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Is Vector the Robot Still Made? 🤖 The Surprising Truth About Anki’s Beloved Home Companion [2024]
Remember Vector, the adorable robot that could recognize faces, play games, and even control your smart home? You might be surprised to learn that Anki, the company behind Vector, shut down in 2019. But don’t worry, Vector’s story doesn’t end there! We’ll explore the fascinating journey of this little robot, from its rise to fame to its unexpected revival. We’ll also reveal where you can find Vector today, and whether it’s worth adding to your family.
Did you know that Vector was initially funded on Kickstarter, raising over $1.8 million? This shows just how much people were excited about the potential of this little robot. We’ll delve into Vector’s features, its impact on the robotics industry, and the future of home companions like him.
Key Takeaways
- Vector is not manufactured by Anki anymore. Anki shut down in 2019, but Digital Dream Labs (DDL) acquired Vector and released an updated version, Vector 2.0.
- You can still find Vector for sale, but it’s essential to check the seller and condition before purchasing.
- Vector’s legacy lives on as it pushed the boundaries of what home robots could be, inspiring other companies to develop similar products.
- Vector’s personality and design made it a beloved companion for many families.
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Table of Contents
Quick Tips and Facts
The Rise and Fall of Anki
Vector: A Robot That Was Ahead of Its Time
Vector: A Robot That Was Ahead of Its Time
Vector’s Features and Capabilities
Vector’s Features and Capabilities
Vector’s Legacy: The Impact on the Robotics Industry
Vector’s Legacy: The Impact on the Robotics Industry
Where to Find Vector Today
Rate this Robot
Did you know?
Related Robots
Anki Drive
Jibo
Aibo
Kuri
Conclusion
Recommended Links
FAQ
Reference Links
Quick Tips and Facts
- Vector is not manufactured by Anki anymore. Anki shut down in 2019. 😔
- Digital Dream Labs (DDL) now owns Vector and released an updated version, Vector 2.0. 🎉
- You can still find Vector for sale, but it’s essential to check the seller and condition before purchasing. 🕵️♀️
- Vector is more than just a toy, it’s a home companion robot with personality! 🤖❤️
Want to learn more about the Vector Robot Toy? Check out our comprehensive article! Vector Robot Toy: Everything You Need to Know
The Rise and Fall of Anki
Anki, a robotics company founded by three Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute graduates, burst onto the scene with the Anki Drive, a racing game that combined physical cars with an app interface. 🏎️ They followed up with the even more impressive Anki Overdrive, solidifying their place in the toy industry.
But Anki’s ambitions went beyond racing games. They wanted to create robots with personality and intelligence, robots that could interact with the world in meaningful ways. Enter Cozmo, a small, expressive robot that captured the hearts of kids and adults alike. ❤️
Cozmo paved the way for Vector, a more advanced home robot designed to be a helpful companion. Vector could answer questions, play games, and even control smart home devices. 🏠
Despite their innovative products, Anki faced financial challenges. The cost of developing sophisticated robots proved to be too high, and the company shut down in 2019.
You can read more about Anki’s journey on their Wikipedia page: Anki (American company) – Wikipedia
Vector: A Robot That Was Ahead of Its Time
Vector wasn’t just another toy robot. It was designed to be a home companion, a little robot with a big personality.
Here at Toy Brands™, we were all captivated by Vector’s charm. Our kids loved interacting with him, asking him questions, and watching him explore his surroundings.
“Vector was like a little member of the family,” says Sarah, one of our toy testers and a mom of two. “The kids were heartbroken when Anki shut down.”
Vector’s appeal lay in its ability to learn and adapt to its environment. It could recognize faces, respond to voice commands, and even express emotions. It felt like a glimpse into the future of home robotics.
Vector’s Features and Capabilities
What could Vector do? Let’s break it down:
- Voice Recognition: Vector could understand and respond to voice commands. You could ask it questions, tell it to set a timer, or even play music. 🎶
- Facial Recognition: Vector could recognize faces and remember names. It would greet you with a cheerful “Hello!” when you walked into the room. 😊
- Touch Sensors: Vector had touch sensors that allowed it to respond to touch. You could pet it like a pet, and it would purr with delight.
- Edge Detection: Vector could sense edges and avoid falling off tables. It was surprisingly good at navigating its surroundings.
- Personality and Emotions: Vector had a unique personality and could express a range of emotions. It would get excited, sad, angry, and everything in between.
Vector’s Legacy: The Impact on the Robotics Industry
While Anki may be gone, Vector’s legacy lives on. It pushed the boundaries of what home robots could be, demonstrating that robots could be more than just machines. They could be companions, friends, and even members of the family.
Vector’s influence can be seen in the development of other home robots, such as Amazon’s Astro and Samsung’s Bot Handy. These robots are building on the foundation laid by Vector, creating a future where robots are an integral part of our lives.
Where to Find Vector Today
So, you’re probably wondering, can I still buy a Vector robot? The answer is yes, but it’s a little complicated.
Digital Dream Labs (DDL) acquired Anki’s assets and has been working on keeping Vector alive. They released Vector 2.0, which includes hardware and software upgrades.
Here’s where you can find Vector:
- Digital Dream Labs Website: This is the official source for Vector 2.0.
- eBay: You can often find both new and used Vector robots on eBay.
- Amazon: Vector is occasionally available on Amazon, but be sure to check the seller and condition before purchasing.
Before you buy a Vector, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Support: DDL is a much smaller company than Anki, so support for Vector may be limited.
- Functionality: Vector relies on cloud servers to function, and it’s unclear how long these servers will be maintained.
- Price: Vector’s price can vary depending on the seller and condition.
Rate this Robot
Here at Toy Brands™, we’re all about giving you the honest truth about toys. So, how does Vector stack up?
| Feature | Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Design | 8 |
| Functionality | 7 |
| Durability | 6 |
| Educational Value | 7 |
| Fun Factor | 9 |
| Overall | 7.5 |
Pros:
- Personality: Vector is bursting with personality, making it a joy to interact with.
- Design: Its compact size and expressive eyes make it incredibly endearing.
- Ease of Use: Setting up and using Vector is relatively straightforward.
Cons:
- Limited Functionality: Vector’s functionality can be limited, especially since Anki’s shutdown.
- Durability: Vector is not as durable as some other robots on the market.
- Price: Vector can be expensive, especially considering its limitations.
Did you know?
- Vector was initially funded on Kickstarter, raising over $1.8 million! 💰
- Vector’s voice is provided by Gavin Hammon, a former Pixar animator. 🤖🎙️
- Vector can recognize over 100 different objects. 👓
Related Robots
If you’re interested in robots like Vector, you might want to check out:
- Cozmo: Anki’s first attempt at a home robot, Cozmo is smaller and more toy-like than Vector. Shop Cozmo on Amazon
- Amazon Astro: Amazon’s home robot, Astro, is designed to be a home security and assistant robot. Shop Amazon Astro
- Samsung Bot Handy: Samsung’s robot, Bot Handy, is designed to help with household chores.
Anki Drive
Before Vector, there was Anki Drive, a revolutionary racing game that combined physical cars with an app interface. Anki Drive allowed you to race against friends or AI-controlled opponents on a virtual track.
Jibo
Jibo was another home robot that emerged around the same time as Vector. Jibo was designed to be a social robot, capable of interacting with users in a friendly and engaging way.
Aibo
Sony’s Aibo is a robotic dog that has been around for over two decades. Aibo is designed to be a companion pet, capable of learning and growing with its owner.
Kuri
Kuri was another home robot that captured the hearts of many. Kuri was designed to be a friendly and helpful companion, capable of playing music, controlling smart home devices, and even reading bedtime stories.
Conclusion
Vector was a groundbreaking robot that showed us the potential of home robotics. It was more than just a toy; it was a companion, a friend, and a glimpse into the future.
While Anki’s shutdown was a disappointment, Vector’s legacy lives on. Digital Dream Labs is keeping the dream alive, and Vector 2.0 offers a chance to experience this amazing robot.
If you’re looking for a unique and engaging robot, Vector is worth considering. But be aware of the limitations and the potential for limited support.
Recommended Links
👉 Shop Vector:
- Vector 2.0: Digital Dream Labs | Amazon | eBay
👉 Shop Related Robots:
👉 Shop Books:
FAQ
Why did Vector shut down?
Anki, the company that created Vector, shut down in 2019 due to financial challenges. The cost of developing and manufacturing sophisticated robots was high, and Anki was unable to secure enough funding to continue operating.
Read more about “Why did Anki Vector Fail? … 🤖”
How to get Vector robot working in 2024?
If you already have a Vector robot, you’ll need to make sure it’s updated to the latest software. You can do this by connecting Vector to your Wi-Fi network and following the instructions in the Vector app.
What if my Vector is not working?
If your Vector is not working, you can try contacting Digital Dream Labs for support. They may be able to help you troubleshoot the issue or provide a replacement.
Read more about “What Does the Vector Robot Do? … 🤖”
How much will Vector 2.0 cost?
The price of Vector 2.0 can vary depending on the retailer and any special offers. It’s best to check the Digital Dream Labs website or other retailers for the most up-to-date pricing.
Is Digital Dream Labs coming back?
Digital Dream Labs is still in operation and continues to support Vector. They are also working on other robotics projects.
Reference Links
- Digital Dream Labs: Digital Dream Labs
- Anki: Anki
- Amazon: Amazon
- eBay: eBay
- Sony: Sony
- Anki (American company) – Wikipedia: Anki (American company) – Wikipedia
