This six-legged lamp may assist your child with their homework

Not like some of the robots we’ve seen at CES 2025, Mi-Mo doesn’t have a face, but it surely nonetheless seems somewhat acquainted because of its resemblance to the long-lasting Pixar lamp. Mi-Mo remains to be only a prototype, however there are some attention-grabbing concepts behind the unusual-looking robotic strolling across the present ground.

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 digital camera 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 principally shimmied across the present ground and “waved” at folks passing by, which was actually sort of cute. Jizai’s Yuji Oshima instructed 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 ensure they really full it. (Jizai’s website notes the corporate can be eager about 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 search out their very own methods to make use of the robotic. Jizai additionally intends for it to be considerably modular so folks can customise Mi-Mo with bespoke software program, further sensors or different {hardware} attachments.

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