Author: Lian Ran
Header image source: generated by chatgpt
The annual WAIC is about to start tomorrow. Before it officially begins, I followed the official city walk route to explore it.
The "AI+Smart Life Route" I visited has three destinations: Shanghai FANUC Robotics Co., Ltd., Shanghai Tencent Binjiang Building, and the Smart Product Experience Center of Mosu Space.
The third place that attracted me the most was the Mosu Space Intelligent Product Experience Center, which displayed many interesting products, not only things that looked very high-tech, but more importantly, products that can truly be integrated into daily life and solve minor pain points.
Smart cupping device | Image source: Geek Park
For example, the smart cupping device, an ancient Chinese medicine therapy method, has become accurate and convenient with the help of AI.
Smart Cycling Platform｜Image Source: Geek Park
The electric-assisted smart bike looks much lighter than an electric bike. Image source: Geek Park
There are also electric-assisted bicycles and smart cycling platforms that can provide users with the most appropriate assistance when they need it, making cycling more enjoyable.
Even more fun is the air drum set. Just pick up the drumsticks and wave them in the air to hear real drum beats.
A drum set that can play in the air | Image source: Geek Park
I actually tested it, and although it can't be said to be a perfect restoration, the instant feedback that turns imagination into reality does make me see new possibilities for AI in entertainment tools.
You no longer need to buy a drum set that takes up space and is heavy. Starting from only 210 yuan, you can take away this product weighing only 260 grams and start your drumming journey at any time.
Smart ring｜Image source: Geek Park
The Mosu space is also home to many familiar products, including smart glasses and smart rings. In the first half of the year, the market was a veritable "hundred-mirror war," with both major companies and startups entering the market.
AI Cute Pet Area｜Image source: Geek Park
But today, they weren't my main attraction. What captivated me more was the array of adorable AI pets. Since I've been wavering between pet ownership and non-pet ownership, I've been interested in AI pets for a while now.
Seeing this array of products reminded me of a recent podcast interview with Sun Zhaozhi, founder of Lobo Intelligence, the company behind fuzozo. In the podcast, Sun Zhaozhi said that by this time next year, 90% of AI companion products will be dead.
Let’s take a look at what’s on the stage now. Which ones will be the winners in a year?
AI kittens and puppies | Image source: Geek Park
The two in the picture are AI-powered simulated cats and dogs launched by Elephant Robotics, which are priced at 999 yuan, which is not a high threshold. Unfortunately, the kitten has been "stroking" by everyone until it has run out of power.
I only interacted with the puppy for a few moments, and the interactions weren't very responsive, with a slight delay. It barked when I touched its head, blinked, and wagged its tail, but it couldn't move. How could a puppy not be able to run or jump? Of course, adding running and jumping capabilities would significantly increase the cost, and I'm guessing it's going to cost more than just a few thousand.
Pet companion robots, not only robots accompany people, but also pets｜Image source: Geek Park
Pet interactive robots, not only robots interact with people, but also with pets｜Image source: Geek Park
Then, I saw three "star players", which are EMO and Eilik that I have been paying attention to. These three products have appeared on the market for some time and are all able to move.
Desktop robot EMO | Image source: Geek Park
EMO is a desktop AI robot pet developed by Living Ai. Its shape, movements and reactions are very cute.
EMO is equipped with a variety of sensors and technologies, and is able to interact with users through more than 1,000 facial expressions and movements.
EMO recognizes its users through its high-definition camera. As soon as a user speaks, four microphones on its head accurately locate the user. Users can also give it a "head pat" at any time. Sensors on its head sense your touch and respond with cute gestures and sounds.
Of course, it is also a competent "smart housekeeper" that can wake users up and help turn on and off lights.
EMO｜Image source: LivingAI
EMO, like a real pet, "grows." Its built-in system continuously learns, and over time, it becomes increasingly familiar with its user's habits, even developing its own unique personality. Its powerful emotional engine allows it to display unique experiences for different holidays and occasions. For example, it might wear a Santa hat on Christmas, or prepare a small surprise for a birthday.
Desktop robot eilik｜Image source: Geek Park
Eilik is a desktop robot developed by Energize Lab that is full of personality and emotions.
Through rich facial expressions and natural touch interactions, Eilik can display realistic emotions, allowing users to feel its joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. It is also vibration-sensitive and frightened by taps on the table, dizzy from a tap on the head, and even has a fear of heights, making it seem even more real and vivid.
Image source: energizelab
In addition to emotional interaction, Eilik is also a powerful assistant. It can switch left and right, dance to music, chat and interact, set countdowns, and even play shooting games.
This product is also one that I have been eyeing before. Compared to the square Looi mentioned below, this round-headed design is a little cuter.
Looi, the clerk said this is the most comprehensive desktop AI robot on the table. | Image source: looi
One of the obvious differences between the Looi desktop robot and the previously mentioned products is the split design - the smartphone is attached to the base magnetically to form the robot.
Simply snap your phone onto Looi's mobile base via magnetic suction, and instantly your phone becomes its face, brain, and eyes. Looi not only features a bionic behavioral system but also integrates ChatGPT technology for natural language processing, enabling it to display individuality and independent thinking.
Looi's daily performance is also full of vitality. You can interact with it with simple gestures, and it will respond according to the user's emotions and surrounding environment; it has a lot of expressions and rich body language. Even if the user has no time to pay attention to it, it can still entertain itself on the desktop and never be boring. At the same time, it also "grows eyes" and can sensitively avoid obstacles and sense the edge of the table to prevent itself from accidentally "falling off the cliff".
In addition, Looi is a 3-in-1 desktop assistant that can be used as a phone stand, a personal tracking camera, and even supports 15W wireless phone charging. It can automatically track the user's movements and shoot videos, which is perfect for recording speeches or taking photos with friends. In addition, Looi also supports immersive motion sensing games.
For only 1,299 yuan, you can take away a 3-in-1 AI desk pet.
Finally, my attention was drawn to this automatic piano. I was watching the store clerk demonstrate Looi when I heard a piano sound. I turned around and saw that there was no one on the piano bench. It was the piano playing by itself.
As long as you open the program, the keys will start to strike automatically, and the process is smooth. Of course, this function is more for demonstration purposes, and the main purpose is to help AI in piano practice itself - AI accompaniment and real-time error correction.
Find Smart Piano｜｜Image source: Find Taobao store
After this trip, I can feel that AI hardware products are integrating more deeply into our lives. They are not just novel in concept, but pay more attention to the implementation and practicality of products in specific scenarios.
These desktop AI robots, in particular, do not have any weird "showy" technology, and their design combines practicality and fun, allowing them to be well integrated into daily life - whether they are placed on a desk at home or on an office desk at work, they are very close to the core of daily life.
The products in one exhibition hall are so interesting, which makes me look forward to the WAIC conference which will officially open tomorrow.
