The Creator of Roomba Unveils a Furry Robot Companion

Colin Angle, the mastermind behind the Roomba, has launched a new venture with a robot that aims to capture hearts rather than clean floors. Angle, who helped put 50 million household robots into people's homes, is back with a furry robot companion through his new company, Familiar Machines & Magic. The first robot from Familiar Machines & Magic is a dog-sized robotic pet that bears a resemblance to a cross between a bear, a barn owl, and a golden retriever.

This innovative robot boasts an expressive face, complete with movable eyebrows, ears, and eyes. The company refers to it as a 'Familiar,' a name inspired by folklore surrounding supernatural companions. Angle's vision for this robot is to provide companionship, a departure from his previous work with iRobot, the company behind the Roomba.

While details about the robot's capabilities and availability are still limited, a demo video showcased its potential as a friendly and interactive companion. The robot made its public appearance at the WSJ Future of Everything conference, generating buzz and curiosity among attendees. As the world continues to explore the possibilities of robotics and artificial intelligence, Angle's new venture is poised to make a significant impact.

With his track record of success with Roomba, Angle's foray into the world of companion robots has sparked interest and excitement. As Familiar Machines & Magic continues to develop and refine its creation, it will be fascinating to see how this new type of robot is received by the public.