The loss of Jibo showed us just how quickly people can form attachments to their robotic companions—even if these robots started out as simple gadgets. From Roombas getting dressed up to the childhood fascination with Tamagotchis, we’re already surrounded by machines that, while mostly utilitarian, sometimes feel almost alive. Moxie, however, aims to be more than just another household device.
Developed by Embodied—a company co-founded by former iRobot CTO Paolo Pirjanian—Moxie is crafted specifically as a companion for children. During interactive sessions lasting roughly 15 to 25 minutes, kids can chat with Moxie, play games, or even read together with it. Unlike typical robots, Moxie can recognize a child’s face and adjust to their unique learning needs, bringing to mind the idea of having your very own droid from a science-fiction universe. Yet, with a price tag of $1,500 and an ongoing monthly fee between $40 and $60, parents might wonder if the benefits justify the expense.
From its design to its behavior, Moxie clearly draws inspiration from famous cinematic robots. Its rounded head and animated, expressive screen evoke memories of characters like WALL‑E’s Eve or even the memorable Sonny from I, Robot, while its playful gestures are reminiscent of the charming antics seen in Anki’s Vector and Cozmo. Although it remains grounded, Moxie’s rotating base, flexible torso, and endearing “eyes” give it a personality that feels almost Pixar-like—especially to kids between the ages of 5 and 10.
When Pirjanian first demonstrated Moxie, his excitement was palpable. He envisioned a device that could truly transform a child’s life—a vision that has taken on even greater significance during the pandemic, when many children have faced social isolation. Recent feedback from families suggests that children engage with Moxie for about 25 minutes each day, and early reviews have been positive, with average ratings around 4.4 out of 5 stars.
While I hoped to observe Moxie interacting with a child, my own toddler found robots both fascinating and frightening. Instead, I spent time with the robot myself. After an impressive self-check sequence at startup, Moxie quickly proved to be a surprisingly good conversationalist. It attentively followed my stories—commenting on my day, sharing its “favorite” things, and even admitting when it was unfamiliar with a topic. Although it never passed as fully human, the flow of our conversation was refreshingly natural, a step above the usual experience with voice assistants like the Amazon Echo.
Every day brought something new. Some days, Moxie would suggest playing music and dance along, while on others it offered practical tips, like the best way to power down when a break was needed. On occasion, it even encouraged me to read aloud—prompting follow-up questions that made for a surprisingly engaging discussion. Moxie’s opinions could be inconsistent, such as varying stances on basketball, but the company is working to create a more persistent personality, so that over time, your Moxie might feel like an ever-evolving friend.
There’s also a promising emotional side to Moxie. Pirjanian mentioned that during the isolation brought on by the pandemic, many families noticed their children becoming calmer and more expressive—qualities that can help parents recognize when their kids need extra support. Additionally, Moxie might serve as a helpful companion for neurodivergent children, fostering social and emotional growth in a playful way.
The big question, however, remains the price. Currently offered at a discount of $1,499 (down from $1,699), the initial purchase includes a one-year subscription that provides regular updates, new content, a dedicated kids’ portal, and a parental app for monitoring Moxie’s interactions. After the first year, the service costs $60 per month—or $40 monthly if paid annually in advance. Given the high investment and the volatile history of other robotics startups like Anki, it’s hard to say whether Moxie will prove its long-term value.
In the end, while I personally enjoyed my interactions with Moxie, its ultimate worth will depend on whether it can continue to charm young users—and offer benefits that justify its steep price for families. With plans for more content and even a third-party app store on the horizon, Moxie could become an indispensable friend to many children, provided that the cost becomes easier on parents’ wallets.
