Joe Jones, the co-creator of the Roomba, has unveiled his latest project: an AI-powered companion robot called the “Familiar.” Unlike the sleek, plastic gadgets we’re used to, the Familiar is a furry, four-legged creature that looks like a whimsical hybrid of a dog, a bear, and an owl. Rather than acting as a voice assistant like Alexa, the robot focuses on emotional intelligence.
It uses AI to learn household routines, recognize individual family members, and communicate through tail wagging, body language, and facial expressions. While it isn’t on sale just yet, its creators believe it could eventually serve as a vital tool for fighting loneliness among children, seniors, and those living alone.
The robotics pioneer who helped unleash the Roomba vacuum is now betting that you might one day replace your beloved dog or cat with a plush robot that follows you around your home and adapts to your daily habits. pic.twitter.com/yV4a4Fc8n3
— KTLA (@KTLA) May 5, 2026
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