Tech Robot with animated face is here to make customer service better AI robot company aims to make technology feel a little more human Published May 14, 2025 6:00am EDT close Friendly robot with animated face is here to make customer service way better Mirokaï is designed to be helpful, engaging and enchanting. Have you ever wished robots could do more than just follow instructions? Well, that’s where Mirokaï steps in. Born from the creative minds at Paris-based startup Enchanted Tools, Mirokaï isn’t just another humanoid robot. It’s designed to be helpful, engaging and, honestly, a bit enchanting. With its blend of advanced artificial intelligence, storytelling and a dash of charm, Mirokaï turns ordinary moments into something a little more memorable. So, let’s take a closer look at what makes Mirokaï so special, how it works and where you might bump into one soon. Mirokaï the humanoid robot (Enchanted Tools)What makes Mirokaï so special?Mirokaï is a people-friendly humanoid robot powered by advanced AI, designed to be approachable. Its appearance is inspired by anime, giving it a friendly and expressive face that invites interaction. But what really sets Mirokaï apart is the story behind it.According to Enchanted Tools, Mirokaï belongs to a species from space, created long ago to help humans better understand each other. These robots are wise, creative and kind, guiding people to connect and grow. This imaginative backstory, brought to life with the help of the French film studio Gaumont, adds a magical dimension that makes Mirokaï feel more like a companion than a machine.WHAT IS ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)? Mirokaï the humanoid robot (Enchanted Tools)Where will you see Mirokaï in action?Mirokaï is designed to fit naturally into many different environments. In hospitals and clinics, it can help elevate patient care by assisting staff with routine tasks like transporting medical devices, freeing up nurses to focus on patients. In retail stores, Mirokaï can guide customers directly to the products they’re looking for, making shopping quicker and more enjoyable.In nursing homes, it provides companionship to residents and supports caregivers during night rounds, helping to combat loneliness. You might also find Mirokaï at professional events, fairs, hotels, restaurants and airports, where it offers friendly guidance and reliable navigation to visitors. Mirokaï the humanoid robot (Enchanted Tools)The technology behind the robotWhat powers Mirokaï’s charm is a combination of sophisticated technology and thoughtful design. Instead of relying on a single AI model, Mirokaï uses multiple large language models to carry on natural, fluid conversations. It also integrates advanced vision language models that help it understand its surroundings in context, while respecting privacy through GDPR-compliant face tracking.One of the coolest features is its unique movement system. Mirokaï balances on a patented omnidirectional ball, allowing it to glide smoothly and silently in any direction. This rolling globe system is perfect for quiet spaces like hospitals and retail stores, where noise can be disruptive. The robot’s articulated arms and hands, complete with opposable thumbs, let it grasp and manipulate objects like trays or boxes with confidence, making it genuinely helpful in everyday tasks.Mirokaï’s face is actually a projection system, which means it can easily change expressions and emotions to match the conversation, creating a more engaging and intuitive interaction. Its movable ears add an extra layer of visual feedback, making it feel even more alive and friendly.For organizations that want to customize Mirokaï’s behavior, there’s an easy-to-use "If This Then That" programming interface. This means you don’t have to be a coding expert to tailor the robot’s functions, whether it’s greeting guests, guiding visitors or carrying out specific duties.GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Mirokaï the humanoid robot (Enchanted Tools)Working together: Installation and supportEnchanted Tools understands that deploying robots like Mirokaï isn’t just about the technology. It’s also about integration and ongoing support. They collaborate closely with clients around the world to identify the best use cases and ensure smooth implementation. Because robots need maintenance and care, Enchanted Tools partners with local resellers and service providers who are trained to keep Mirokaï running smoothly. This approach guarantees that the robot remains a reliable and helpful presence every day. Mirokaï the humanoid robot (Enchanted Tools)Kurt's key takeawaysAt the end of the day, Mirokaï isn’t just about tech and tasks. It’s about bringing a little wonder into our everyday lives. Whether it’s helping out in a hospital, guiding you in a store or just making you smile with its expressive face, Mirokaï shows that robots can be both useful and delightful. Who knows? The next time you see one, you might just find yourself chatting with a robot that feels a lot more like a friend.CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPHow would you feel about sharing your daily life, or even your workplace, with a robot like Mirokaï? Would you welcome that, or does it make you pause and wonder where the line between human and machine should be drawn? Let us know by writing us atCyberguy.com/Contact.For more of my tech tips and security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you'd like us to cover.Follow Kurt on his social channels:Answers to the most-asked CyberGuy questions:New from Kurt:Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved. Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on "FOX & Friends." Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s free CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com. Source: https://www.foxnews.com/tech/robot-animated-face-here-make-customer-service-better #robot #with #animated #face #here #make #customer #service #better

Labubus have captivated the world under a spell of mischievous fantasy that is making the plush purse baubles a must-have collector’s toy. And if you’re a Jim Henson creature fan (think Labyrinth and Dark Crystal) or grew up on Where the Wild Things Are with a dash of Donnie Darko’s Frank the Bunny, you’ll find them hard to resist. Much like the lucky spirits of forest folklore that inspired them, Labubus are everywhere all at once and yet hard to find if you’re trying to buy one. Pop Mart, which distributes artist Kasing Lung’s beloved characters in vinyl and plush collectible form, releases drops that immediately sell out. Cutesy toy collectors are often having to turn to re-sellers at a steeper mark-up than the $20-30 the keychains usually go for, with prices often reaching hundreds of dollars for elusive variants. And while Pop Mart encourages fans to shop through official outlets, many fall for the trap of the Lafufus—faux Labubus, many of which are so cursed-looking, with eyes that fall out or bald peeled heads, they’ve garnered their own cult following as well.  “The Monsters,” as the series that spawned Labubu is called, continue to gain global recognition through popularity in the fantasy cottagecore realms of the internet. Labubu is the breakout species of the Monsters crew; the main character is also named Labubu and became the standout of the group thanks to the extreme ugly-cute quality that made her a viral sensation. Other characters in the Smurf-like tribe of Labubu include the rare pink Mokoko and the Labubu leader Zimomo (who has a tail), who also have a cult following of their own. Toy collectors love them, including celebrities like Blackpink’s Lisa (The White Lotus), What We Do in the Shadows‘ Harvey Guillén, and Madame Web’s Emma Roberts. io9’s conversation with Labubu figure creator Kasing Lung, conducted over email, delves into how Nordic supernatural folklore inspired the fuzzy elven creatures. Also—as fans ourselves, often awake at all hours of the night trying to nab an official Labubu on the Pop Mart app—we were excited to explore with Lung why he thinks the Monsters’ enchanting whimsy has taken over the world. Sabina Graves, io9: I’ve read that the creation of the Monsters was inspired by your time in the Netherlands when you were young. What about that experience inspired the Monsters story book idea, and how did that shift to making them into a physical art form? Kasing Lung: That’s right—Labubu was born from my fascination with Nordic mythology and European folklore, which I was surrounded by while growing up in the Netherlands. I’ve always been drawn to creatures that live in the space between fantasy and reality—figures that are both familiar and mysterious. I wanted to create a character that embodied that duality: mischievous yet endearing, strange yet deeply human. Labubu, like all the characters in the Monsters universe, has an emotional depth that makes her feel alive. When I partnered with Pop Mart, I was able to bring that imagination into the physical world—transforming Labubu from a storybook figure into something people could collect, connect with, and make their own. io9: What makes Pop Mart the ideal collaborator to share the Monsters with the world? Were you a part of collector culture growing up, and if so, what toys did you collect? Lung: Pop Mart’s design-forward philosophy makes them an ideal collaborator for any artist. They prioritize artistic integrity and allow creators like me the freedom to develop characters without compromise. That kind of trust is rare. It means every figure stays true to its roots—from concept to final collectible—and collectors can feel that authenticity in every piece. As for collecting, yes—I have always been interested in that world. I was drawn to toys that sparked imagination, whether it was action figures, miniature creatures, or things with unexpected personality. I think that fascination with small, expressive objects has stayed with me. The Monsters are really just a grown-up extension of that childlike wonder. [TK unboxing IG reel link] io9: I’d love to get your perspective on seeing your creations begin to appear in so many places on a global scale, even on fashion and music icons like Lisa. What do you think about the current fashion craze that the Monsters are a part of? Lung: Seeing Labubu embraced by fans worldwide, from dedicated collectors to global icons, is surreal and incredibly humbling. When I first started sketching Labubu, I wasn’t thinking about fame or fashion trends. I was just following a feeling, creating something that felt true to me. So to now see people lining up for drops, customizing their collections, and making Labubu part of their daily lives—it’s overwhelming in the best way. What’s happening in fashion feels like a natural evolution. Today, people want to wear their personalities, to show the world who they are through what they carry, collect, and wear. Labubu speaks to that desire for something playful, expressive, and a little bit rebellious. The fact that the Monsters are becoming part of that cultural language means the world to me. It pushes me to keep expanding the universe, to keep creating characters that surprise people and give them something they can connect with—emotionally and personally. io9: What are your plans to continue to expand the stories for the Monsters characters alongside the figures release? Are there any collaborations and projects related to them coming up that you can share that will open up their story to more fans around the world? Lung: Right now, I’m letting the Monsters story evolve naturally. These characters are always growing in my mind, and every new figure is a chance to explore a different side of their world. I never want to force their direction—it’s more about following the emotion behind them and letting that guide the creative process. In terms of collaborations, there are definitely exciting projects in the works. Most recently, we collaborated with One Piece for the Monsters × One Piece Series Figures. While I can’t reveal too much just yet, I’m always looking for opportunities to expand the Monsters into new mediums and formats, so fans can experience them in deeper and more immersive ways. © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart © Pop Mart To see Pop Mart’s selection of the Monsters’ blind box offerings and collaborations, visit the retailer’s official site. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. Source: https://gizmodo.com/labubus-creator-on-the-ugly-cute-sensation-thats-taken-over-the-world-2000600397 #labubus #creator #the #uglycute #sensation #thats #taken #over #world