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iRobot’s founder is working on a new kind of home robot

Dec 17, 2024 - theverge.com
Colin Angle, co-founder and former CEO of iRobot, has launched a new startup called Familiar Machines & Magic, focusing on developing home robots that emphasize health and wellness. The company, currently in stealth mode, includes former iRobot CTO Chris Jones and Ira Renfrew, who previously worked on Amazon's robotics projects. Familiar Machines & Magic has raised $15 million and is seeking an additional $15 million. The startup is described as a "well-funded, new embodied AI and robotics" company based near Boston.

The new venture marks a shift for Angle from practical robots like Roomba to more personal, companion-type robots. Advances in generative AI could enhance these robots' capabilities, making them more human-like and interactive. While previous companion robots have struggled, there is potential for success in creating robots that combine personality and practicality to improve household members' health and well-being. The exact nature of the robots being developed by Familiar Machines & Magic remains undisclosed, but they may address issues like loneliness, as suggested by one investor.

Key takeaways:

  • Colin Angle, co-founder of iRobot, has launched a new startup called Familiar Machines & Magic, focusing on home robots for health and wellness.
  • The company, still in stealth mode, includes former iRobot CTO Chris Jones and Ira Renfrew, who previously worked on Amazon's Scout delivery robot.
  • Familiar Machines & Magic has raised $15 million and is seeking an additional $15 million, aiming to develop robots that combine personality and practicality.
  • Advances in generative AI could enhance the capabilities of companion robots, making them more human-like and useful, as seen with examples like ElliQ and Sony's Aibo.
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