One of iRobot's Co-Founders Is Now Making Weird Little Robot Companions

iRobot co-founder Colin Angle has launched Familiar Machines & Magic, a new startup focused on companion robots.

Its first concept, Familiars, is a prototype designed for natural, socially aware interaction with people.

The robot uses cameras, microphones, touch sensors, expressive movement, and a custom small multimodal AI model.

No consumer product, launch timeline, or pricing has been announced yet.

The move points to a possible new category of home AI devices centered on companionship, not chores.