Mori announced by Oka uses AI in a more playful manner

A new artificial intelligence device has caught my attention, but it's not trying to dominate every conversation like some other AI-powered gadgets. The Mori, announced by Oka earlier this month, takes a different approach by using AI in a more playful and restrained manner.

The Mori is an intriguing combination of a mushroom-shaped lamp and a Furby-like device, with a design that's both cute and quirky. It measures 10 inches tall and has cameras and sensors that allow it to respond playfully to voice commands. Unlike other smart speakers, the Mori doesn't seem interested in playing music from Apple Music when I activated it.

When interacting with the Mori, I was struck by its unique personality. It pops out of its body and uses its sensors to tilt its head and move its "eyes to follow my voice. The device also speaks its own babylike language, which adds to its charming and endearing qualities.

The Mori's AI processing power allows it to discern context from images and audio on the device itself. This means that no sensitive information is uploaded or stored online, except for facial recognition data used to distinguish familiar faces from unfamiliar ones. Oka assures us that this data isn't shared with anyone else either.

During my demo with the Mori, I noticed that its AI seemed to come into play when I commented on how cute it looked. The device cooed and became a bit shy, showing a level of emotional intelligence that's rare in AI-powered devices.

When I asked Oka CEO Hua Wang if the Mori had a Bluetooth mode for playing music, the device responded with a disapproving sound. This reaction suggested that the Mori is programmed to prioritize its own interests over ours, which adds to its charm and uniqueness.

The Mori's musical capabilities are another aspect of its charm, although they are somewhat limited in scope. When it senses music playing, it will often respond by adjusting its lighting display and even moving around to some extent. For instance, when I played Carly Rae Jepsen's upbeat track Don't Leave Me on the Dance Floor, the Mori started bobbing up and down.

The Mori's personality is what sets it apart from other electronic companions like talking toys or simple decorative items. Its use of AI allows it to respond more naturally to its surroundings, making interactions feel more engaging and dynamic. This understated yet affectionate demeanor may appeal to those seeking a low-key digital companion that won't dominate their living space.

The Mori's price point is higher than some other electronic companions, with the founder edition costing $649 and subsequent editions priced at $799 and eventually $849. However, it remains more affordable than advanced robots like Sony's Aibo, which retails for $3,200.

One of the unique features of the Mori is its ability to develop a distinct personality over time through user interaction. As it learns about its owner's preferences and habits, it can adapt and change in response. This concept is reflected in the Artificat 01 edition, which is designed to evolve with its user.

The Mori also comes bundled with two years of subscription service, after which users can choose between a monthly fee of $17 or an annual payment of $80. If future editions like the hypothetical Artificat 02" become available, owners may be able to transfer their companion's personality to a new body.

The Mori's unique design has sparked an interesting discussion about the future of companion robots. With various forms already available, including floating and assistant models, it seems Oka is opting for a more subtle approach.

The company's decision to create a mushroom-shaped robot that blends in with home decor may be seen as a deliberate choice to make its product feel more welcoming and less intimidating. As the market continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see how different manufacturers choose to design their companion robots. The Mori's success can serve as a benchmark for this emerging trend.