Meet the AI Pet Trying to Redefine Home Companionship

A robotics pioneer behind the Roomba is exploring a new frontier: emotional companionship through artificial intelligence.

Colin Angle has introduced a prototype robot called “Familiar,” designed to behave like a pet that can follow users around the home and adapt to their daily routines.

Unlike earlier robotic pets, the Familiar is powered by recent advances in AI, allowing it to process audio input, learn from interactions, and gradually adjust its behavior over time.

The four-legged device is intentionally designed to avoid resembling a specific animal, aiming instead to create a new category of companion that feels familiar yet distinct.

The robot produces animal-like sounds rather than speech, focusing on emotional connection rather than conversation. Developers say the goal is to create a presence that users want to engage with, something to pet, interact with, and build a bond with.

While still in development, the concept could appeal to people seeking companionship without the responsibilities of caring for a live animal, particularly older adults.