The creator of Roomba is back with a furry robot companion
Colin Angle, the creator of Roomba, has unveiled a new robot called 'Familiar' through his startup Familiar Machines & Magic. Unlike his previous cleaning-focused robots, this dog-sized robot is designed to form emotional connections with humans. The robot features expressive facial elements and uses on-device generative AI to develop a distinct personality.
- ▪Colin Angle founded Familiar Machines & Magic to develop socially interactive robots.
- ▪The 'Familiar' robot is roughly the size of a dog and combines features resembling a bear, barn owl, and golden retriever.
- ▪It uses on-device generative AI to interact autonomously and form emotional bonds with family members.
- ▪The robot is intended for roles in companionship, eldercare, and child interaction.
- ▪Familiar is not expected to be available for purchase until at least 2027 and will cost about the same as owning a pet.
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AICloseAIPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All AINewsCloseNewsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All NewsReportCloseReportPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All ReportThe creator of Roomba is back with a furry robot companionColin Angle revealed his latest creation this week: a dog-sized robot ‘Familiar’ designed for human connection, not chores.by Jennifer Pattison TuohyCloseJennifer Pattison TuohySenior Reviewer, Smart HomePosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Jennifer Pattison TuohyMay 4, 2026, 4:51 PM…
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