OKA Technology Launches Mori, a $649 Mushroom-Shaped AI Companion Robot That Reacts Like a Pet

OKA Technology Introduces Mori as First Experimental Artifact

OKA Technology, a Cambridge, Massachusetts and Shenzhen-based startup, has launched Mori, a mushroom-shaped AI lamp designed to serve as a nature companion rather than a traditional smart assistant1

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. CEO Hua Wang, formerly a general manager at video-sharing app Meipai and cofounder of social media app Bondee, envisions creating five experimental products called "Artifacts" throughout the company's lifetime, with Mori representing the first1

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. The nearly 12-inch-tall AI companion robot stands apart from conventional home robots by blending into personal environments as functional decor while offering subtle, pet-like interactions1

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How Mori's Attentive Intelligence Creates Context-Aware Interactions

Mori uses what One Kind Artifact calls Attentive Intelligence, powered by multiple local large language models that analyze visual and audio data to understand room context1

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. The cute AI companion features animated eyes that blink and look around, a head that tilts when something catches its attention, and a camera-equipped diamond-shaped nose that tracks movement1

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. When activated, the home robot lamp pops out of its body and makes soft sounds resembling a cross between a bird and R2-D2 while following people around the room1

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. It can wobble along to music like it's dancing, act shy around unfamiliar people, and retreat into its shell to transform back into a normal-looking smart lamp3

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V.I.B.E. System Enables Personalized Behavioral Responses

The mushroom-shaped AI lamp employs a system called V.I.B.E., short for Vitality, Interaction, Bonding, and Emotion, which considers factors like time of day and interaction history with people and pets3

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. Mori has memory capabilities that allow it to remember familiar faces and interact differently over time, while acting more reserved around guests1

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. If someone isn't seen for a month, the AI companion robot will forget them1

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. The device recognizes situations where interrupting isn't welcome, such as phone calls or arguments, and stays silent to avoid distraction1

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. Conversely, if it detects prolonged phone use like doomscrolling for two hours, Mori might try getting your attention to encourage a break1

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Privacy Through Local Processing Sets Mori Apart

Unlike many connected devices, Mori prioritizes privacy through local processing of all visual and audio data1

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. Raw images and audio are processed on-device using local large language models and then immediately discarded1

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. Facial feature data collected for recognition purposes remains encrypted on the device and is never uploaded1

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. The camera automatically turns off when the robot retracts into lamp mode, and double-tapping the head disables the microphones1

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. Wi-Fi connectivity is used exclusively for firmware updates, not data transmission1

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Mindfulness Features Focus on Reconnecting with Nature

Mori intentionally avoids smart assistant functionality, offering no voice commands for controlling smart lights or queuing music from Spotify1

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. Instead, the nature companion plays soundscapes and glows in colors inspired by rain, forests, fire, and wind while reacting to movements1

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. Users can touch its head to activate nature soundscapes for relaxation, and it guides breathing exercises for mindfulness1

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. According to Wang, "All gadgets try to capture more of your attention. Mori gives your attention back to you. It invites you to do meditative experiences"1

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Pricing and Subscription Model for the Founder's Edition

The Founder's Edition costs $649 and includes a two-year warranty plus two years of subscription service, with limited stock of only a few hundred units1

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. Standard edition pricing starts at $799, eventually reaching $849, but notably doesn't include subscription features1

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. The subscription model unlocks nature soundscapes, while breathing exercises remain free1

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. After the included two years expire, the subscription costs either $17 per month or $80 per year2

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. Without a subscription, Mori functions as a dancing lamp with camera capabilities but limited interactive features1

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. OKA Technology positions this pricing below Sony's $3,200 Aibo robot dog while offering a more docile alternative to talking toys like the $599 Ultimate Grogu2

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