An AI robotics startup called Zeroth is turning WALL-E into a real-life robot companion. Though the WALL-E version with the Disney-licensed design is currently only on sale in China, Zeroth is launching what looks like an off-brand version of the beloved bot in the US for $5,599.
The bot, called the W1, doesn’t feature WALL-E’s yellow color scheme or humanlike eyes, but it comes with the same dual-tread design that is supposed to help the bot travel over grass, gravel, and slopes. Zeroth says the W1 is designed for use at home or in “light” scenarios, as it can carry up to 110 pounds — more than double its 44-pound weight — while using lidar, RGB cameras, and sensors to navigate its environment.
The tasks that the W1 can perform seem a bit limited. Zeroth says it can transport items, follow you around, serve as a game host, and take pictures using its 13-megapixel camera. The W1 travels at a maximum speed of about 1.1 miles per hour (0.5 meters per second) and stands 22.6 inches tall.
Zeroth is also launching a doll-sized humanoid robot in the US. The M1 robot is just 15 inches tall, it starts at $2,899, and it’s designed to serve as an at-home companion. The M1 uses Google’s Gemini AI model for conversations, while offering reminders, fall detection, and the ability to check in on people inside the home.
Zeroth says the device can operate on your desktop or on the floor, and can “fall and self-recover in both modes.” The M1 has a battery life of around two hours and will automatically return to its dock to recharge, according to Zeroth.
Both the M1 and W1 robots will be available for preorder in the US during the first quarter of this year.
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