PLEO, a cat-sized robot that makes learning fun for children has been launched in Saudi Arabia.

The 2kg robot, which can walk, make noises and behave like a ‘real’ animal, was launched at a fun-filled ceremony at Al Shallal Theme Park, Jeddah.

“PLEO has been received with unprecedented excitement across the world and it is set to revolutionise adult’s and children’s playtime everywhere,” Omar Hindi, marketing director of Samir Photographic Supplies, who launched the product, said.

PLEO is the size of a cat and comes packed with 2,000 moving parts, has 38 sensors that detect light, sound and motion, six processors capable of six million calculations per second, 14 motors, and is fully autonomous.

This gives PLEO a range of moods and behaviours, which allow its owners to create and nurture its own personality.

Developed by Ugobe, the robotic dinosaur pet, PLEO was launched in the US last year and has already received rave reviews about its ability to “see, hear and feel.” Behaving as if it is “alive”, PLEO responds to humans by displaying highly believable motions of excitement, anger, happiness and sadness.

On activation, PLEO goes through the stages of hatchling, juvenile and adolescence, with different behaviours during each stage. – Trade Arabia News Service