Groove X releases robot designed to show affection to humans

The "Lovot" will mimic human emotion.
The "Lovot" will mimic human emotion.

Need some affection? You no longer need to go to another human or pet to have your dreams fulfilled.

Japanese startup Groove X, founded by a SoftBank robotics alumnus, unveiled a robot specifically designed to be a companion for humans. With the help of advanced technology like touch sensors and six-layered eye display, the Lovot — a combination of "love and robot" — is designed to mimic human affection.

"What GROOVE X have pursued with technology is not efficiency or usefulness but rather a robot that makes people truly happy by its innocent character and charming gestures that feels satisfying to cuddle," the company said in a statement. "It gently stirs people's feelings and fills them with happiness. It draws out their capacity to love and gives them the energy to face their tomorrows."

Customers can start pre-ordering the Lovots now. The price for one robot is $3,100, but they won't start shipping until early 2020. Customers who buy two robots will receive them toward the end of 2019.

Follow USA TODAY intern Ben Tobin on Twitter: @TobinBen

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Groove X releases robot designed to show affection to humans