Residence robots are leveling up, and CES 2026 confirmed wonderful prototypes. In Las Vegas, some robots labored on their very own as a substitute of following preset routines or being managed from afar—no “lengthy leash” right here, Tesla’s Optimus! Robots folded laundry, poured espresso, however one stood out. Ollobot’s OLLO wasn’t nearly doing chores; it centered on spreading good vibes and, in the event you’re open to it, turning into a part of your loved ones.
The opposite day, I wrote about Tombot and its robotic pet, Jennie, which goals to spice up high quality of life for older folks. Now, OLLO, a unusual, alien-like robotic, is prepared choose up your routines and seize key moments by itself—no instructions wanted.
Design
OLLO is available in two variations—OlloNi S1 (650 × 434 × 343 mm) with a brief neck and OlloNi L1 (1200–660 × 434 × 343 mm) with an extended neck. Each looks like a fuzzy cyber pet with actual appeal. Each have fur, and the S1 can stretch his neck to hunt on your keys or play giraffe. I see the L1 as a Scrat twin from Ice Age. On prime of that, OLLO develops a character over time, which provides further appeal (extra on that beneath).
Decide the L1 or the S1 and also you get a small cyber pet that rolls on wheels, not legs. It rolls on wheels as a substitute of legs. That element looks like the primary catch for me. I miss legs, since they might add extra enjoyable and increase the Scrat vibe.
Options
LG introduced a humanoid robotic on wheels to the ground with CLOiD, a machine that may make breakfast. However at CES 2026, I discovered myself drawn to concepts that felt stranger. OLLO pulled me in as a result of it doesn’t behave like an equipment in any respect. As a substitute, it acts extra like a pet, aiming for emotional connection via eye contact and playful sounds quite than activity lists.
That emotional focus shapes how OLLO communicates. Slightly than counting on full sentences, it expresses itself via physique language—small neck actions, delicate facial cues, and a nonverbal sound set. Speech seems solely when a second really requires it, a selection that retains the expertise removed from that of a speaking equipment. OLLO additionally reads voice tone, movement, and interplay patterns to sense temper and vitality, then shifts its conduct to match. It might keep shut and transfer slowly, or burst with pleasure when the second feels proper.
Reminiscence is what provides OLLO its spark. The robotic identifies moments it considers excessive worth—birthdays, group gatherings, and large wins—and begins capturing images and video by itself. I benefit from the lack of handbook management, since the perfect photographs typically come from probability. Over time, OLLO acknowledges every member of the family, picks up on habits, and develops a character.
Inside, OLLO runs as a self-contained AI pc with cameras, microphones, and built-in reminiscence. That reminiscence is embodied as a “coronary heart” beneath its comfortable, furry wings, putting privateness entrance and middle at a second when many AI merchandise depend upon the cloud. If the robotic’s physique breaks, the household cyber-pet retains its previous. A brand new physique can inherit the outdated coronary heart and stick with it.
Worth and availability
From what a number of sources say, OLLO ought to value $1,200 to $2,000 based mostly on measurement, with equipment and outfits bringing in further income. A global Kickstarter marketing campaign may pop up round summer season.
Earlier than you go
CES 2026 made it clear that dwelling robots are not nearly effectivity—they’re beginning to discover emotion, presence, and companionship. OLLO isn’t attempting to exchange your routines a lot as slip into them, studying who you’re and the way your days unfold.
I can see myself warming as much as a robotic like OLLO, not due to what it does, however due to the way it makes you’re feeling when it’s round. When you’re open to that form of relationship, OLLO suggests a future the place robots aren’t instruments you command, however characters you reside with. And that shift often is the strangest—and most fascinating—improve of all.
Grigor Baklajyan is a copywriter overlaying expertise at Gadget Circulate. His contributions embrace product opinions, shopping for guides, how-to articles, and extra.
