Roomba Creator's New AI Pet: A Familiar?

Colin Angle, renowned for creating the Roomba, has introduced his latest venture: a companion robot named 'Familiar.' This dog-sized, quadrupedal AI system, codenamed Ami, is engineered to foster emotional connections through an on-device multimodal model. Designed with an expressive face and nonverbal communication, it aims to serve in high human connection roles.

Angle, who stepped down from iRobot in 2024, aims to create robots that build and sustain human connection, a goal he has pursued since iRobot's inception. The Familiar eschews a humanoid form, focusing instead on an unidentifiable creature designed for social reasoning and adaptive behaviors. It communicates through expression and body language, not spoken words, with a focus on privacy as it operates offline.

Powered by Nvidia's Jetson Orin chip, the Familiar is intended to be more than a toy; it's envisioned as a companion that encourages real-world interaction and combats loneliness. Potential applications include supporting families with young children and providing companionship for the elderly, particularly those unable to care for traditional pets. The robot is expected to launch next year at a cost comparable to pet ownership.

While still in development, the Familiar aims to differentiate itself from previous companion robots by being a deeply interactive entity. Angle emphasizes its potential to alleviate isolation, citing instances where it nudged users away from screens and encouraged activity. The company is already in factory production, with the goal of creating "artificial life" that fosters genuine human connection.