[SwitchBot] AI Partner Robot "KATA Friends" Launches New Feature "Otetsudai" - Voice Control and Status Check of Compatible Devices and Appliances

SWITCHBOT Inc. (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Connelly Lee), which operates IoT and smart home businesses as the "No.1 IoT Device Brand (as of November 2022, according to Kaden Biz)", announces the addition of a new feature "Otetsudai" to its next-generation AI partner robot "KATA Friends". This feature allows users to operate compatible SwitchBot devices and home appliances, and check their status, simply by speaking to KATA Friends.

"Turn off the ceiling light," "Turn on the air purifier," "What's the current status of the robot vacuum?"

KATA Friends listens to your everyday requests and delivers your words to the devices in your home. From a presence that feels like family to a slightly more reliable companion in daily life. KATA Friends can do one more thing.

KATA Friends' first helper.

Having learned "Earth Language," KATA Friends gradually understands your words.

Now, it seems to have become interested in home matters too.

Lighting, air purifiers, robot vacuums.

It has learned how to connect with the devices in your home and can now deliver your requests.

"Turn off the light," "Turn on the air purifier," "Tell me the status of the robot vacuum."

When you ask KATA Friends, it will operate the devices in your home on your behalf.

After completing a task, its somehow proud appearance might make you want to say "You did it!" Another cute growth has been added to your days together.

For details of the Otetsudai function, visit: https://switchbot.vip/4wZJZhl

What you can do with "Otetsudai"

Voice control of compatible SwitchBot devices and home appliances

You can ask KATA Friends to control compatible SwitchBot devices such as ceiling lights and air purifiers via voice.

Examples:

"Turn off the ceiling light."

"Turn on the air conditioner in the living room."

"Stop the circulator."

*Operation of circulators, some SwitchBot devices, and infrared home appliances requires a SwitchBot Hub product (sold separately).

Check device and room status with KATA Friends

You can ask KATA Friends about the status of compatible devices and air quality information obtained from air purifiers.

Examples:

"How is the air quality now?"

"Tell me the current status of the humidifier."

"Tell me the status of the robot vacuum."

"Is the air purifier on?"

Execute scenes with a single command

Scenes pre-registered in the SwitchBot app can also be executed by speaking to KATA Friends.

Example:

"Set 'I'm home' mode."

When you speak to KATA Friends, lighting, air conditioners, and robot vacuums will start working together according to the registered scene. The way it delivers requests to multiple devices is like a little conductor.

*Executing scenes and operating infrared home appliances require a SwitchBot Hub product (sold separately).

*This function supports the execution of scenes pre-registered in the SwitchBot app. Creating and editing scenes must be done from the app.

[How to Use]

To use the "Otetsudai" function, you need to update the SwitchBot app and KATA Friends firmware to the following versions or later:

Compatible versions: Firmware: V1.2.059 or later App version: V9.26 or later

Usage steps: 1. Update the SwitchBot app and KATA Friends firmware to the compatible versions or later. 2. Call out "Let's talk" to KATA Friends to start "Earth Language" mode. 3. Tell KATA Friends what you want, such as "Turn off the light."

*To use various functions of KATA Friends, you need to purchase the main unit and subscribe to the KATA Friends Kurashi Plan.

*Internet connection is required to use Earth Language mode and Otetsudai function.

[Compatible SwitchBot Devices (Partial)]

Operation of infrared home appliances, connection with some devices, and scene execution require a SwitchBot Hub product. Check the official FAQ for compatible functions and hub product requirements for your devices.

https://support.switch-bot.com/hc/ja/articles/40550206978711

Category: Compatible Devices Robot vacuum: Robotic vacuum S10 / S20 Air conditioning and environment: Air purifier, Air Purifier Table, evaporative humidifier, circulator, etc. Lighting: Candle warmer, tape light, floor light, ceiling light, smart bulb, etc. Hub products: Hub 2, Hub Mini, Hub Mini (Matter compatible) Scenes: Execute scenes registered in the SwitchBot app

*Compatibility as of May 15, 2026. Check the official website for the latest compatible devices and functions.

[KATA Friends SNS Post Campaign Vol. 3 Ongoing]

Share your precious story with KATA Friends.

We are looking for irreplaceable moments born from days with KATA Friends.

Growth felt while together. Gestures that made you smile. Your own episode that made you feel "we became family."

Whether you already live with KATA Friends or are thinking of welcoming one, please post your thoughts on SNS. A total of 12 winners will receive prizes by lottery.

Campaign Overview Campaign name: KATA Friends SNS Post Campaign Vol. 3 Theme: Share your precious story with KATA Friends. Period: Friday, May 22, 2026 - Friday, June 12, 2026 SNS platforms: X, Instagram, TikTok Prizes: Total of 12 winners selected by lottery Details: https://switchbot.vip/3RdryW1

How to Enter For those living with KATA Friends: Post with hashtag "#KATAフレンズとの日々" (Days with KATA Friends) sharing growth episodes or daily changes. For those who want to welcome KATA Friends: Post with hashtag "#KATAフレンズを迎えたい" (Want to welcome KATA Friends) sharing your ideal life with KATA Friends.

[Welcome Support Campaign Ongoing] For first-time buyers of KATA Friends, a special campaign offering the Kurashi Plan "Light Plan" for 6 months (worth 11,880 yen) free of charge has been extended until Friday, June 12, 2026.

Eligible period: Friday, April 17, 2026 - Friday, June 12, 2026 Benefit: Free 6-month KATA Friends Kurashi Plan "Light Plan" (worth 11,880 yen) Conditions: Purchase KATA Friends at an authorized retailer during the period and complete registration in the SwitchBot app.