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Waymo hires former Anki staff to lead its self-driving trucks
Anki's robotic toy business is no more, but the expertise behind it might live on. Waymo has hired 13 of Anki's robotics experts to head its self-driving truck efforts. The recruits include Anki co-founder Boris Sofman as well as five engineers with doctorates from tech-focused schools like MIT, Stanford and Carnegie Mellon. They'll operate out of Waymo's San Francisco offices and expect to grow in the years ahead.
Anki is closing the doors on its toy robot business
Anki, the startup responsible for adorable robotics, is closing its doors and will terminate nearly 200 employees Wednesday. CEO Boris Sofman broke the news to staff today, Recode reports. In a statement provided to Engadget, the company said, "A significant financial deal at a late stage fell through with a strategic investor and we were not able to reach an agreement."
Anki's cute Vector robot will soon get Alexa integration
Vector, Anki's tiny Wall-E look-alike, is getting Alexa integration by way of a software update rolling out on December 17th. Company chief Boris Sofman first announced Anki's efforts to add Alexa support to the cute assistant robot's repertoire back in October, since it was apparently one of the most requested features on the product's Kickstarter campaign. Now, the robotics and AI startup has released a video teaser showing how the integration would work.
Engadget giveaway: Win a Vector smart robot courtesy of Anki!
The Anki Vector is more than a high-tech toy, it's a little AI wonderbot with facial recognition, smart speaker tech and an array of sensors packed into a remarkably lifelike package. This robot should be fun to interact with by asking questions, playing games, checking the weather or taking photos on command. It learns as it goes and can store plenty of faces, so it will recognize familiar ones. Alexa integration is rolling out soon, so you'll also get all of the benefits of an Echo, but with a physically active personality. It's self-sufficient, too. When its battery runs low, it will seek out its charging base and park itself there for a while. This week, Anki has provided three of its Vector robots for a trio of lucky readers. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to five chances at winning. Everyone else can still pick up an Anki Vector for $75 off the regular price until December 29th. Winners: Congratulations to Ronald P. of Grover Beach, CA, Andy F. of Germantown, TN and Jay S. of Meridian, ID!
The best toys and coding kits to give as gifts
Last year, we included a kid-focused section in our holiday gift guide for the first time, and this year we've brought it back. We have all sorts of options sure to please any kid on your list, including interactive robots from Anki and Ozobot, games like Root and Disney Villainous and educational choices such as the Harry Potter Coding Kit and the latest batch of LittleBits' Inventor Kits. From Augmoto (for the kid that loves racing) to Pomsies pets (for those that want something cute and cuddly) there's really something for everybody.
Vector, Anki’s cute robot companion, is available today
Anki's Vector, the $2 million Kickstarter darling, is out today, and he's ready to be your best friend. Vector is the follow-up to Anki's first Robot, Cozmo. While Cozmo was more focused on being a toy for kids, Vector aims to be a robot assistant. It will even have Alexa integration by the end of the year, giving it access to a larger trove of information to be able to answer more questions. Vector's defining characteristic are its large, expressive eyes. The Wall-E-esque nature of the robot gives it an adorable personality. And even while you're typing away at your desk, Vector will be doing its own thing, exploring and messing around. It can even do tricks, like pop a wheelie. Vector has a front-facing camera that can recognize your face, as well as a four-microphone array on top for voice commands. And whenever Vector runs low on battery, he'll truck on over to a charging port and juice up. Anki will be updating Vector throughout its lifespan. The company plans to add additional features like delivering messages to contacts, pet detection, music recognition, smart home integration, and Tile support. Vector and the Vector Space, a small plastic plate for your robot buddy to hang around in, is available for $250 and $30 respective on Anki's official website. Vector can also be purchased on Amazon and Best Buy.
Anki’s cute Vector robot will include a mysterious Alexa integration
There are plenty of toy robots out on the market, but few are as endearing as the upcoming Anki Vector. Its big bright eyes are most reminiscent of the Pixar character Wall-E. But as cute as its Wall-E-like personality is, it doesn't mean much if the robot isn't smart. That's where Alexa comes in. In a blog post by CEO and co-founder Boris Sofman, he notes one of the top requests on the Vector Kickstarter was to integrate Alexa. Sofman announced that Anki has been working with Amazon on Alexa integration, but that development is still in its early stages. He admits that having a cute personality alone is not enough and Vector will need to evolve over the years. Through updates, the Anki team will continuously upgrade Vector, meaning the unit you buy on store shelves earlier this year will be rudimentary compared to what it will be out three years down the line. The team is aiming to send the Alexa update out by the end of the year. Beyond Alexa integration, Anki is also working on pet detection, home monitoring, delivering messages, music recognition, and a 360-degree camera. The Anki Vector is set to hit store shelves on October 12th for $250. Hopefully Vector can keep us safe from our future evil AI overlords as well.
Anki's Vector robot brings us one step closer to 'Star Wars' Droids
In my many years testing all sorts of gadgets, few things have elicited as much spontaneous joy as Anki's Cozmo, its adorable robot for kids. Mostly, that was because it had a personality. Behind all of the sensors, cameras and other hardware, there was a team of animators breathing life into it. Now, Anki is taking everything it learned from Cozmo and putting it in a bigger, more powerful home robot: Vector. And unlike Cozmo, you won't need a phone to play with it.
Engadget giveaway: Win an Anki Cozmo robot and Overdrive racing set!
When the holiday season rolls around, it's always a good excuse to get in a little play time. Picking up a few items for yourself or guaranteeing second-hand fun after you gift them is a win-win scenario. This week, smart-gadget maker Anki has passed along some top "toys" for two lucky readers. There's a liquid-metal Cozmo Collector's edition robot, which can be an entertaining companion as well as a platform to limber up your coding skills. When you're feeling a bit brawnier and competitive, there's the Fast & Furious Edition Anki Overdrive racing set. Just connect your mobile device (iOS / Android) to control one of these special edition vehicles, each with special tools, tricks and tactics available to help battle the competition. Anki has provided both a Cozmo Collector's Edition robot and Fast & Furious Edition Overdrive racing set for two winners. Just head down to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning a set of smart Anki products. Winners: Congratulations to Charles B. of Comstock Park, MI and David G. of Indianapolis, IN!
Anki makes its robot way more needy
Anki's Cozmo robot already seems like it jumped right out of a Pixar movie. Its latest update, however, will make it feel even more like you're taking care of an adorable robotic pet. The newest version of Cozmo's app gives your cute companion three specific needs: Play, Feed and Tune Up. You'll now be able to see on the app if Cozmo is hungry and needs to be fed through his Power Cubes. The fuller it is, the more its likely to exhibit the need to play with you, perform tricks and explore its surroundings. Sometimes, it'll also ask for a tune up to make sure it's in good health.
Anki's cute Cozmo robot can teach kids how to code
In addition to being an adorable robot companion, Anki's Cozmo is now getting a programming platform of its very own. Starting today, Cozmo owners will have access to "Code Lab," a visual programming platform based on MIT's popular Scratch Blocks. Basically, it breaks down all of Cozmo's functionality -- moving, speaking and even recognizing and reacting to things around it -- into blocks that kids can easily rearrange. As usual with Scratch, the idea is to get newcomers familiar with programming concepts, but it could eventually be used to build more complicated routines.
Sony's fantastical Toio cubes combine robotics with papercraft
Sony's made some endearingly offbeat electronic toys over the years -- looking at you people who gave your Aibos funerals. The company's newest addition to its crowdfunding site, First Flight, is likely to evoke the same response. Say hello to the Toio cube.
Anki's cute Cozmo robot is coming to Canada in July
Outside of its robotic remote control cars, last year Anki released a palm-sized robot companion called Cozmo. As adorable as it is intelligent, it rolls around on its tank treads using its arm to interact with the environment and a built-in camera to recognize you or even your pets. Since its debut last fall it has received at least one software update, but was only on sale in the US. Starting next month that will change when it goes on sale in Canada for $250 CA, before it expands to the UK, France, Germany and Nordic countries in September. Even if you live in the US, starting today you can order a $180 Collector's Edition of the bot that comes in a new Liquid Metal finish. Not sure if it's worth the cash? Check out our video and see if you can live without one of these rolling off of your desk every day.
Adorable Cozmo robot will soon recognize pets
Owners of the Anki Cozmo robot will soon be able to have it interact with their pets. An upgrade slated to roll out during the week of December 5th will add new functionality to the tiny automaton that includes reactions to dog and cats.
Engadget giveaway: Win an Overdrive smart racing set courtesy of Anki!
Toys are all grown up now and video game-like features have crossed over into the physical realm. So, it's not surprising that when Anki isn't working on more traditional robot pals, it's developing its AI-powered Overdrive racers. Last month the company added the Freewheel and X52 Supertrucks as expansions to its racer lineup. To get a jump start on all the holiday fun, we're giving away two Overdrive Speed Bundles this week, along with the new X52 for a pair of lucky readers. It's easy to build out track set ups beginning with a Starter Kit and moving on to expansion packs to enhance the action. The vehicles can learn the track configurations using infrared sensors, helping you race against friends (using your mobile device) or artificially intelligent opponents. All you need to do is head to the Rafflecopter widget below for up to three chances at winning one of these AI-powered racing bundles from Anki.
Anki's adorable Cozmo robot is hard not to love
As someone raised on science fiction and the dream of advanced artificially intelligent robots, I couldn't help but fall for Anki's Cozmo. But really, that's not much of a surprise. The tiny bot already won me over when I first saw it in action back in June, and since then it's been one of my most anticipated gadgets this year. Having a robot pal with the spunk and wit of a Pixar character simply feels more exciting than the prospect of yet another smartphone. And after playing with Cozmo for a few days, I'm even further enamored with the little guy. It's bursting with potential, though the high $180 price means it's not for everyone just yet.
Cozmo the tabletop robot will be user-programmable
Cozmo, a diminutive robot companion, packs some impressive technology and will be far more customizable than originally expected when it's released this fall. Anki announced on Monday that Cozmo will launch with an SDK, enabling users to leverage it as a programming platform as well as an adorable sidekick.
Anki's tiny Cozmo robot is a Pixar character made real
Best known for its sleek and intelligent remote controlled cars, Anki is stepping into new territory with its latest product, a small robot toy named Cozmo. If you've seen Wall-E, you've already got a good sense of its personality. Thanks to a combination of artificial intelligence, robotic movement designed by former Pixar animators and computer vision technology, Cozmo is curious and incredibly expressive, with the ability to interact with the world around it. It's smart enough to recognize your face and remember you over time, and it can explore its environment and play games with its very own toys. But its most interesting feature? It's not a perfect robot, and that's just how Anki wants it.
Qwerkywriter's retro iPad keyboard is a flawed masterpiece
The internet has made our culture impermanent, and in its confusion, humanity mistook nostalgia for authenticity. Our cameras take images in unprecedented detail, but we only share them if they look like Polaroids from more than half a century ago. The hipsters of today dress like they're about to teach a physics class in a Midwestern public school, circa 1954. That's why the Qwerkywriter feels like such a product of its time: a $399 84-key Bluetooth keyboard that's been styled to look like the love child of an Olivetti Studio 42 and an Underwood No. 5. A gleaming exhibit of the future designed to seem as if it's been in the back of a junk shop for the last hundred years. It was a Kickstarter success, but can the product vault the hurdle between nostalgia and authenticity to become an actual product?
Anki Overdrive blends robotic racing with video game hooks
Back in February, Anki gave us a sneak peek at Anki Overdrive, the second generation version of its robotic race cars. It's introducing new toy vehicles, new gameplay mechanics, a new app and new modular race tracks that let players design their own custom race circuits. Today, Anki has announced that Overdrive will start shipping to retailers on September 20th in the US, UK, Germany and Canada. It also offered more details about the new cars and revealed two more game modes called Time Trial and King of the Hill. I had a chance to play around with Anki Overdrive at the company's office in San Francisco, and while I can't say it's perfect, I was impressed at how much simple toy cars could give me the feeling of being in a video game.
