Looi: Can your phone be your friend??
A all new desk pet
While learning about robotics for a college project this week I came across LOOI on Youtube. At first I mistook him for COSMO, another robot having quite a similar look. As I started to learn more about LOOI and his capabilities it became clear that this device was different. So in today’s blog I’ll be introducing you to this fun, innovative and new desk companion that you’ll soon be able to get for yourself.
So what exactly is LOOI ? LOOI is a smart robotic pet that sits on your desk. Powered by advanced facial recorgnition and object detection technologies, LOOI here is able to fluidly interact with his environment and you. With the ability to follow voice commands for you LOOI can also display moody behavior at times. LOOI is loaded with over 600 expression that are triggered by 50 plus trigger mechanisms. I’m honestly amazed by LOOIs ability to mimic human like nature. This is possible thanks to its in built Biometric Behavior Engine. At the same time making LOOI smarter is the its integration with ChatGPT.
The main USP ( Unique selling point) for LOOI is the fact that your phone is used as a large display for the bots body, increasing the number of things you can do with the phone docked. Apart from that LOOI also charges your phone via wireless charging, keeps you up to date with any notifications that pop up and although not that cool, it also acts a personal desktop clock. So looking at the spec sheet, the key points to note are the wireless charger, side touch sensor for touch input, magnets to align the phone, LED headlights and a front touch sensor. All these features give LOOI an unique touch as far as desktop pets go.
In conclusion I feel that the future for desk pets does have a market with more products hitting the market in the near future. Currently COSMO is the most famous of these. Although I don’t feel that these bots will be a common sight in the near future. There are 2 main factors for these, firstly the fact that these robotic pets cost a lot and are way overpriced for the value it adds and secondly I do not fell that many people will be comfortable have a device with a camera and a mind of it own in their bedroom. The peole who it will appeal to are the ones who want a pet but are unable to have one for either allergic or other reason.
That’s all the tech this time. See you in the next one.
“Technology is the best when it brings people together”