Some people adore pets, while others aren’t as fond. I get it. I’m not a big pet person either. It’s not that I dislike dogs or have some preconceived notions about cats being dangerous; I just find their unpredictability and occasional mess unsettling. For those who feel similarly but still crave a furry friend to snuggle with, a smart home robot like Yonbo could be a great alternative.
The AI companion robot by X-Origin doesn’t just follow commands like a loyal dog; it grows alongside your kids, learning their quirks and even helping with homework. Yonbo does so courtesy of ‘advanced multimodal AI’ and ‘integrated AI like ChatGPT,’ which practically gives the home robot infinite possibilities, allowing it to evolve with the family’s needs.
Hat tip to Hackster for noting the high-resolution camera, which helps Yonbo recognize people, objects, and its surroundings. Yonbo AI-powered home robot also comes with a four-microphone array to accurately hear, recognize, and understand voice commands, and respond with intelligent, timely feedback. “By combining what it sees and hears, Yonbo uses an intelligent AI analysis system to understand the user’s mood and responds accordingly,” the company claims.
“Yonbo’s movement is mostly guided by user control rather than autonomous roaming. One can direct Yonbo’s movements using voice commands or with an optional wristband controller,” states the company. The AI-powered home robot doesn’t just stop at this. It can become an emotional support buddy for kids and families alike. “With over 600 emotional expressions conveyed through body movements, gestures, and facial displays.” Yonbo can show joy, empathy, or even playful frustration, making it feel less like a gadget and more like a tamed animal.
The smart home robot uses other advanced algorithms that help it read the owner’s emotions by analyzing facial cues and vocal tones, responding with comforting words or engaging activities. To put that in context, if a child is feeling sad, Yonbo might suggest a fun game or offer soothing encouragement. If it sees someone happy, it will match that energy with a cheerful dance.
X-Origin highlights that “Yonbo employs 30+ psychological assessment tools and 20+ guidance models to evaluate your mental state, detect early issues, and provide genuine, personalized support.” When it comes to upgrades, Yonbo regularly receives over-the-air (OTA) software updates via Wi-Fi, enhancing existing features and adding new storybooks, games, and interactions.
Also Read: Loona is a Robotic Home Companion for Those Allergic to Pets
While the market is filled with home robots like vacuum cleaners and lawn mowers, there is a serious dearth of educational robots that can double as quirky companions. While there is experimentation going on in industry with models like Butter Bot garnering plenty of attention, people are still waiting for an emotionally intelligent robot that makes their home a bit less lonely.
Having said that, Yonbo’s Kickstarter campaign has indeed sparked some excitement, but will it live up to the hype or fall short of expectations? Only time will tell. The interested can snag the Yonbo AI-powered home robot for early bird pricing at $399, compared to a post-campaign price of $1,182.
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