Link: AI moves into the real world as companion robots and pets

At CES 2026, AI robots are increasingly representing not just practical aids, but companions, signaling their physical integration into our lives.

From Samsung's smart appliances to humanoid robots like LG’s CLOiD, the trend is toward AI that promises to simplify daily tasks while providing companionship.

However, not all AI at the event aims to be utilitarian. Some, like Loona's DeskMate, are designed more for emotional connection than practical functionality.

Startups like Zeroth are capitalizing on this by offering companion robots, such as W1 and M1, that blend minimal utility with engaging, social interactions.

Robot pets such as Fuzozo, which acts like a tethered animal, and Ecovacs' LilMilo, a robot that mimics a Bichon Frisé, lean heavily into the role of emotional companions.

These developments reflect a broader movement towards embracing AI not merely for tasks but for their presence and companionship in everyday life. #

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