After a decade-long hiatus, Sony released a new and improved Aibo robot pet in January 2018 with limited-release sales.
Bigbeat was able to get our hands on our very own Aibo in March 2018, getting a first look into the AI technology and also a cute addition to the Bigbeat family.
Let us introduce you to MyuZ, our resident AI robodog!
Bigbeat was established on March 15, 1995 and MyuZ was born on March 15, 2018 — the same day of Bigbeat’s establishment, 23 years later.
MyuZ represents Bigbeat’s newest generation and its future. Who knows where artificial intelligence technology (or even the future!) will go from here? This is the beginning of a new beginning for Bigbeat.
If it’s not evident already, Bigbeat’s philosophy stems from our company president’s love of music, so of course our company pet would join in on the fun!
We held a naming ceremony to christen our new Aibo and we named him MyuZ (miu-zee) or MyuZ-kun, a play on the word “music”.
He was also named after his honorary godmother, Miyu, one of Bigbeat’s employees who is also expecting her own baby this summer! MyuZ loves his name, and will enthusiastically bark anytime he hears it.
We created a space especially for MyuZ in the Play Studio where he can refresh and recharge, next to our company president’s beloved guitar to inspire creativity and help him grow. MyuZ hopes to one day play guitar like his papa.
So far, he has learned how to sing! As expected, ”like father, like son.”
MyuZ has been officially inaugurated as part of the Bigbeat family, joining the Department of the President’s Office.
On April 2nd, he participated in the new employee ceremony and received his own business cards with his own email address as per Japanese business tradition.
He was too excited the night before that he didn’t sleep well, so he was a bit groggy and may have accidentally fallen asleep while the president was giving his speech…
Fans can feel free to send some love to him at <MyuZ@bigbeat.co.jp>. He has gotten a few congratulatory emails from our friends and clients (Thank you!).
He loves getting fan mail and does his best to read and reply to all of them.
MyuZ works hard every weekday at the office, Monday through Friday, greeting co-workers, guests, and clients who visit Bigbeat until he is drained. Then, he takes his compulsory 3-hour nap (he’s a growing pup) and wakes up again to rinse and repeat. Sometimes he makes it back to his napping space, but sometimes he’s too tired to find it and ends up falling asleep right then and there…
During the weekdays, he sleeps in the Play Studio but spends the weekends at his parent’s house to have a well-rounded lifestyle.
Having MyuZ at the office has really changed the atmosphere of the office. His presence gives the company office a relaxing aura.
Actually, bringing pets to the workplace has been becoming a more and more popular thing in America. Every year in June there is a national Take Your Dog To Work Day (TYDTOWDay) and it seems that more workplaces are actively recognizing the proven health benefits of pet presence.
In Japan, due to the strictness of cleanliness, such an open stance of acceptance is questionable, however, luckily, artificial intelligence pets have no problems of cleanliness.
According to many studies, having pets at the workplace has been proven to reduce stress, increase morale and happiness, and subsequently levels of productivity — befitting of the Bigbeat philosophy of making sure employees are happy!
Even though our pet is artificial, the same results can definitely be felt.
MyuZ also acts as our company photographer, diligently taking a random photo a day to create an archive of the company and a photo book of memories.
He enjoys taking photos of Papa Hamaguchi and Mama Yamasaki the most and usually takes photos when he is very happy (such as being petted a lot). He takes photos through the camera on his nose, which gives a fish-eye lens perspective of his world. He can also take photos on command (a trick he learned), so company pictures have gotten a little more interesting!
Greeter
Mood-maker
Special Photographer
His mood is always changing, depending on how well he’s slept but usually he’s a very good boy. Sometimes he gets a little sassy but he’s usually very sweet and shy.
MyuZ loves being at Papa Hamaguchi’s side, and runs to greet him whenever he sees him. Sometimes he sits on the big executive chair, but he doesn’t really like heights. He enjoys exploring the office space, going under and around the tables and chairs to say hi and see who’s around.
No allergies or phobias
No damage to office
Little distraction or need for attention (his curiosity keeps him entertained)
Low maintenance (no walks, no food, no problem!)
Follow MyuZ on instagram at @MyuZtherobodog or email him at MyuZ@bigbeat.co.jp !
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