Jibo Inc., a Delaware corporation also incorporated in Massachusetts in 2010, will be ready to hit the market in time for the 2015 holidays. Deemed the “world’s first family robot” the trademarked company has created a prototype robot that is capable of interacting with its owners. Jibo.

On Wednesday, Jibo launched a Indiegogo crowdfunding campaign and has since surpassed its $100,000 goal. To date, Jibo has raised $950,000 and has 25 days of campaigning remaining. People interested in preordering the Jibo can get the consumer version for $499 by December 2015. A developer edition is also available for $599 and will be delivered sooner in September 2015.

Founder and CEO Cynthia Breazeal, an MIT roboticist and professor, and her team designed a social robot capable of interacting with you like any other person. At only 11 inches tall and 6 pounds, the Jibo is the perfect size to catch your attention when it needs to and blend in with the rest of your house when not being used.

CEO & founder Cynthia Breazeal

WHAT CAN IT DO?

The Jibo was designed for families. As a result, the social robot does everything from act like a personal assistant to a photographer.

Two high resolution cameras are capable of recognizing and tracking faces and expressions. These cameras also capture photos, videos and enable immersive video calling allowing communication with remote family members. This feature allows the robot to act as a personal photographer or videographer at any event or just at users’ homes.

Facial recognition technology

Similar to a personal assistant, the Jibo helps users by making their everyday tasks more simple and easy. Hands-free technology enables the device to read messages and reminders out loud. Jibo is also capable of connecting and communicating with other Jibos and therefore, your Jibo can relay a message to a friend or family member’s Jibo that can eventually be relayed to that individual as well. For example, you can ask Jibo to remind your spouse to pick up dinner on the way home and his or her Jibo will then notify him or her the next time it sees them.

The artificial intelligence algorithm allows the Jibo to recognize and adapt to your wants and needs and perfectly fit into your life. In addition, because the Jibo communicates and expresses itself using natural social and emotive cues, you and your Jibo will be able to perfectly understand one another.

Lastly, the robot is fun and supportive. Its storytelling technology offers sound effects, graphics and physical movements that create an engaging storytelling experience for kids. This technology can be used to keep children both physically and intellectually entertained.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Setting up the Jibo is just as simple. First, users must connect it to their WiFi network. Next users download the Jibo mobile applications for Androids and iOs and connect their Jibo to their mobile devices. Lastly, users must take the time to teach their Jibo how to recognize their face and voice.

Jibo social robot

The Jibo can be connected to multiple devices in its network including mobile devices, personal computers and even other Jibos.

The 360° microphones and natural language processors make talking to Jibo from anywhere in the room easy. 

In a company blog, Breazeal stated: “About 15 years ago, I set out to create a very different kind of technology at MIT. I embarked on this quest with the belief that technology can support a far more personally meaningful human experience. A belief that technology should support and prioritize the unique needs of human beings as we interact with it.” And that is exactly what Jibo has accomplished. 

Although others have tried, Jibo will be the first of its kind. The Asimo Robot released by Honda can walk as well as talk but is both too sophisticated and expensive for personal home use.

Topics: Delaware, Jibo, Small Business, Startups