This hovering AI robot appears as if it has come straight out of a Studio Ghibli movie, and that’s precisely the intention.

      Today’s home robots typically share common characteristics: they tend to be noisy, rigid, and clearly mechanical. Whether it's a vacuum cleaner colliding with furniture or a drone hovering overhead, they are designed primarily to execute tasks rather than create a comfortable environment for people. However, researchers in Japan propose a different approach, inspired by animated beings instead of industrial machines.

      A team led by Mingyang Xu from Keio University, in collaboration with several institutions including the MIT Media Lab, has introduced a prototype of a floating companion robot that moves silently through the air rather than rolling on the ground. Far from resembling another piece of technology, this robot resembles a small floating creature, inspired by figures like Tinker Bell, Pokémon’s Mew, and the Soot Sprites from Studio Ghibli.

      The researchers recently showcased this concept in a video demonstrating how these lighter-than-air robots could potentially integrate into daily life.

      A more gentle approach for robots cohabiting with humans

      In contrast to traditional drones, this prototype does not depend on fast-moving propellers that generate constant noise. Instead, it features a lightweight design with small fins that gently navigate it through the air, creating the illusion of a floating white whale gliding from one room to another.

      The design prioritizes not just looks. Its lightweight and soft-bodied structure, devoid of exposed moving parts or pinch points, allows it to safely interact with people without presenting the same hazards as conventional flying robots. This opens up opportunities for robots that can operate in close proximity to humans without needing safety barriers.

      During the demonstration, the floating companion engages in surprisingly mundane activities. It functions like an alarm clock to wake users, provides reminders, offers companionship while studying, dances with its owner, and serves as a source of light-hearted entertainment. Rather than replacing smartphones or smart speakers, it acts as a friendly entity that naturally shares space with its owner.

      The importance of making robots feel inviting

      This project also addresses one of the long-standing design challenges in robotics: the uncanny valley. Researchers have discovered that robots designed to appear almost human can often unsettle people due to their appearance being caught between the familiar and the artificial, resulting in the uncanny valley effect—where something seems nearly human, yet falls short.

      Instead of focusing on creating realistic facial expressions, the research team asserts that emotions can be conveyed through movement. Gentle floating motions, soft body language, and playful interactions may be more effective than artificial smiles or blinking digital eyes.

      Cuddle-Fish is a groundbreaking soft-bodied, lighter-than-air robot developed by Mingyang Xu at Keio University in Japan. Mingyang Xu/Keio University

      This perspective could gain increasing significance as AI companions become more prevalent. Companies like OpenAI, Meta, and Apple are heavily investing in AI assistants anticipated to extend beyond smartphones to dedicated hardware. Concurrently, robotics firms are striving to create home companions that people genuinely enjoy living with, rather than just machines that handle chores.

      Although this floating robot is not yet ready for commercial launch, it offers an intriguing preview of what the future generation of AI companions might resemble. Should the researchers' hypothesis prove correct, the most effective home robots of the future might not look like humanoid assistants at all; instead, they could quietly float into a room, reminiscent of something from an animated fantasy.