Meet Jibo: The 'Disney-esque' Robot

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The prevalence of robots in everyday life has certainly risen over the last 10 years, but it's still a far cry from the predictions made in "The Jetsons." Boston-based robotics companyJibo hopes to change that with its "Disney-esque" robot, Jibo.

CEO Steve Chambers calls Jibo "the world’s first consumer social robot," and his company has worked hard to make it a "nonthreatening, nonhumanoid character." Think Wall-E rather than iRobot.

"The whole idea of Jibo as a social robot for the home, is to become a companion, to facilitate communication, to serve the family members," Chambers said.

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That doesn't mean Jibo won't be smart or fast. The 11-inch-tall robot that weighs just shy of 5 pounds has two stereo cameras, full body touch sensors, two premium speakers, speaks English, connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, and has an ARM-based mobile processor.

Jibo is equipped with "artificial intelligence algorithms" so it can do things like alert you to the weather in your city and football scores from your favorite team. Perhaps most impressively, the Jibo website promises the robot "communicates and expresses using natural social and emotive cues so you can understand each other better."

Chambers expects Jibo will start shipping in May 2016 for $749.

PUBLISHED JUNE 17, 2015