the owner of anki’s assets plans to relaunch cozmo and vector this year

The Revival of Cozmo and Vector
The story of these robots isn't one of natural conclusion, but rather of asset redistribution. Following Anki's unexpected closure in 2019, Digital Dream Labs acquired their intellectual property.
Initially, Digital Dream Labs aimed for a relaunch in 2020, initiating a Kickstarter campaign last year to support this goal.
New Distribution Plans Announced
The company has now revealed plans to finally deliver on the promised relaunch, facilitated by a new distribution partnership.
According to CEO Jacob Hanchar, significant demand persists for these robots. He stated that this collaboration will enhance ongoing efforts and ensure Cozmo and Vector are available for the holiday season.
A Popular Legacy
There's little doubt that many consumers are eager to acquire these robots. Cozmo, in particular, garnered positive reception and achieved respectable sales figures.
However, despite substantial funding, Anki ultimately succumbed to the challenges faced by numerous robotics startups.
Evolution and New Features
The reintroduction of these machines promises to be intriguing. Anki dedicated considerable resources to their development, even recruiting talent from Pixar and DreamWorks to enhance their realism.
Significant effort was invested in crafting distinct personalities for the robots. In contrast, Vector’s current owners are pursuing an open-source approach.
Cozmo, on the other hand, will gain programmable capabilities through the company’s application.
Potential in the STEM Market
This could prove to be a compelling strategy within the STEM education market, a space already occupied by companies like Sphero.
While the market is competitive, Digital Dream Labs is building upon a strong foundation – the captivating and emotionally engaging robots created by Anki.
Update: A previous mention of a Kickstarter campaign initiated by Anki before Digital Dream Labs’ acquisition of their IP has been removed for clarity.
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Brian Heater
Brian Heater: A Profile of a Veteran Tech Journalist
Brian Heater held the position of Hardware Editor at TechCrunch until the beginning of 2025. Throughout his career, he has consistently contributed to prominent technology-focused media outlets.
Extensive Experience in Tech Journalism
Heater’s professional background includes significant roles at several well-respected publications. These include Engadget, PCMag, Laptop, and Tech Times, where he ultimately functioned as the Managing Editor.
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A Broad Spectrum of Publications
The breadth of publications featuring his work is notable. He has contributed articles to Spin, Wired, Playboy, Entertainment Weekly, The Onion, Boing Boing, Publishers Weekly, and The Daily Beast.
Multimedia and Personal Life
Beyond written journalism, Heater is also involved in audio media. He currently hosts the weekly Boing Boing interview podcast, titled RiYL.
Furthermore, he has contributed regularly to NPR as a commentator. He shares his residence in Queens with a pet rabbit named Juniper.
Key takeaway: Brian Heater’s career showcases a long-standing commitment to technology journalism across multiple platforms and publications.