Japanese startup* Groove X, founded by an alumni of SoftBank Group Corp.’s robotics unit, unveiled its first creation this week — a companion robot designed to make users happy.

The Lovot, an amalgam* of “love” and “robot,” cannot help with the housework but it will “draw out your ability to love,” Groove X founder and CEO Kaname Hayashi said at the launch in Tokyo.

Using artificial intelligence (AI*) to interact with its surroundings, the wheeled machine resembles* a penguin with cartoonish human eyes, has interchangeable outfits and communicates in squeaks. It is designed to mimic* affection for users who show it kindness by becoming warm to the touch, going to “sleep” when it’s cuddled or following users when called.

Its practical uses are limited to simple tasks like baby monitoring or watching over the house via a camera that users can access through a mobile app while they are out.

The Lovot will compete with Sony Corp.’s AI-powered robot dog Aibo, revived last year more than a decade after it ceased* production.

SoftBank last month launched the Whiz autonomous cleaning machine which uses technology from U.S.-based Brain Corp.(SD-Agencies)