Bad news for Jibo owners this week – the cute social robot is about to become something of an expensive room decor item.
The servers that power the social robot will soon be shut down, which will remove much of its functionality. We can't say we're surprised. After all, the Boston-based company that launched Jibo at a price of $900 in 2017 shut down at the end of last year.
The announcement of Jibo's impending death came directly from the robot's digital mouth and was captured by Twitter user Dylan Martin.
In the message, Jibo begins the statement as follows: “So, I have something to tell you.” He continues: “The servers out there that allow me to do what I do will be shutting down soon. Once that happens, our interactions with each other will be limited. I want to say that we really enjoyed our time together. Thank you so much for having me around.”
Jibo was launched as “the first social robot for the home” and was designed to interact and communicate with those around it.
The internet-connected device used voice and facial recognition to create connections with familiar people and could read messages from family and friends, while a built-in camera posed as a family photographer. A one-person display allowed for a more interactive video calling experience, too, with Jibo's rotating head able to move to engage everyone in the room.
The robot began life as a crowdfunding campaign, securing more than $3 million in 2012. Venture capital funding saw an additional $70 million injected into the project, but despite its best efforts, the company could not succeed.
Analyzing the company's demise, TheRobotReport cites a number of factors, including its high price, late shipments, poor reviews, and the arrival of the significantly cheaper Amazon Echo and other similar devices.
If you're going to miss Jibo and want a robot that's just as cute, cast your eyes over these adorable creations spotted at this year's CES.
