This six-legged lamp would possibly assist your child with their homework

In contrast to some of the robots we’ve seen at CES 2025, Mi-Mo doesn’t have a face, but it surely nonetheless appears to be like just a little acquainted because of its resemblance to the enduring Pixar lamp. Mi-Mo remains to be only a prototype, however there are some fascinating concepts behind the unusual-looking robotic strolling across the present flooring.

The creation of Japanese agency Jizai, the corporate describes it as a “basic function AI robotic” that “thinks and acts” by itself. It has a built-in digicam and microphones, which permits it to maneuver round and reply to voice prompts and instructions. It runs on a number of massive language fashions that allow its voice and picture recognition capabilities.

After we noticed it, Mi-Mo didn’t present many indicators of being autonomous. It largely shimmied across the present flooring and “waved” at individuals passing by, which was truthfully sort of cute. Jizai’s Yuji Oshima advised me that the corporate envisions it as being helpful for some childcare duties, like reminding kids to do their homework after which watching over them to verify they really full it. (Jizai’s website notes the corporate can also be focused on utilizing robotics for elder care.)

However Mi-Mo wasn’t created solely to be a caretaker robotic. Oshima mentioned it’s meant to be an open platform for builders, researchers and others to seek out their very own methods to make use of the robotic. Jizai additionally intends for it to be considerably modular so individuals can customise Mi-Mo with bespoke software program, further sensors or different {hardware} attachments.

Jizai plans to make Mi-Mo out there as a developer equipment later this yr and has opened a waitlist the place events can join updates.