Colin Angle, the co-founder of iRobot who played a key role in bringing robot vacuums into countless households, has just introduced his latest startup and its upcoming device. The new enterprise, known as Familiar Machines & Magic, focuses on developing robots designed for companionship rather than cleaning floors.
These devices are named Familiars and are characterized as “physically embodied AI systems to perceive, adapt and interact with people in ways that feel natural and consistent.” While they resemble pets, their affectionate qualities are driven by software algorithms rather than biological instincts.
“The next era of robotics is not just about dexterity or humanoid form — it’s about machines that can build and sustain human connection,” he stated at The Wall Street Journal’s Future of Everything conference. “My goal has always been to create systems that understand context, remember interactions and behave with consistency over time.”
The firm reports that its initial Familiar unit is “purpose-built for social interaction” with a structural design “optimized for expressive, whole-body movement that communicates attention, awareness and intent.” It also possesses an endearing appearance.
This animal-inspired robot features a touch-sensitive exterior and incorporates multiple cameras alongside a microphone array. These components enable it to engage with humans in a natural manner, supported by an onboard AI system “powered by a custom small multimodal model optimized for social reasoning.”
No commercial product exists yet. The initial Familiar serves as a functional prototype demonstrating the concept’s viability. Consequently, details regarding availability or pricing remain unknown. For comparison, adopting a real pet from a shelter typically costs between $50 and $125.