Meet Mirumi: Your New Furry Robot Friend on Kickstarter
▼ Summary
– Yukai Engineering’s Mirumi, a tiny companion robot with no practical purpose other than being adorable, was a unique standout at CES 2025.
– Originally expected to cost around $70, Mirumi is now available for preorder via Kickstarter starting at about $118, with a full retail price expected to be $150.
– The robot is available in three colors (ivory, pink, and gray) and is not expected to ship to backers until April 2026 at the earliest.
– Mirumi attaches to bag straps and simulates an inquisitive personality by turning its head and using a sensor to detect and focus on nearby people.
– Its limited functionality, including shy reactions to sudden touch, is its core appeal as a companion that quietly observes and brightens someone’s day.
The world of consumer electronics is constantly buzzing with new innovations, but sometimes the most memorable gadgets are the ones that prioritize charm over chores. Yukai Engineering’s Mirumi, a tiny furry robot companion, captured hearts at CES 2025 and is now available for preorder through a Kickstarter campaign. This endearing bot, which simulates a curious and bashful personality, is designed not for utility but for simple companionship, offering a unique digital pet experience.
Originally projected to cost around $70, global economic shifts have adjusted that figure. The earliest backers on Kickstarter can secure a Mirumi for approximately $118, choosing from gray, pink, or ivory fur colors. This special crowdfunding price represents a discount, as the cost will rise to about $140 for later backers before reaching an anticipated full retail price of $150. Patience will be required after backing, as shipments are not expected to begin until April 2026 at the earliest, with potential delays common to crowdfunded projects.
Mirumi’s primary function is to provide a sense of friendly presence. It uses its long arms to attach to bag straps or handles, where it can observe its surroundings. A simple distance sensor allows it to detect people nearby. When it senses someone, it will turn its head to focus its gaze, simulating attention. If approached suddenly or touched, it mimics a shy response by shaking and turning away. This limited, reactive behavior is central to its appeal; Mirumi isn’t packed with complex features, it simply exists to be a quiet, observant companion.
The robot’s value lies in its ability to evoke an emotional connection through basic, lifelike gestures. It doesn’t clean or perform tasks; it just hangs out, occasionally cocking its head or shifting its gaze in a way that can unexpectedly brighten someone’s day. For those seeking a low-maintenance, non-judgmental digital friend, Mirumi presents a novel alternative to more functional smart devices, proving that sometimes technology’s best role is just to make us smile.
(Source: The Verge)
