Tokyo – The robot has been developed for the sole purpose of providing companionship.

Japanese start-up Groove X, which brought Lovot to Cannes Lions, created the robot as a partner for humans. Using advanced technology – dubbed Emotional Robotics – which includes touch sensors throughout its body and a six-layered eye display, the robot differs from other devices in that it does not complete tasks for its owners.

In a country populated by increasingly high numbers of hikikomori, Lovot combats loneliness by recognising its owner and begging for attention. ‘A robot normally aims to improve productivity in order for us to have less work to do. But improved productivity is not linked to increased happiness. That’s why I found a way technology could contribute to happiness,’ says Kaname Hayashi, founder of Groove X.

Rather than carrying out tasks to save us time, Friend Bots offer a way for people to find everyday companionship in the domestic space.

Montreal – Spearheaded by the designers Byron and Dexter Peart, Goodee is an e-commerce platform that combines aspirational design with ethical values.

All of the brands included on the site have been hand-picked by the duo for their commitment to making a social or environmental impact. Featured brands include: EcoBirdy, which recycles plastic toys into children’s furniture; Haeckels, a grooming brand that creates its all-natural products from sustainable resources; and Skagerak, a sustainable design company from Denmark.

‘Our viewpoint is that conspicuous consumption has reached an unsustainable point,’ says Dexter Peart. ‘We believe that many people, especially younger generations, are searching for better tools to consume ‘less but better’ products.’

In line with the launch, the twins are also creating a series of pop-up events that will allow customers to interact with the brands in a bricks-and-mortar environment. As explored in our macrotrend Uneasy Affluence, there is now a desire among luxury consumers to spend their money in a more meaningful manner, devoid of conspicuous consumption.

Despite the growing interest in vegan and flexitarian diets, a recent survey by supermarket chain Sainsbury’s found that more than a third of those polled were lacking in knowledge when it comes to cooking plant-based foods. This is despite the fact that Sainsbury’s has recorded a 65% increase in the sale of plant-based products this year compared with 2018. ‘While we are seeing a huge climb in sales of our plant-based foods, we know from conversations with customers that there is a sense of trepidation about cooking with them,’ says Sainsbury’s buyer James Hamilton.

The brand therefore launched a pop-up meat-free butchers where it showcased products like chorizo-style shroomdogs and veggie ribz to educate customers about how they can be incorporated into meals. With consumers becoming increasingly concerned about the environmental impact of food, there are opportunities for brands to take a leading role in educating people not only about the provenance of ingredients but also about how they can be used in everyday life. For more, see our Educated Eating report.