Roomba inventor Colin Angle made robots useful. Now he wants to make them lovable.

Colin Angle, the visionary behind the household cleaning phenomenon Roomba, is embarking on a new journey into the realm of companionship with his latest startup, Familiar Machines & Magic. This Boston-based company aims to introduce a four-legged robot, dubbed the Familiar, which is designed to provide emotional support and assist users in developing healthier habits. Unlike traditional robots that perform mundane tasks, the Familiar seeks to engage with users on a more personal level, resembling the bond one might share with a pet. Set for release next year, the Familiar's price point is expected to be similar to that of adopting a pet, although specific costs have yet to be disclosed. The startup has successfully attracted $30 million in funding from undisclosed investors and has a team that includes talent from iRobot, Boston Dynamics, and Disney. In a bid to create a relatable and engaging character for the Familiar, the company has enlisted Hollywood screenwriters to craft narratives that flesh out its personality and inform the AI that powers its interactions. Initially, the target market for the Familiar includes older adults looking for companionship without the full responsibilities of pet ownership, as well as individuals seeking to boost their mental well-being. Angle, who stepped down from his role at iRobot in 2024 after over three decades, sees a different opportunity with Familiar Machines. He notes a significant shift in the robot landscape, moving from purely functional machines to those capable of forming connections with people. "Robots have long been associated with dull, dirty, dangerous metal. We aim to redefine that with an emotionally engaging robot that fulfills a different purpose," he explained. The Familiar is designed to be an attentive, supportive presence within the home, encouraging healthier lifestyles through gentle reminders and companionship. While it shares certain traits with pets, such as cuteness and a friendly demeanor, it is not intended to replicate them. Instead, the Familiar is built as an abstract, bear-like companion, featuring a soft coat and a variety of sensors that allow it to respond to touch. What sets the Familiar apart is its ability to understand human speech and respond in an emotionally intelligent manner. The stories created by screenwriters serve as a foundation for training the robot's AI, enabling it to engage in meaningful interactions. Angle is confident in this new venture, emphasizing that past attempts at creating social robots often overlooked the importance of physical interaction and emotional presence. With advancements in generative AI, Familiar Machines is poised to integrate touch, movement, and AI capabilities to create a unique and supportive companion. Privacy concerns regarding the Familiar's operation have been addressed, with the AI processing happening directly on the robot. Users have the option to connect to the cloud for enhanced functionality, but the core operations ensure that personal data remains secure. As Angle reflects on his experience in the robotics industry, he believes that the convergence of physical AI and generative technology represents a pivotal moment for creating robots that genuinely connect with people. He anticipates that this sector could unlock an astonishing $5 trillion in market value over the coming decades, with a significant portion dedicated to robots designed for human interaction.