Colin Angle on Building Companion Robots with Familiar Machines & Magic

Colin Angle, co-founder and CEO of Familiar Machines & Magic. | Credit: FM&M

Familiar Machines & Magic has recently come out of stealth mode and is pioneering consumer physical AI. Its first products are 'Familiars'—robots engineered to form enduring, emotionally intelligent bonds with people. The company states its mission is to create "artificial life" to foster a more compassionate world.

The startup leverages over thirty years of collective experience in consumer robotics. Alongside Colin Angle, former co-founder and CEO of iRobot, the founding team includes Ira Renfrew, Chief People and Product Officer (C2PO), and Dr. Chris Jones, Chief Research and Development Officer (CRDO). They are seasoned leaders in robotics and AI with backgrounds at iRobot, Amazon, and other major global consumer technology companies.

Together, the founders have been responsible for deploying more than 50 million consumer robots globally and have driven innovations in navigation, machine learning, and human-robot interaction. The wider team adds expertise from prestigious organizations such as Disney Research, MIT, Boston Dynamics, and USC.

With offices in Boston, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong, Familiar Machines & Magic is constructing a long-term platform for artificial life. The company is collaborating with top researchers, engineers, and strategic partners to achieve this vision.

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This episode is presented by Yamaha Robotics Group (YRG)—a leader in shaping the future of intelligent automation.

Yamaha's Linear Conveyor Modules and Advanced Operator Interfaces empower engineers to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency and operational flexibility.

And let's be clear: The PLC is here to stay—it's simply evolving.

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If you are developing robots for applications beyond controlled factory cells—such as mobile manipulators, quadrupeds, or humanoids—a visit to maxon USA at this month's Robotics Summit & Expo in Boston is highly recommended.

At the show, maxon will showcase its High Efficiency Joint (HEJ) portfolio: fully integrated robotic joints that combine motor, gearing, electronics, and sensing into a single compact unit. Engineered for cyclic loads, impacts, and continuous operation, HEJ joints are built for real-world robotic challenges.

See maxon's HEJ90 demonstrator at Booth 419 on the expo floor.

LEARN MORE AT: https://www.maxongroup.com/en-us

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The event will feature over 50 sessions across tracks including Physical AI, Design and Development, Enabling Technologies, Healthcare, and Logistics. An Engineering Theater on the show floor will also host presentations by industry experts.

More than 70 speakers are confirmed from leading companies such as AWS, Brain Corp, Fictiv, Harmonic Drive, maxon, PickNik Robotics, RealSense, the Robotics and AI Institute, Robust AI, Tesla, Toyota Research Institute, and others.

The summit offers numerous networking opportunities, including a Mix & Mingle Networking Reception after the first day, as well as ticketed events like the Women in Robotics Breakfast and the RBR50 Awards Dinner.

The Robotics Summit & Expo is co-located with DeviceTalks Boston, an event focused on the medical device industry.