Pay Misty For Me

Misty Robotics Acquired by Furhat Robotics: A Shift in Focus

Over the years, numerous meetings have been held with the founders of Misty, frequently taking place in hotel suites during CES events where the company showcased its humanoid robot’s evolving capabilities. The company originated in mid-2017 as a spin-off from Sphero, which was simultaneously navigating its own challenges, transitioning from entertainment-focused robots utilizing Disney intellectual property to a purely education-centered organization.

Early Days and Initial Funding

Initially operating under the Sphero umbrella, led by co-founder Ian Bernstein, Misty emerged from stealth mode with a $11.5 million Series A funding round spearheaded by Venrock and Foundry Group. The company then introduced a charming, wheeled robot, intentionally designed as a development platform for applications in sectors like hospitality.

Acquisition and Future Plans

Misty’s trajectory is set to continue, albeit with a changed landscape following its recent acquisition by Swedish firm Furhat Robotics. Furhat Robotics intends to retain key personnel from Misty as it integrates the technology into its own product offerings.

“Misty represents the missing component for us, enabling access to a broader market, particularly in education,” explains Samer Al Moubayed, co-founder and CEO of Furhat Robotics, in an interview with TechCrunch. “While the technologies share similarities, Misty excels in hardware development, and we possess strong software expertise. Rather than developing a new robot specifically for educational purposes, Furhat opted to explore acquisition opportunities.”

Misty’s design is, at the very least, less visually startling than Furhat’s rear-projected facial displays. The company’s About Page highlights that animated projection allows for smoother facial movements compared to mechanical designs, potentially avoiding the “Uncanny Valley” effect often experienced with robots that closely resemble humans but fail to replicate realistic expressions. Perhaps 'uncanny' is too strong a word, but a degree of unease is understandable.

The Importance of Emotional Connection

Industry experts recognize the significance of establishing an emotional connection with robots. Stories abound of individuals, from Roomba owners to factory workers, personalizing their robots with googly eyes to foster a sense of familiarity. Consider the viral videos of Boston Dynamics robots performing choreographed dances to popular music. These displays soften the perception of machines, making them appear more relatable.

Recent research from the MIT Media Lab corroborates this understanding. The study, focusing on smart speakers like Amazon Echo and Google Nest, revealed increased engagement when the devices exhibited human-like behaviors, such as orienting their “heads” towards the speaker.

According to MIT, “Participants interacted with a Jibo robot, Amazon Echo, and Google Home, without modifications. The Jibo was consistently perceived as more outgoing, dependable, and sympathetic. Because users attributed a more humanlike personality to Jibo, they were more inclined to interact with it,” explains research assistant Anastasia Ostrowski.

Market Challenges and the Education Focus

Amazon’s Astro robot represents a step in this direction, but its $1,500 price point limits its accessibility. Despite the company’s stated commitment, widespread adoption of robots like Astro, Jibo, or Misty remains distant. Achieving mainstream success will necessitate substantial cost reductions and enhanced functionality, making these devices more approachable and less like novelties. Consequently, focusing on education presents a viable path forward for Furhat/Misty.

Robotics Funding and Innovation Roundup

Exotec Secures $335 Million

This week saw significant funding rounds for French robotics startups. Exotec raised a substantial $335 million Series D, valuing the company at $2 billion. The firm specializes in warehouse automation, employing a unique approach with its “Skypods,” which autonomously navigate and ascend racking systems to retrieve bins. This solution is particularly effective in high-density warehouse environments.

“The logistics sector faces ongoing labor shortages, presenting a significant challenge,” stated CEO Romain Moulin. “Exotec offers a novel solution: a collaborative approach between human and robot workers, delivering sustainable warehouse productivity.”

Wandercraft Raises $45 Million

Parisian company Wandercraft announced a $45 million Series C round as it prepares for expansion into the U.S. market with its Atalante robotic exoskeleton, designed to restore mobility. The company enters a competitive field alongside ReWalk Robotics, Ekso, SuitX, and Sarcos, but differentiates itself by concentrating exclusively on healthcare applications.

“We are thrilled to have attracted leading investors from the U.S. and Europe to accelerate the development of our technology,” said CEO Matthieu Masselin. “With the support of patients, medical professionals, and the DeepTech community, Wandercraft has created a unique technology that improves rehabilitation care and will soon empower individuals in wheelchairs to regain autonomy and enhance their health.”

Aigen Aims to "Terraform the Earth"

Aigen secured a $4 million seed round with the ambitious goal of “terraform[ing] the Earth.” The company’s initial focus is on solar-powered weeding robots that utilize computer vision to differentiate crops from weeds.

“My family members are farmers in Minnesota, and I’ve been discussing the challenges they face with them,” explained CEO Richard Wurden. “Even those who traditionally favor chemical and tillage practices are recognizing the need for alternative approaches. Agriculture currently accounts for approximately 16% of carbon emissions, but it has the potential to become carbon-negative by reducing diesel consumption, soil compaction, chemical usage, and tillage.”

China’s Robotaxi Landscape

Finally, Rita’s insightful article provides a comprehensive overview of China’s robotaxi industry, highlighting both the successes and obstacles in this rapidly evolving field.

Stay informed with the Actuator newsletter – sign up today (no robot verification required)!