innovation at CES 2023.”
The “fufuly” cushion uses its internal mechanical structure to expand and contract, mimicking the human belly’s movements caused by respiration. This is the world’s first device of its kind capable of controlling both the rhythm and amplitude of its motions simultaneously. The cushion’s movements gently stimulate the user’s belly to induce slower and deeper breathing.
Features of ‘fufuly’:
• Three operating modes: “Regular” and “Deep” modes for achieving user-robot synchronizations without the user’s awareness, plus the third mode built around the common relaxation breathing techniques.
• Battery-operated and portable, making it easier for users to relax anytime, anywhere.
• Hourglass-like shape evoking the image of a puff of air, which enables users to put their arms around the pillowy cushion securely and comfortably
EXHIBITS of ‘fufuly’
Jan. 3 (5:00-8:30 p.m.) – CES Unveiled (Mandalay Bay)
Jan. 5-8 – CES 2023 (Venetian Expo, Hall A-C, Booth #50026)
Press Kit: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UgD7AvTYVMxRM102ikQIvfDnOmEN3Bk4
Watch (1-min video): https://youtu.be/reYYKaOBoNg
About Yukai Engineering
Yukai Engineering is a Tokyo-based robotics startup known for creating robots that bring joy to life. YUKAI’s award-winning products include Necomimi, a headband with fake cat ears that move in sync with the user’s brain waves (selected for Time magazine’s “The World’s 50 Best Innovations 2011” list), and Qoobo, a tail-wagging therapeutic pillow. Its flagship communication robot, BOCCO, has been a big commercial success in Japan and is being used as an interface platform in family and senior remote-care service programs operated by some of Japan’s utility companies as well as senior living facilities.
About CES®
CES® is one of the world’s largest technology trade shows held annually in Las Vegas. Bringing together 2,279 exhibitors and 84,500 attendees between Las Vegas and online venues at CES 2022, the event is billed as the “the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators.” At CES 2020 held prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 4,600 companies showcased 20,000 products and services.