Linux-Based Social Robot Jibo Fueled for Mass Production

[SIbinPhilip]

Social robot startup and Indiegogo sensation Jibo Inc. has raised $25.3 million in a venture round to take its pint-size, voice-activated home companion to the masses.

The infusion comes just a few weeks after investors backed Rethink Robotics Inc. and highlights the latest in a string of artificial intelligence startups leveraging algorithms based on user preferences that deliver different results as the user evolves.

With Jibo, a pawn-shaped stationary bot that runs embedded Linux and stands just shy of one foot tall, the use cases are still developing. The $500 robot features two high-resolution cameras and a 360-degree microphone, enabling image recognition and the ability to personalize an experience based on the identity of a user along with voice recognition and control.

Early cases featured on company videos include Jibo telling stories to children, taking pictures of families once everyone is smiling, and serving as a personal assistant by delivering messages and scheduling appointments.

Mr. Chambers said when he began speaking with investors in October he was seeking $15 million, but raised the target because of high interest, ultimately closing at $25.3 million. RRE Ventures led the Series A round along with new investors Flybridge Capital Partners, Two Sigma Investments, Formation 8 and Samsung Ventures.

Existing investors Charles River Ventures, Fairhaven Capital Partners and Osage Venture Partners also participated, pushing total outside funding to $33.9 million, a sum that includes the startup’s convertible note, seed and bridge round.

“The complexity and expense of making a robot that can locomote around the house is prohibitive and it doesn’t speak to the core capability that makes Jibo unique,” she said. “Jibo learns to interact with you in a much more personal way.”