A Game-Changer in Companion Robotics: Moxie Robot by Embodied, Inc.

by John Schulte
Senior Writer

Moxie

In an era of rapid technological advancement, Embodied, Inc. has emerged as a trailblazer, dedicated to creating state-of-the-art companion robots that are revolutionizing human-centric care and wellness.

One such groundbreaking creation is the Moxie Robot. In any review of this groundbreaking product, one must first start with the price point, which can be viewed as daunting: The SRP is US $799.00, which showcases itself as a 47% discount from the original ask of US $1,499.00.

In context, the Tomy robots, Omnibot and Omnibot 2000, in their day (the late 1980s) retailed in the formidable glass cases at Toys R Us for $249.99 and $599.00 respectively. Those robots used an onboard audio cassette tape to record inaudible click-tones to relay movements to servo motors to actuate actions. A crude but surprisingly effective conceit — it shone best in Omnibot 2000 because he also came with a voice controlled remote and articulated arms with pincer grips that spun 360°. The combining effects were impressive for their day.

But today’s another day — far removed from the Tomy robots. The remarkable features and benefits of Moxie can deliver more than parlor tricks and cheap theatrics. Moxie could easily enhance the quality of life for individuals and families.

Design and Aesthetics (5/5): Moxie's design is nothing short of exceptional. It combines a friendly, anthropomorphic appearance with a childlike charm that immediately puts both kids and adults at ease. Its soft, plush exterior, adorned with a gentle smile and expressive LED eyes, makes it approachable and appealing. Moxie's attention to detail is evident in its design, and it feels like a companion you'd want to engage with.

Interaction and Communication (5/5): Moxie's real strength lies in its ability to interact and communicate effectively with its users. The built-in Natural Language Processing (NLP) and speech recognition capabilities allow Moxie to understand and respond to a wide range of conversational cues. Whether it's engaging in storytelling, answering questions, or providing emotional support, Moxie's responses are not only contextually relevant but also delivered with warmth and empathy. Its conversational skills can help improve language development in children and provide companionship to individuals of all ages.

Educational Content (4.5/5): One of Moxie's standout features is its extensive library of educational content. From interactive stories to fun facts, Moxie engages users in a world of learning. It adapts its content to the individual user's age and interests, ensuring a personalized and enriching experience. A slightly broader range of topics, however, and more frequent content updates could make the learning experience even more engaging and diverse.

Emotional Intelligence (5/5): What truly sets Moxie apart is its remarkable and perceptible emotional intelligence. It can recognize and respond to the emotions of its users, offering comfort and support during challenging moments. For children, this can be a vital tool in developing emotional literacy. For individuals of all ages, Moxie's companionship can help combat loneliness and foster emotional well-being. Admittedly, generationally, this feature could also prove to be creepy. The recent flurry of AI content that cautions the development of apps such as Chat GPT makes Moxie full of — well, moxie! For older folks, this might be unnerving. But once that hurdle is jumped, users are likely to get quite used to the exceptional features — and perhaps even develop kinship or a sense of bonding, as one would with a plush animal that is long loved (and suddenly starts talking conversationally!).

Parental Controls and Privacy (4.5/5): Embodied, Inc. has placed a strong emphasis on ensuring that Moxie respects user privacy and maintains robust parental controls. The companion mobile app allows parents to monitor and customize their child's interactions with Moxie, ensuring a safe and age-appropriate experience. While these controls are comprehensive, there's always room for improvement in terms of data security and transparency, an area where Embodied could continue to invest resources. Some sources indicate that Moxie could be easily hacked.

Cost and Value (4/5): Moxie Robot, while a technological marvel, does come with a premium price tag. Considering its potential benefits, though — in terms of education, emotional support, and companionship, it is an investment that many families may find worthwhile. Embodied, Inc. could potentially explore more flexible pricing options or even a subscription model to make Moxie more accessible to a broader range of households.

Moxie Robot by Embodied, Inc. is a game-changer in the world of companion robotics. With its exceptional design, outstanding interaction capabilities, educational content, emotional intelligence, and privacy features, Moxie has the potential to enhance the quality of life for individuals and families. While it comes at a premium cost, the value it provides in terms of education, emotional support, and companionship cannot be overstated. If you're seeking a cutting-edge companion robot that truly cares, Moxie should be at the top of your list. And your list might not have anything else on it!

Features Include:

 • Soft touch robot with gesticulating arms, self-swiveling torso, emotion-responsive HD camera and GPT-powered AI

• Lifetime family membership to 100+ emotional and social missions (and ever-expanding)

• Parent app to customize your child’s curriculum

• Global Robotics Laboratory Mission Book 

• The Future History of Moxie Comic Books

• Moxie can be controlled by either an iOS or Android companion app

• Moxie is wifi-ready and operates on dual-band 802.11 A/B/G/N

• Moxie stays alert for up to 4 hours on one charge, via a 6 ft. UL certified cable

• Moxie weight 7 lbs 6 oz.