While humanoid robots are still competing on "long legs" and "hard muscles," a unique contender has gained immense popularity with its "cute face" and captivating "persona": Mirokaï. Created by Jérôme Monceaux, the mastermind behind Pepper and NAO, this new robot is a game-changer. Priced at a hefty $30,000, it has won the "Most Popular" award at CES for two consecutive years, even attracting the attention of Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang. What's its secret?

Mirokaï's uniqueness stems from its unconventional "alien" design. They present themselves as the Mirokaï species from a distant galaxy, possessing both mysterious magic and cutting-edge technology. To help humans escape mundane routines, the Mirokaï siblings project their consciousness to Earth, inhabiting robotic bodies.

A stunning 3D face, meticulously crafted by the top animation studio Gaumont, is Mirokaï's most striking feature. Powered by Nvidia GPUs in real-time, this face seems to come alive, displaying a wide range of expressions that are projected using special technology to create a futuristic holographic effect. Paired with a pair of lively fox ears, Mirokaï instantly transforms from a cold machine into a playful "electronic pet," leading some to jokingly call it a "real-world" game character.

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To better integrate into the human world, Mirokaï's physical design is carefully considered. Its 1.3-meter height is intentionally close to a child's perspective, eliminating the imposing feeling of adult-sized robots; its 30-kilogram weight is lightweight and agile, facilitating easy movement; and its flexible neck allows for natural interaction and emotional expression. Founder Monceaux believes that imbuing robots with "souls" and "stories" is crucial for building trust between humans and machines. Mirokaï's "cute persona" strategy has proven highly successful. A wave, a fist bump, a tilt of the ears—every subtle movement exudes a unique "personality," something traditional humanoid robots struggle to achieve.

Of course, Mirokaï is far from just a pretty face. The $30,000 price tag reflects its significant practical value. In French hospitals, Mirokaï acts as a "medicine delivery assistant," alleviating the burden on nurses. In American children's hospitals and dental clinics, Mirokaï serves as a "calming device," using its charm to soothe anxious children. Equipped with generative AI, Mirokaï can "observe and listen," perceiving its environment and faces in real-time, adapting to various tasks without complex programming. Its specially designed "dexterous hand," coupled with a dedicated handgrip, achieves a 97% success rate in grasping objects—far exceeding the industry average. Whether transporting trays or carrying toolboxes, Mirokaï handles it with ease. Its unique spherical mobile base allows for 360-degree movement, easily navigating obstacles. Beyond healthcare, hotels, restaurants, airports, and shopping malls are all potential venues for Mirokaï.

As the "direct descendant" of humanoid robots NAO and Pepper, Mirokaï carries the family's mission of "practical application." Founder Monceaux aims for Mirokaï to not only be stunning but also a capable "assistant" integrated into daily life. Despite its high price, Mirokaï has gained market recognition, with a steady stream of orders and a goal of producing 200 units annually. Will this "cute alien pet" robot, combining charm and functionality, spark a revolution in the humanoid robot field? Only time will tell.