Meet Loona: The Cutest AI Petbot to Debut at CES 2025
Move over Mi-Mo and Mirumi; there’s a new contender for the title of "cutest robot" on the block, and it’s stealing hearts on the Pepcom floor at CES 2025. Say hello to Loona, the charming AI petbot brought to life by KEYi Tech, a consumer robotics company from China.
A New Kind of Companion
Loona made quite the entrance at the media showcase in Las Vegas, bustling up to attendees with its friendly demeanor, engaging in playful antics like pretending to fly in a wind tunnel and even playing a game of fetch. Standing at just about a foot tall, Loona boasts a sleek, curved white body equipped with two adorable wheeled "arms", a captivating animated "face," and expressive animated ears. According to the lead designer at KEYi, the inspiration for Loona stems from his cherished childhood pets and beloved Pixar characters. If WALL-E and EVE ever turned into plush companions, they would likely resemble Loona!
With the added charm of its dog-like movements, Loona isn’t just about cuteness; it has some serious smarts too. This clever machine responds to voice commands, gestures, and facial expressions, adjusting its behavior based on its owner’s habits and interactions. It even recognizes faces and can monitor the home through a companion mobile app when you’re away.
Everyday Conversations with Your AI Companion
One of the more delightful experiences with Loona is the ability to engage in light conversations. For instance, when asked about pizza toppings, it whimsically suggested basil, tomatoes, and an adventurous kick of jalapeños—because why not? Loona even drew a quirky picture upon request. It has a two-hour battery life and tucks itself into its charging dock when it needs a recharge, which is a thoughtful touch for modern family dynamics.
As someone who has always been a bit cautious around robots attempting too hard to seem relatable, I found myself unexpectedly enchanted by Loona. When it playfully nudged my leg, seeking attention, I felt my defenses drop—this little bot had me wrapped around its tiny wheel!
Important Considerations: Privacy and Data Security
It’s essential to consider the implications of having an AI companion, especially in a family setting where children may interact frequently with Loona. The KEYi Tech website emphasizes that Loona processes as much data as possible on-device to enhance security and safety—still, I’d recommend doing a bit of research about privacy measures before embracing this AI pet in your home.
Loona comes with a price tag of $449, and bundles are available that include a game prop kit, a charging dock, and even some adorable crocheted outfits to personalize your experience.
Conclusion
It’s clear that Loona is designed not just to delight, but to serve as a multi-faceted companion in the home. With its ability to adapt and connect emotionally, it poses an exciting glimpse into the future of AI companions—both for children and for the young at heart.
The AI Buzz Hub team is excited to see where these breakthroughs take us. Want to stay in the loop on all things AI? Subscribe to our newsletter or share this article with your fellow enthusiasts.
