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Stefanie Lechthaler
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Cute or creepy? This robot develops its character with your data

Stefanie Lechthaler
13/9/2025
Translation: Jessica Johnson-Ferguson

It squeaks, waves and seeks your attention. This fluffy robot develops its own personality. Oh, and it also saves video recordings of you and your loved ones.

Somewhere between the robot vacuum cleaners and TVs on display IFA Berlin, a cuddly toy catches my attention. Two big eyes on screens stare at me. I feel watched. One of the camera’s disguised as a button-nosed snub nose that registers my facial expressions and gestures before analysing the image data with the help of AI. This way, the fluffy robot will learn to recognise human emotions and react to them with the right kind of interaction.

It waves and let’s me know it’s noticed me. At least I think so. I stroke its head and am surprised. The robot really is VERY fluffy. It’s eyes light up, then the battery symbol appears in the pupils. I’m confused.

The product representative tells me the robot’s currently in the charging station. He takes it out and places it into my hands. Again, I’m surprised. It’s quite heavy. And yes, kind of cute too.

The gentleman at the stand enthusiastically elaborates that the KATA friend can memorise different rooms, people and moments and develop its own personality based on this data. This means, the robot’s more likely to roll up behind a family member who pets it and interact with it. It should also be able to detect unknown people and notify its owners that there’s an intruder.

As I’m listening to all this, the little critter in my arms is wiggling its head, giving off the odd soft squeak and throwing its penguin-like arms in the air. The robot is also designed to develop its own emotions over time and let its owner know when it’s jealous, happy or sad.

I put back the scarf-wearing model, which is available for sale, and watch it scoot off. Then I turn to the representative one last time and ask what the two holes on its stomach are for.

«Cameras», he replies.

«And where’s the video data stored?» I ask.

«Locally.»

In any case, the lines between toys, companions and monitoring devices are becoming blurred.

Header image: Stefanie Lechthaler

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