This special episode features a conversation with Colin Angle in his new role as co-founder and CEO of Familiar Machines & Magic.
Colin Angle, co-founder and CEO of Familiar Machines & Magic. | Credit: FM&M
Familiar Machines & Magic recently emerged from stealth and is developing consumer physical AI, beginning with Familiars — robots designed to form long-term, emotionally intelligent relationships with people. The company said its mission is to create “artificial life” to build a more caring world.
The startup builds on more than three decades of consumer robotics experience. In addition to Angle, co-founder and former CEO of iRobot, Familiar Machines’ co-founders include Ira Renfrew, chief people and product officer (C2PO) and Dr. Chris Jones, chief research and development officer (CRDO). They are veteran robotics and AI leaders with experience spanning iRobot, Amazon, and other global consumer technology platforms.
Collectively, the founding team has deployed more than 50 million consumer robots worldwide and led advances in navigation, machine learning, and human-robot interaction. The broader team brings additional expertise from institutions including Disney Research, MIT, Boston Dynamics, and USC.
With offices in Boston, Los Angeles, and Hong Kong, Familiar Machines & Magic said it is building a long-term platform for artificial life in partnership with leading researchers, engineers, and strategic collaborators.
Familiar Machines episode timeline
- 2:25 – Colin Angle, co-founder and CEO of Familiar Machines & Magic
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If you’re designing robots beyond controlled factory cells, mobile manipulators, quadrupeds, or humanoids, maxon USA is worth a stop at the Robotics Summit & Expo this month in Boston.
At the show, maxon is exhibiting its High Efficiency Joint (HEJ) portfolio: fully integrated robotic joints that combine motor, gearing, electronics, and sensing in a compact unit. Built for cyclic loads, impacts, and continuous operation, HEJ joints are designed for real‑world robotics.
See maxon’s HEJ90 demonstrator at Booth 419 on the expo show floor.
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Register now for the 2026 Robotics Summit & Expo
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The show will have more than 50 sessions in tracks on physical AI, design and development, enabling technologies, healthcare, and logistics. The Engineering Theater on the show floor will also feature presentations by industry experts.
More than 70 speakers are confirmed from companies such as AWS, Brain Corp, Fictiv, Harmonic Drive, maxon, PickNik Robotics, RealSense, the Robotics and AI Institute, Robust AI, Tesla, Toyota Research Institute, and more.
The summit will also feature a number of networking opportunities. They include a Mix & Mingle Networking Reception after the first day of the show and the ticketed Women in Robotics Breakfast and RBR50 Awards Dinner.
The Robotics Summit & Expo is co-located with DeviceTalks Boston, which focuses on medical devices.
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