Colin Angle, the former CEO of iRobot known for popularizing the Roomba, has launched a new venture called Familiar Machines & Magic in Boston. In 2024, after leaving iRobot following more than three decades of leadership, Angle established this startup to develop a home robot designed for emotional support and companionship rather than just physical labor. The company has successfully secured $30 million in funding and recruited talent from industry leaders including iRobot, Boston Dynamics, and Disney. The startup's flagship product, named the Familiar, is a four-legged, pet-inspired robot described as an abstract bear. It is scheduled to begin sales next year, with an upfront price comparable to purchasing a traditional pet. Unlike the single-purpose Roomba, the Familiar aims to serve as an attentive physical presence that nurtures human connection. Its core functions include offering companionship, monitoring household environments, and providing gentle prompts to encourage healthier daily routines. For instance, the robot might encourage a user to go for a walk after detecting prolonged inactivity. To craft the robot's unique personality, Familiar Machines hired Hollywood screenwriters to create detailed stories defining the character's values and behaviors. These narratives are then used to train a generative AI model, which powers the robot's responses. The Familiar does not speak aloud but understands human speech and responds through expressive body language and touch. Its physical design features a tactile coat and embedded sensors, allowing it to react when handled. The decision to avoid a human, cat, or dog morphology was intentional, aiming to prevent unrealistic consumer expectations while maintaining an approachable and non-intimidating form. The company initially targets older adults seeking pet-like companionship without the associated responsibilities, as well as individuals focused on personal well-being. Over time, they plan to license their artificial intelligence technology to other entities. A key differentiator for the Familiar is its emphasis on touch and physical agency, combined with on-device processing for privacy. The entire AI stack operates locally on the robot, eliminating the need to stream data to the cloud, though optional connectivity is available for software updates and behavioral adaptation. Angle views this project as a pivotal moment in the industry, where the convergence of robotics and generative AI creates a new market for machines that connect with people. He estimates this sector could generate $2.5 trillion in value, distinct from the $2.5 trillion projected for robots performing physical work. By combining touch, mobility, and advanced AI, Familiar Machines aims to deliver a robot that integrates seamlessly into domestic life, offering a form of emotional support that previous social robots have failed to achieve.