Inside Colin Angle’s bid to build companion robots with Familiar Machines & Magic

In this episode, Colin Angle, founder of iRobot, introduces us to his latest venture: Familiar Machines and Magic. Angle has assembled a world-class team of engineers and advisors on a mission to produce an empathetic, four-legged robotic companion. The company recently emerged from stealth, and Angle reveals his plans for the first product in their multi-year roadmap. The plan is to ship the first “familiar” next year, promising an engaging companion for both young and old. Learn more about Familiar Machines and Magic: ### – SPONSORS – This episode is brought to you by Yamaha Robotics Group (YRG) — driving the future of smart automation. Yamaha’s Linear Conveyor Modules and Advanced Operator Interfaces are helping engineers push efficiency and flexibility further than ever. And let’s face it: the PLC isn’t going anywhere — it’s evolving. LEARN MORE AT: If you’re designing robots beyond controlled factory cells, mobile manipulators, quadrupeds, or humanoids maxon is worth a stop at the Robotics Summit in Boston. At the show, maxon is exhibiting its High Efficiency Joint (HEJ) portfolio: fully integrated robotic joints that combine motor, gearing, electronics, and sensing in a compact unit. Built for cyclic loads, impacts, and continuous operation, HEJ joints are designed for real‑world robotics. See the HEJ90 demonstrator at Booth 419. LEARN MORE AT:

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Inside Colin Angle’s bid to build companion robots with Familiar Machines & Magic is an episode from The Robot Report Podcast by The Robot Report Podcast.

This episode is 00:54:48 long.

This episode was published on May 4, 2026.

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