Floating Beluga Companion Robot
gerardsans · x · 2026-07-16
The post highlights a highly distinct robotics project:
- Developed by a team from Keio University / MIT Media Lab
- Dubbed the floating companion
- Instead of a humanoid form, it's a soft robot resembling a baby beluga
- It hovers and moves indoors by being filled with helium
- It propels itself by flapping its fins rather than using traditional propulsion
The author emphasizes that this demonstrates companion robots don't need a humanoid appearance; an alternative form factor might be even more appealing.
Related event: MIT and Keio University Unveil Floating Companion Robot(2 posts)→
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