2026 Showcase Product
Sound, Motion, and Light.
An Instrument Robot Capable of AI Collaboration
PONKEY is an instrument robot whose buttons pop up in response to sound. By turning audio into physical movement, it becomes something that can be seen and touched as well as heard. PONKEY is an electronic instrument with a built-in sound source, and when connected to an app, it can also function as an interface for performing in harmony with AI.
This world is made up not only of adults, but also of children, young people, and AI—various intelligent beings engaged in diverse cognitive activities. For all of us, as intelligent beings with different sensibilities and ways of thinking, devices that enable intuitive, physical communication without relying on language or knowledge become highly effective tools for shared enjoyment and interaction. PONKEY opens a future where all intelligent beings can enjoy music together.
The casing is 3D-printed, exploring a new method of manufacturing without relying on traditional molds. The next phase of development aims for mass production in 2027, bringing PONKEY to people worldwide.
Designer / Engineer
金井 隆晴
Takaharu Kanai
ICOMA inc. Guild Desiner
Completed a master’s program in Industrial Art at the Graduate School of System Design, Tokyo Metropolitan University. Worked at Sharp Corporation on UX design and new business development. In 2014, co-founded ORPHE Inc., Japan’s first smart shoe IoT company, serving first as CTO and currently as CPO, overseeing the manufacturing of in-house products. Since 2023, has been involved in children’s creative education at VIVITA JAPAN, and supports hardware startups as a mentor for programs such as TiB FAB. Also founded DOT P Inc. Major awards include the Good Design Award and recommendations from the Japan Media Arts Festival Jury, among others.
