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NEWS Crowdfunding New Products Overseas / Not sold in Japan

Palm-Sized "Plush AI Pet" NiniQuu Opens Backing on Kickstarter: It Doesn't Talk, It Responds to Touch

NiniQuu is a palm-sized, fluffy plush robot. It doesn't speak; instead it is designed to respond to how you touch it, such as squeezing or stroking, with eye expressions, sounds and vibrations. No sales in Japan have been announced.

Published Updated Fact-checkedOctober 17, 2026 By RoboPet Life Editorial Team
NiniQuu, a plush robot with long golden-tinged fur, sitting on a beige carpet
The plush AI pet "NiniQuu." Image source: UDEXREAL (cover image from the Kickstarter campaign page)

Key Points

  • Hong Kong-based UDEXREAL has opened backing on Kickstarter for NiniQuu, a plush companion. The campaign started on October 15, 2026 and ends on November 14[1]
  • The goal is HK$50,000; as of our check on October 17, 2026, it had raised HK$36,179 (about 72%) from 29 backers[1]
  • Pledges for the basic model range from HK$1,090 (Super Early Bird) to HK$1,170 (Early Bird). Media reports also cite US$159[1][3]
  • There is no official announcement about sales in Japan, Japanese-language support, or Japan radio certification (Giteki) (as of October 17, 2026)

UDEXREAL is a Hong Kong-based company that develops stretchable sensors and other technologies[3][4]. Its NiniQuu is a palm-sized plush pet robot, and backing opened on Kickstarter on October 15, 2026[1].

What Kind of Robot Is NiniQuu?

The official website describes NiniQuu as "an AI-powered companion that comes alive in your hands"[2]. Rather than holding conversations, its defining feature is that it reacts to how it is touched.

  • Responds to touch: It is described as reacting to each type of touch, such as squeezing, pressing or hugging, with eye expressions, sounds and gentle vibrations[2]
  • Suggested uses: Four uses are introduced, including a small desk robot, a soothing companion, and a charm to attach to your bag[2]
  • Worldwide shipping: The official website states "Worldwide shipping, duties included, 1-year warranty"[2]

The following specs come from a report by the overseas outlet Auganix. We have not been able to confirm them in the Kickstarter page text or on the official website[3].

  • Weight 110g; size 115×75×95mm
  • Stretchable printed-circuit sensors in 7 locations (temples, cheeks, chin, back of the head), plus a motion sensor
  • Two small displays for the eyes, and a speaker
  • More than 300 combinations of expressions, sounds and vibrations
  • No camera, microphone, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth; learned data is stored on the device
  • Charges via USB-C, with 6+ hours of continuous use

Pledge Tiers and Schedule

Kickstarter backing uses an "All or Nothing" model, where you are charged only if the goal is reached[1]. The amounts (in Hong Kong dollars) set on the page are as follows[1].

  • Basic (basic model): Super Early Bird HK$1,090 / Early Bird HK$1,170
  • Bundle (set): KS Special HK$1,240
  • Double Pack (2 units): KS Special HK$2,180
  • Collector Set: KS Special HK$4,050

There is also a tier named "VIP Exclusive"[1]. Early-bird slots may sell out. The deadline is November 14, 2026 at 10:56 p.m. (Japan time)[1]. According to media reports, shipping to backers is expected within one month after the campaign ends[3].

Note: Apart from the "worldwide shipping, duties included" statement on the official website, we could not find a detailed explanation of whether it ships to Japan or how duties are handled. The US$159 cited in reports does not simply match the Hong Kong dollar amounts on Kickstarter, so please check the latest amount on the page before backing. Crowdfunded products may not arrive as scheduled.
NiniQuu overview (as of October 17, 2026)
Name
NiniQuu（Living Plush Pet）[1]
Manufacturer
UDEXREAL (Hong Kong-based)[3]
How it's sold
Kickstarter (All or Nothing). Starts October 15, 2026; ends November 14[1]
Pledge amount
Basic model HK$1,090–1,170. Reported as US$159[1][3]
Funding status
HK$36,179 / goal HK$50,000, 29 backers (checked October 17)[1]
Size and weight
115×75×95mm, 110g (reported)[3]
Features
Doesn't talk; responds to touch. No camera, microphone or wireless connectivity (reported)[3]
Availability in Japan
Not sold in Japan. No official announcement about sales in Japan, Japanese-language support or Giteki (as of October 17, 2026)

Japanese-Language Media Coverage

On October 17, 2026, we searched major Japanese media (Robotstart, ITmedia, Impress, GIGAZINE, PR TIMES, etc.) for "NiniQuu" and "UDEXREAL," but found no Japanese articles covering NiniQuu. For UDEXREAL, there is a Japanese press release about the listing of its VR glove "UDCAP" on Makuake[5]. We cannot guarantee this search was exhaustive.

Product: NiniQuu

Front view of NiniQuu, a golden-tinged plush robot
NiniQuu
UDEXREAL (Hong Kong) | Not sold in Japan
Basic model HK$1,090–1,170Checked October 17, 2026[1]

Sources and Primary Information

  1. Primary sourceUDEXREAL "NiniQuu: Living Plush Pet" (Kickstarter campaign page)
    Kickstarter pageChecked: October 17, 2026 (start, deadline, goal, funding status, pledge amounts; photo source. Detailed specs in the page text not confirmed)
  2. Primary sourceNiniQuu official website
    NiniQuuChecked: October 17, 2026 (concept, touch responses, uses, and the worldwide shipping / duties included / 1-year warranty statement)
  3. Media reportAuganix "UDEXREAL Brings Its Stretchable Sensor Technology to NiniQuu, a Touch-Only AI Plush Companion" (October 15, 2026)
    Auganix articleChecked: October 17, 2026 (specs, US$159, expected shipping. Facts not confirmed in primary sources are based on this article)
  4. Primary sourceUDEXREAL official website
    UDEXREALSearch results only (company overview)
  5. Media reportPR TIMES: "Fully immersive VR glove 'UDCAP' for SteamVR debuts in Japan on Makuake" (UDEXREAL)
    PR TIMESSearch results only (used to check whether the company has Japanese press releases)

Update History　October 17, 2026: Published

#NiniQuu#PlushType#Kickstarter#UDEXREAL#NotSoldInJapan

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