A Cambridge-based startup has introduced a new generation of robots designed to be approachable and friendly, aiming to foster closer interactions between humans and machines in everyday environments. The company’s founder, former Boston Dynamics chief strategy officer Theermann, said the robots are intended to be “cute and cuddly” as a way to ease people into the idea of working alongside humanoid robots.
Theermann’s vision builds on his experience at Boston Dynamics, the Waltham, Massachusetts, robotics firm renowned for its advanced machines such as the Atlas humanoid robot and the Spot quadruped robot. While Boston Dynamics has focused on industrial applications—including robotic systems for truck unloading and inspection tasks—Theermann sees a gap in the market for robots designed specifically to integrate into home settings and daily life.
“I’m 100 percent certain that we will all have a robot in our home in 10 years,” Theermann said. He emphasized that achieving this future will require robots that are perceived as approachable rather than intimidating. “The specific part that we want to play is to make humans more comfortable by presenting them with robots that are cute and cuddly.”
His departure from Boston Dynamics was motivated by this long-term ambition. Theermann recalled discussing his plans with then-chief executive Robert Playter, who shared a similar entrepreneurial goal but tasked him first with advancing Boston Dynamics’ industrial robotics capabilities. Today, Boston Dynamics is a subsidiary of Hyundai Motor Group of South Korea and is recognized as a leader in developing practical robotic solutions for commercial and emergency response sectors.
Theermann’s startup seeks to complement these industrial efforts by focusing on the social and emotional aspects of human-robot interaction. He envisions that over time, the firm’s robots will improve in their ability to safely navigate and interact with physical surroundings, further closing the gap between current robotics technology and widespread domestic adoption.
By prioritizing a design that emphasizes warmth and friendliness, the new company aims to accelerate public acceptance of humanoid robots and help pave the way for their integration into daily life across homes and workplaces.