DeskMate charging hub turns iPhone into robotic AI assistant with rotating MagSafe stand

This desktop charger turns your iPhone into a robotic AI assistant

CES is packed with AI companions and assistant robots this year, but the DeskMate from Loona is a clever take on the idea: it's a desktop charging hub, with three USB-C ports, one USB-A, and a MagSafe pad, that automatically activates an AI companion app when you attach your iPhone to the wireless charger. What's unique about the DeskMate is that by using your phone, it takes advantage of tech you already have. It doesn't need its own display, camera, or microphone, because the iPhone provides them (and it is, for now, iPhone-only). By providing charging too, it might replace a charger that's already on your desk, rather than adding to the clutter. The stand rotates and tilts, so that the DeskMate keeps looking at you as you talk to it. It's got cute, Pixar-y eyes, but still has practical features like Slack integration and meeting assistance. DeskMate is expected to launch in a crowdfunding campaign in March, but my big hesitation is the price. There's no final figure yet, but the company told me it will be "below $300," which is steep for a device that's already piggybacking on your phone.

CES 2026: DeskMate MagSafe Charger Gives Your iPhone AI Personality

KEYi Tech, the company behind the Loona companion robot and ClicBot modular robot, is showing off a new take on AI assistants at CES 2026 called DeskMate, which is exclusively for iPhone. Rather than building another standalone robot, the company has gone with a desktop charging hub that turns an attached iPhone into an AI companion, using your device's existing display, camera, and microphone to bring it to life. Apart from three USB-C ports and one USB-A port, the device features a rotating and tilting MagSafe charging stand that tracks your presence and keeps the iPhone facing you at all times during conversations. It even displays cute Pixar-style animated eyes on the screen. The companion app automatically activates when you attach an iPhone to the charging pad. From here, the DeskMate is able to handle voice commands, manage your calendar, set reminders, and answer questions throughout the day. According to the company, DeskMate can also initiate conversations, offer suggestions, or provide updates when you return to your desk. The AI companion integrates with workplace tools including Slack, email, and calendar apps, and it can also join video meetings to take notes or provide summaries. The idea is that it learns your routines and preferences over time, adapting its responses and suggestions accordingly. KEYi Tech says it plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign in March for the device, which will be priced below $300, although the final costs are apparently still being finalized.