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Robots are no longer confined to the pages of science fiction—they’re making their way into our homes and lives. Colin Angle, co-founder of iRobot, is taking a bold step forward with his new venture, Familiar Machines & Magic. This Boston-based startup aims to create home robots focused on health and wellness, potentially featuring AI-powered companions like “furry pets.” With $15 million already raised, the company’s vision of “agentic AI” and human-robot interaction has the potential to redefine what we think of as a “companion.”
The theme of robots as companions has been a fertile ground for science fiction authors. Isaac Asimov’s Robot Dreams is a classic example, exploring the ethical dilemmas and emotional complexity of human-robot relationships. Asimov’s robots adhere to the famous Three Laws, creating rich narratives about their role in society.
For readers seeking modern takes on robotic companions, Sierra Greer’s Annie Bot offers a compelling story. The novel follows a young robot navigating a world designed for humans, raising poignant questions about identity, agency, and what it means to belong.
Another standout is Robots Through the Ages: A Science Fiction Anthology, which gathers stories from luminaries like Asimov, Bradbury, and Chiang. This collection traces the evolution of robots in literature, highlighting how societal hopes and fears about automation have shaped these narratives over time.
Contemporary bestsellers also showcase the ongoing fascination with robots. Kazuo Ishiguro’s Klara and the Sun paints an intimate portrait of an AI companion designed to assist children, blending futuristic elements with deep emotional resonance. Meanwhile, C. Robert Cargill’s Day Zero delivers a thrilling exploration of loyalty and rebellion as robots rise against their creators.
These books underscore a central question: can machines truly be our friends? While tech companies like Familiar Machines are working to make robots an integral part of our lives, science fiction continues to probe the implications. Are robots destined to be our helpers, our equals—or something far more complex? Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain: robots will continue to inspire innovation and imagination.