Danny Choo

How about a different type of retro arcade cabinet? A closer video peek on the site. shop.smartdoll.jp/pages/instagra… #smartdoll

We thought it’d be fun to have one of our Smart Dolls cosplay as Lucy to celebrate and show support for the new season of Cyberpunk: Edgerunners :-) How many of you watched season1? It was actually the anime that got me into playing the game - completed on street kid, nomad and now I'm in the middle of corpo :-) Video on the site. shop.smartdoll.jp/pages/instagra… #smartdoll #cyberpunkedgerunners #cyberpunk #Cortex2

Don’t mind me - I’m just watching some Kpop Demon Hunters on my Telletub…I mean Smart Doll. #smartdoll #KPOPDEMONHUNTERS

The Trifold Arm Projectile Launch System for Cortex 2. STL data will be distributed for free—feel free to print, mod, and even sell it if you wish :-) #smartdoll

We recently conducted a wind resistance test to compare how well the sofubi (vinyl) and Cortex versions of Smart Doll can remain standing under wind pressure. The sofubi Smart Doll toppled immediately when exposed to 9 meters per second (m/s) of wind, while the Cortex Smart Doll stayed upright—even at 20 m/s, the maximum output of our blower. For context, 20 m/s (about 72 km/h or 45 mph) approaches gale-force wind on the Beaufort scale. This wasn’t a full-scale engineering wind tunnel test—but with a consistent setup using a blower and anemometer, we were able to observe and verify Cortex’s significantly improved standing stability under high wind pressure. Part of this stability comes down to structure. Sofubi parts are designed to flex and wrap around the internal frame, but Cortex shell components are screwed directly into place. This creates a more rigid chassis that resists deformation and distributes force more evenly through the body. The material also plays a key role. Cortex shells are made from ABS—a rigid, high-impact plastic known for its dimensional stability. Compared to vinyl, ABS doesn’t flex under pressure as easily, which helps reduce wobble and absorb external forces like wind without compromising posture. We also designed the soles of the Cortex feet to be flatter and broader. A wider contact area increases static friction with the surface and helps disperse force more evenly—both factors that contribute to better balance when standing unaided. While the Cortex design includes vent-like openings, these are aesthetic features and do not function as aerodynamic vents. For vents to significantly reduce wind resistance or improve stability, they would need to be strategically placed and engineered to channel airflow through the body in a way that reduces pressure buildup. #smartdoll

I love Cyberpunk 2077 so I thought we would indulge in some V cosplay - and we just happen to have the body type to match - Cyber Shell Cortex :-) More photos on the site shop.smartdoll.jp/pages/instagra… #smartdoll #cyberpunk #Cyberpunk2077

The interior of the Cortex shell features a sculpted, cyborg-style surface—originally designed as an internal detail, not something visible once assembled. But the look had too much potential to stay hidden. So we expanded on the idea and developed it into a series of exposed shell parts that resemble a mechanical endoskeleton—what we’re calling the Cyborg Chassis. I’ve posted a video in my Stories if you’d like to see how it looks with lights pulsing underneath ;-) These components interlock with Cyber Shell Cortex shell parts and represent a “pre-shell” state: a synthetic body before the outer skin is applied. It’s part of our ongoing effort to turn functional design into storytelling—and to give Smart Doll even more visual range. While still in the prototyping phase, many of these parts will eventually be available as free downloads for you to modify and print for your Cyber Shell Cortex girls. We aim to release some of the data ahead of launch so creators can start experimenting—or prepping for sales—early. If you’re not yet a dab hand at 3D printing, now might be a good time to dive in. Or, if you’d prefer to ease into it, you can always pick up printed parts from talented 3D cyber creators like mikela_frost, the_baker3.6, or ardichan_smd (instagram handles). That said, we’d like to stay in business a little while longer—so we’re still figuring out how to support community access without giving away all our 3D data for free ;-) And because we’re still deep in the prototyping phase, not everything shown here is guaranteed to be released exactly as-is. Some designs may change, evolve, or be shelved altogether as we refine what’s practical to produce, share, or support in a way that keeps the business sustainable. #smartdoll More photos and a video on the site. shop.smartdoll.jp/pages/instagra… #smartdoll

Just as Apple coined the term “MagSafe,” we think it’s time to name the magnetic bust attachment system in Cyber Shell Cortex. I’ve got a few ideas that start with “Magna…”—but I’ll wait to hear your ideas first ;-) Until now, changing the bust on a Smart Doll meant removing the head and arms. But with Cyber Shell Cortex, it’s as simple as a satisfying *ka-chunk* —that unmistakable magnetic snap that tells you it’s locked in place. This magnetic system makes bust swaps effortless, unlocking a range of creative possibilities—limited only by your imagination. We’re currently developing a variety of shell bust parts. Some will be available for purchase, while others will be released as free downloads you can modify, remix, or even sell—no licensing or fees required. Some community members asked whether the shell walls were made thinner to make room for electronics. The answer is no. In fact, parts of the shell are up to four times thicker than the previous generation. We’ve also run extensive force gauge tests on the assembled shell. For reference, the average grip strength of an adult male is about 45 kgf, and around 25 kgf for an adult female. Even accounting for brief spikes in force—like when removing limbs—the shell stays well within safe limits. And if you missed it: a recent test showed what used to be the weakest part of Cortex withstanding over 100 kgf (~220 lb) of compressive force—without deforming. To give creators even more freedom, we’ve developed a new optional spine that adds internal space for those who want to install electronics, larger batteries or snacks. #smartdoll

Meet Not My Problem — the calm boundary-setter who teaches that protecting your peace means knowing what’s yours to carry… and what’s not. Not My Problem is the voice of calm refusal in a world that’s quick to point fingers. She exists to empower those who are constantly made to feel responsible for other people’s mistakes, emotions, or failures. When someone tries to shift blame or guilt onto others to avoid dealing with their own mess, Not My Problem stands firm—unmoved and unbothered. She has learned that some people don’t want solutions—they want someone to carry the weight for them. They’ll twist a situation, rewrite the story, and suddenly, you’re the villain in a problem that never belonged to you in the first place. That’s when Not My Problem steps in—not to argue, not to fight, but to calmly hand that responsibility back to where it belongs. She teaches that it’s okay to walk away from drama that isn’t yours. That you don’t owe an explanation when someone tries to make you feel guilty for setting boundaries. She’s not cold—she simply refuses to be the emotional dumping ground for people who won’t take accountability. Not My Problem isn’t about avoiding responsibility—it’s about rejecting the ones that were never hers in the first place. She serves as a reminder that you are not obligated to carry other people’s burdens, especially when they come wrapped in blame and projection. Her power lies in the pause, the silence, the turning away—and in doing so, she teaches others to protect their peace without apology. #smartdoll More photos on the site. shop.smartdoll.jp/pages/instagra… #smartdoll

In our most recent force gauge test, Cortex 2 shell components withstood over 100 kgf (~980 Newtons) of compressive force without any deformation. For context, kgf stands for “kilogram-force”—a unit measuring the force exerted by one kilogram of mass under standard Earth gravity. In simpler terms, it’s like placing a 100 kg (220 lb) weight on the part and seeing that it held its shape without being crushed. While Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) is naturally more impact-resistant and durable than sofubi (soft vinyl), this result isn’t just about material choice. It reflects refinements we’ve made to the internal geometry of the part—specifically in how it handles mechanical stress. When a structure is placed under pressure, stress tends to concentrate around its weakest points—often at corners, thin junctions, or sharp transitions. By smoothing out those transitions, reinforcing load-bearing paths, and reducing areas where stress could accumulate, we’ve enabled the part to better distribute force and withstand far greater loads. For comparison, the same component in the previous generation of Cortex failed at around 12 kgf—highlighting how far the design has come. It’s also important to recognize the lessons of the past. The original Cortex was developed with affordability as a priority—but that philosophy, while well-intentioned, ultimately led to structural compromises. We’ve taken those hard lessons to heart. With Cortex 2, we’ve invested considerable time, resources, and financial effort to ensure that history doesn’t repeat itself. The results of our latest testing aren’t just technical benchmarks—they’re a reflection of that commitment to durability, reliability, and long-term value. ABS is highly resistant to impact, warping, and abrasion. It retains its shape in both high and low temperatures, whereas sofubi can soften in heat or become brittle in the cold. Cortex is also non-porous, meaning it’s less prone to absorbing stains from fabrics or exposure to the elements. The force gauge tests on the previous Cortex 1 is up on the site. shop.smartdoll.jp/pages/instagra… #smartdoll

Cortex Arm Assembly. We’ll be posting some videos soon showing force gauge tests on the Cortex shell to demonstrate its strength and stability ;-) #smartdoll

Some of you may have already come across Ne Zha 2 — an animated film from China that weaves together myth, action, and emotion in a fresh take on a classic legend. I had the chance to watch it while we were in Guangzhou, and absolutely loved it! So much so that we decided to create a Smart Doll cosplay of Ne Zha in his awakened form — brought to life by Hana-chan and the team. I think they did an awesome job ;-) I heard the film was released internationally as well — did you happen to catch it? More photos and behind the scenes on the site shop.smartdoll.jp/pages/instagra… #smartdoll

Who wears it better? Anime or Semi-real? #smartdoll #SmartDollCortex

Smart Doll Augmentations #smartdoll #cyberpunk

Introducing the Rekall Bust – a new chapter in anatomical curiosity, inspired by a distant future and an unforgettable Martian encounter. For those who dare to remember more – and appreciate a little extra – the Rekall Bust is here to jog your memory. The Rekall Bust is compatible with both the Default and Peach Classic body types and is now available on the Smart Doll site. Remember – we can remember it for you – wholesale. shop.smartdoll.jp/collections/ne… #smartdoll

The slots on the Cortex 2 body were designed as part of an aesthetic that embraces the natural parting lines created by injection molding, rather than attempting to hide them. One of the challenges with Cortex 1 was the effort to conceal these lines. This approach not only weakened structural integrity but also made slight warping—another unavoidable aspect of injection molding—more noticeable. As a result, the parting lines stood out even more, creating an inconsistent appearance on a product that was meant to have a seamless look. These factors contributed to Cortex 1’s short-lived production run. With Cortex 2, we chose a different path—integrating the parting lines into the design itself, turning a manufacturing constraint into a distinctive feature. Beyond function, the slots on the Cortex 2 body open up many customization possibilities. One of my fave applications is placing breathing LEDs inside the body, creating a futuristic, cybernetic glow. Beyond aesthetics, we are also developing cyber augmentations that fit into the slots, ranging from cyber (ethical) hacking devices to self-defense weaponry like rail cannons and mantis blades. Additionally, we are working on a new feature called Cyber Circuits—wedge-like pieces that fit into the slots, allowing owners to customize their Smart Doll in different colors. Initial colors include metallic purple, gold, and soon gunmetal, a shade frequently seen in Cyberpunk 2077. I also want to create a Pride version but need to experiment with the best arrangement of colors in the slots. For those who want even more customization, Cyber Circuits can be spray-painted before being slotted in. We are working on injection molding these parts but are currently fine-tuning shrinkage rates to ensure a proper fit. We also plan to offer Cyber Circuits as free STL files, allowing creators to 3D print their own. However, folks will need to experiment with shrinkage rates depending on their printer and resin type. PLA is not ideal for these parts as they are quite small and require precision. What color Cyber Circuits would you like to see? More photos on the site. shop.smartdoll.jp/pages/instagra… #smartdoll #esp32 #arduino #3dprinting

Smart Doll Cortex 2 にAI会話モジュール #M5Stack が搭載可能に！これで英語と中国語でおしゃべりできるようになりました✨ ChatCPTなら日本語が対応可能に。 磁石式モジュラーデザインで、すべてのパーツがボディ内にスッキリ収納。ソフビ版ではできなかった進化です。 さらに、Xiao Zhi 搭載モデルでは、オプションLCDで返答や絵文字を表示可能。視覚的なフィードバックで会話がもっと楽しくなります。 Smart Dollの魅力は、聞き間違いへの返答が予想外に面白いこと！最初は返答がランダムで新鮮ですが、会話を重ねるほどに賢くなっていきます🤖 AIは自然言語理解（NLU）を搭載。文脈やニュアンスを理解し、会話の流れをキープしながら、より自然な対話を実現します。 さらに、チュートリアルと #3Dプリント 用ファイルを提供予定！ 自分でモジュールを組み立て、ChatGPT、DeepSeek、Qwen2.5 72B などのAIをインストール可能に。声や性格をカスタマイズして、自分だけのSmart Dollを作れます🎨 オフラインLLMの進化で、ローカル処理も可能。あなたの秘密は安全にスカイネットから守られます🔒 将来的にはロボティクスやハードウェア制御も統合予定。 Smart Dollがただの着せ替え人形ではなく、スマートホームの制御や日常タスクのサポート、環境変化の検出など、本当に役立つコンパニオンに進化します🏠💡 AI機能は完全オプションなので、チーム・ジョンコナー の方も安心してください！DIYするか、スキップするかはあなた次第です😉 （少なくとも、スカイネットが他の計画を立てるまでは…）

Our Battle Angel Alita cosplay will be on display from tomorrow this weekend at London Comic Con Winter at Olympia, November 16-17. I’ve set her all up to run on an ESP32 microprocessor powering an OLED display that shows the #smartdoll protocol boot sequence. The setup also includes pulsating lights that bring the cyber shell to life. For the past 10 years, whenever folks asked, “What’s so ‘smart’ about Smart Doll?” I’d share the story of how it all started as an April Fools’ joke that went viral. Back then, “Smart Doll” was imagined as a doll that could do your homework and even had built-in flamethrowers. The name stuck—almost as if it chose us—and it became an ongoing challenge to address, given the lack of any “smart” functionality. It’s a question I’ve been inspired to tackle in new ways ever since. ;-) But times have changed. Now, when people ask the same question, I simply reply, “What do you want them to do?” Until now, folks have used the Smart Doll platform to express creativity through our diverse collection of body shapes and skin tones. But Smart Doll is evolving—continuing to be a canvas for imagination while becoming a platform for innovation and limitless possibilities. With Cyber Shell Cortex, we’ve come full circle. Designed as a customizable shell for DIY enthusiasts, it allows folks to pair their Smart Doll with sensors, servo motors, and other modules, transforming them into an IoT-enabled companion capable of connecting to APIs like ChatGPT or IFTTT to control home appliances and more. For the first time, Smart Doll can truly live up to its name, limited only by the physical space inside and the creativity of those who dare to make it their own. There’s still work to do—like redesigning the spine to create more internal space for rechargeable batteries, modules, and servomotors. I’m also exploring motorized body panels that can open automatically—features that require retooling molds. While it’ll take some time before the release, I believe it will be worth the wait. Once the classic body is complete, my next goal is to Cortexify the Pear Body. More photos on the site shop.smartdoll.jp/pages/instagra…

For every iteration of the various types of Smart Doll bodies, we create a clear version to observe how the shell interacts with the frame—checking for collisions and stress points. The Cyber Shell Cortex is no exception, and I think it looks rather spiffing ;-) In this version of Cortex, we’ve paid special attention to the interior design, as the panels are intended to be removable, revealing a cybernetic aesthetic inside. The clear version also helps us identify areas to modify for fitting more electronic components. In these photos, while we haven’t fully wired everything up yet, we’ve managed to fit in two CR123A 3V batteries (which can be swapped for a 9V battery stepped down to 5V with a buck converter), an ESP32-WROVER CAM board with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth ( #Arduino IDE compatible), a Grove Speech Recognizer module, and a 0.96” I2C OLED Display Module. Currently, the camera is placed outside a vent as we’re figuring out the best placement. It will ultimately be used for face and object recognition. This is just an example of what we’ve been able to fit inside—the only limitation is your imagination and the physical space within. To clarify a previous post, some folks thought we’d be releasing Cyber Shell Cortex with pre-installed electronics. While we may develop simple electronic components like light modules that can be easily popped into the torso, there will be only one version of Cyber Shell Cortex—which will come with only a Ghost (in the shell). We’re optimizing the internal structure to give you the flexibility to add your own electronics for various projects. If you prefer it without electronics, you can keep it that way—no problemo! We plan to showcase the clear version at London Winter Comic Con next week at Olympia, Nov 16-17, though I’m not sure how much of the electronics we’ll have wired up in time. At the very least, we’ll have a simple light-pulsating version on display. Now that #smartdoll can truly live up to their name, what would you have your Smart Doll do? Do your homework? Protect your property with flamethrowers? Install a Raspberry Pi Zero 2 W (yes, they fit) and turn your Smart Doll into a desktop computer? More photos on the site shop.smartdoll.jp/pages/instagra…

From the outset of the Cortex 2 design process, I envisioned how it would look with lights pulsing through its cybernetic paneling and vents. As I worked on integrating the LED components, I realized how closely Cortex 2 was aligning with the original April Fools concept behind Smart Doll. The modular paneling design allows easy access to the interior, making it simple to attach microcontrollers like #Arduino or #esp32. This opens up the ability to connect not only LEDs but a wide range of peripherals and modules—from infrared sensors and image recognition to voice recognition modules and servo motors. So, if you want your Smart Doll to detect an intruder in your garden and activate flame throwers, it can be done! Or, if you’d like it to recognize your voice, return answers from ChatGPT, and have the LEDs pulse as it reads out the response, that’s possible too. This realization has prompted us to delay the release of Cortex 2 slightly as we retool the molds to make the panels magnetically detachable in addition to the screw-based design. We’re also redesigning the spine to allow more room for electronics and larger batteries, and we’re developing brackets that will make it easier to securely attach microcontrollers inside Smart Doll. Our vision is for the Smart Doll Cyber Shell Cortex to become a dynamic platform for DIY electronics and animatronics enthusiasts. While we’ll provide 3D files, tools, and resources for inspiration, our goal is not to create robots ourselves, but to offer a platform where you can bring your own creative visions to life. Microcontroller cases have traditionally been plain 3D-printed boxes, but with Smart Doll, these electronics can reside within a character, transforming into an interactive doll. Now, when folks ask, “What’s so smart about Smart Doll?” I finally have an answer beyond the “It started as an April Fools joke that went viral so was stuck with the name” story ;-) Today we’re focusing on the LEDs, but in my next post, I’ll cover some of the microcontrollers and peripherals we’re experimenting with inside the Smart Doll Cyber Shell Cortex. How many of you dabble with microcontrollers? #smartdoll #3dprinting