TOMY, the world-renowned toy manufacturer, recently launched a new breakthrough device that acts as both a lie and stress level detector. The Cocoro Scanner, works by reading a pulse from a person's forehead through a bespoke sensory mechanism. The sensor will blink red if it senses nervousness, meaning that person is almost certainly lying and green is they remain calm and are telling the truth. There will also be a yellow light, for when the machine is unable to decide one way or the other. The scanner uses surprisingly advanced biometric technologies, which are able to determine emotional signals and unconscious feelings, and is the first mass consumer marketed products to do so.
The Cocoro Scanner, works by reading a pulse from a person's forehead through a bespoke sensory mechanism
To promote the launch of the scanner, Ogilvy & Mather Japan took the device out onto the streets to test its effects on the general public. Many found the device to be entertaining and useful, whilst others were significantly less welcoming of the truth. Members of the public “Tested” in the video include a monk, a young girl and her elderly relative, and a transvestite.
The TOMY Cocoro Scanner on the Streets of Tokyo
In order to prove the validity of the device, Ajab Samrai, chief creative officer at Ogilvy & Mather Japan, said “We have never had as much fun working on a brief before” whilst wearing the device and president Akihito Kubo said “From now on, I will demand that all the Directors in the agency wear the Cocoro Scanner at our monthly board meeting.” In both instances, the device blinked green. Of course, the idea of using the device in industrial applications is a little far-fetched considering it is just a toy, but TOMY seem to believe their device is more than just a modern day mood ring.
To promote the launch of the scanner, O&M Japan took the device out onto the streets to test its effects on the general public.
Whether or not the device has any real benefits beyond simply being a nifty gimmick has yet to be seen. It's also impossible to judge exactly well it works. Either way, there is no way for us mere Brits to know for sure just yet, as the Cocoro Scanner is currently only available in Japan, and (for the time being at least) it seems unlikely that it will make the trip across the pond. Currently it is available through Amazon's Japanese site and the official Takara Tomy site for a surprisingly low price of around £15 (or at least the equivalent). Hands up if you're seriously considering importing one. We know we are!
The TOMY Cocoro Scanner
