Colin Angle, the co-founder and former CEO of iRobot, is back in the robotics world with a fresh vision. After three decades at iRobot, where he brought the iconic Roomba to life, Angle has launched a new startup called Familiar Machines & Magic. This company aims to revolutionise home robotics by focusing on health and wellness. According to The Boston Globe, the robots may take the shape of animals or other comforting forms, often called โfamiliars.โ
A new team and vision
Currently operating in stealth mode, Familiar Machines & Magic is building its foundation with a talented team. Angle is joined by Chris Jones, the former CTO of iRobot, and Ira Renfrew, another ex-iRobot executive who went on to work on Amazon’s now-defunct Scout delivery robot.
This marks a significant shift for Angle, who had been working on transforming Roomba into the core of a smart home ecosystem before iRobot faced challenges earlier this year. The companyโs planned acquisition by Amazon fell through in January, leading to a drastic reduction in research and development, nearly 50% staff cuts, and a narrowed focus on home cleaning devices.
Funding and future potential
Familiar Machines & Magic has already secured US$15 million from eight investors and is seeking an additional US$15 million to fuel its mission. A job listing on LinkedIn describes the company as a โwell-funded, new embodied AI and robotics startupโ based near Boston.
Angleโs new venture explores a more personal side of robotics than iRobotโs practical machines. Household robots like vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers have seen more tremendous success than โcompanion robots.โ Devices like Jibo, Ankiโs creations, and Moxie have struggled to sustain interest and have largely disappeared from the market.
However, advances in generative AI are changing this landscape. These technologies can make robots more interactive, engaging, and valuable. For example, Sony recently resurrected its Aibo robotic dog, while other robots like Lovot are winning hearts with their adorable and lifelike designs.
A promising start for health-focused robots
Angleโs goal is to combine personality and functionality to improve household members’ well-being. One investor hinted that the companyโs robots might resemble โfurry petsโ designed to combat loneliness, especially for homebound individuals.
This aligns with efforts by companies like Israelโs Intuition Robotics, which developed ElliQ, an AI-powered social robot to assist the elderly. ElliQโs third-generation model, enhanced with generative AI, offers better interaction and more engaging experiences.
Although the specific details of Familiar Machines & Magicโs robots remain under wraps, the company’s focus on health, wellness, and companionship is a promising direction. By blending practical assistance with emotional connection, Angle and his team aim to create a new category of home robots that could redefine how we interact with technology.
