Maker of AI robots for kids abruptly shutters
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Image: Embodied
The maker of Moxie, an AI-powered robot for kids, is shutting down.
Why it matters: The parents who bought the device are not only out several hundred dollars — now they also have to explain to their kids why a beloved companion is, essentially, dying.
The big picture: The move is a reminder that hardware remains a tough business — with the added difficulty that, when AI systems go bust, there can be emotional consequences, too.
Driving the news: Embodied, the company behind Moxie, notified customers and the public this week that the firm was shutting down, and expects all Moxie robots to stop functioning, likely within days.
- The company said its financial straits mean it can offer no refunds for the robots, which retailed for $799.
Embodied blamed the company's demise on its failure to close a vital funding round.
- "We had secured a lead investor who was prepared to close the round," the company said. "However, at the last minute, they withdrew leaving us with no viable options to continue operations. Despite our best efforts to secure alternative funding, we were unable to find a replacement in time to sustain operations."
- Company representatives did not respond to requests for more information.
Catch up quick: Moxie was designed for kids ages 5 to 10, and offered a range of games and activities as well as the ability to have open-ended conversations.
- After first taking kids through a series of "missions" designed for human and robot to get to know one another, Moxie offered a wide repertoire of skills, including the ability to tell jokes, serve up brain teasers and play games — as well as just chatting with kids about their interests and emotions.
Yes, but: All of those abilities required a constant connection to a cloud-based AI system, and Embodied's demise will sever that link.
- Some stories of parents breaking the news to their kids have gone viral on TikTok.
The big picture: Consumer hardware remains an unforgiving business, especially for startups.
- A number of AI hardware projects have debuted, but many have quickly struggled, including Rabbit and Humane.
Between the lines: Moxie was designed to be a trusted companion, and kids had already bonded with the robot.
- Moxie's abilities to tell stories, ask questions and learn about its owner were attractive features — but now, that intimacy will just fuel a sense of loss.
