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 “familiars.”
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 company’s 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 “well-funded, new embodied AI and robotics startup” based near Boston.
Angle’s new venture explores a more personal side of robotics than iRobot’s practical machines. Household robots like vacuum cleaners and lawnmowers have seen more tremendous success than “companion robots.” Devices like Jibo, Anki’s 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
Angle’s goal is to combine personality and functionality to improve household members’ well-being. One investor hinted that the company’s robots might resemble “furry pets” designed to combat loneliness, especially for homebound individuals.
This aligns with efforts by companies like Israel’s Intuition Robotics, which developed ElliQ, an AI-powered social robot to assist the elderly. ElliQ’s third-generation model, enhanced with generative AI, offers better interaction and more engaging experiences.
Although the specific details of Familiar Machines & Magic’s 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.
