The Loomo bot of Segway has a direct value proposition: you ride it like a hoverboard in the store
The Loomo bot of Segway has a direct value proposition: you ride it like a hoverboard in the store
My favorite robot at CES this year has legs, but my second favorite robot is designed to minimize my own use of legs. The Loomo bot of Segway has a direct value proposition: you mount it as a hoverboard in the store, and then you get off, load it with cargo and follow it home.
After seeing the new 90s Segway-inspired robotic suitcase fall repeatedly, I was a little worried about stepping on Loomo, but that should not have been. Rideables are the bread and butter of Segway, and although I've never been in a Segway-style mall, I found Loomo a lot easier than any hoverboard I've tried. Like a hoverboard, you lean forward to go fast, lean backwards to slow down, but unlike a hoverboard, you turn with your knees instead of an elaborate footwork. I felt comfortable within a few minutes of riding it, and after that it was almost second nature. Of course, Loomo's point is what happens when you go out. There is a button at the top to transform Loomo from a friendly robot to a friendly one. You can also say Loomo, transform or remove the mobile application. Loomo's head turns and an emotional circle appears on the screen. Loomo is designed to look for faces and bodies to track. Left on your own devices, you will explore like a pet.