Jibo, Inc. announced on Wednesday the official public launch of the anticipated its self-titled social robot. The news comes three years after the startup secured $3,711,958 through global crowdfunding platform, Indiegogo.
As previously reported, the family robot is supposed to help bring technology to life with personal and emotive engagement. Unlike the home gadgets and other tech, Jibo is looking to fit in more like one of the family. Features of the Jibo robot include:
- Sight: Two hi-res cameras recognize and track faces, capture photos, and enable immersive video calling.
- Hearing: 360 microphones and natural language processing let you talk to Jibo from anywhere in the room.
- Learn: Artificial intelligence algorithms learn your preference to adapt and fit into your life.
- Help: Like a personal assistant, Jibo proactively helps you, to make everyday tasks simpler and easier.
- Speaks: Hand-free reminders and messages, so you’ll never forget and can always be in touch.
- Relate: Communicates and expresses using natural social and emotive cues so you understand each other better.
Steve Chambers, CEO of Jibo, Inc., stated:
“We set out to do something bold and groundbreaking with Jibo’s creation. We want to fundamentally redefine the way people interact with technology by building a new category – the first social robot for the home. Today’s announcement marks a major milestone for our company and the history of robotics, and we’re so excited for consumers to welcome this charming, helpful and humble little guy into their homes.”
Cynthia Breazeal, Co-Founder and Chief Scientist of Jibo, Inc., also commented:
“Since I began my work in social robotics at MIT over 20 years ago, my goal has always been to introduce social robots into the home in a natural way, to help improve peoples’ daily lives. With the official launch of Jibo, this is finally a reality, and the future of social robotics has never been brighter and filled with more potential. I am beyond proud of the Jibo, Inc. team for bringing this incredible social robot to life.”
Meanwhile, Indiegogo backers have been receiving their robots and have given reviews. One backer shared:
Another then noted:
“4 years that I wait after your jibo and still nothing received, I can not even connect to jibo acount, my google home will surely best all the way. …… give me back my money”
Jibo ($899) weighs in at approximately 6 lbs. and stands about 11 inches tall. The robot will begin shipping to pre-order customers on November 7th.
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