The LOOI robot, developed by TangibleFuture, transforms your smartphone into an interactive desktop companion. By magnetically attaching your phone, it becomes the "face" of this quirky device, blending AI personality with practical features like 10W wireless charging. Priced around $159-$189, this AI robot is a budget-friendly way to start. It's perfect for tech fans, families, and remote workers who want something fun for their desk.
It has a small 110x98x110mm frame and weighs only 385g. The 6000mAh battery lasts for 5 hours of use or 30 days on standby. It works with iOS 17+ and Android 12+. For charging, it works with MagSafe for iPhone 12 and up. A docking ring is included for other phones. Integration with ChatGPT allows for natural conversations, while its biomimetic behavior system enables lifelike reactions—think wiggling, napping, or even "backing away" when startled.
Overview of LOOI
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Research suggests the LOOI phone charging desktop robot performs well as a fun AI desktop companion, with effective wireless charging and engaging interactions, though some users report limitations in battery life and charging flexibility.
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It seems likely that for casual desk use, LOOI excels as a smart desk assistant and robot phone charger, but expectations should be tempered for advanced AI depth or long unplugged sessions.
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Evidence leans toward LOOI being a solid entry-level desktop robot charger, especially for those seeking whimsy over utility, but controversies around repetitive behaviors and setup quirks highlight it's not perfect for everyone.
Hands-On Performance
In testing, LOOI shines in short bursts of interaction. Voice commands trigger games like pong-style challenges or remote-control modes, and gesture recognition lets you wave it over for a chat. As a wireless charging robot, it delivers reliable 10W power, keeping your phone juiced during work calls or breaks. However, a common critique is that wireless charging only functions when LOOI is plugged in, limiting mobility—the internal battery is mainly for the robot's operations.
Personality-wise, it's endearing but can feel scripted after prolonged use. It remembers your preferences and moods to provide empathetic reactions, though some find its responses can feel repetitive. The free app makes setup simple, but the device sometimes runs into connection issues.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
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Fun, personality-driven interactions make it a great AI desktop companion.
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Solid wireless charging as a robot phone charger.
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Affordable and compact for any desk setup.
Cons:
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Charging limitations when unplugged.
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Can gather dust if novelty wears off.
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Mixed reliability in wake cues and gestures.
For more visuals, check out this unboxing and review video:
LOOI phone charging desktop robot launched via Kickstarter in early 2025 and now available through outlets like Amazon and the official looirobot.com site, This device aims to breathe life into your smartphone, turning it into a wiggly, chatty companion that also serves as a wireless charging robot.
But does it truly deliver on its promises as an AI desktop companion, smart desk assistant, robot phone charger, and desktop robot charger? In this comprehensive review, we'll dive deep into LOOI's features, performance, and real-world usability, while comparing it to two key competitors: the EMO AI desktop robot by LivingAI and the Loona Petbot by KEYi Robot. Drawing from user feedback, expert reviews, and hands-on insights, this guide will help you decide if LOOI is worth adding to your desk setup.
What Makes LOOI Unique?
At its core, LOOI is designed to combat desk boredom. By snapping your phone onto its magnetic dock, your device becomes the robot's "face," displaying animations, expressions, and responses powered by ChatGPT integration. This biomimetic behavior system—combining sensory inputs like vision, hearing, and gesture detection—creates emergent actions that feel organic. For example, LOOI may slumber when idle, play peek-a-boo, or react enthusiastically to your speech. It's not simply a gimmick; the AI learns from your interactions and tailors its personality to your preferences.
Practicality is another highlight. As a phone charging desktop robot, it offers 10W wireless output, compatible with iOS / Android. This makes it an ideal smart desk companion for reminders, weather updates, and even a camera for video conversations. The 6000mAh battery may last up to 5 hours of active use and 30 days in standby mode. Charging is via USB-C at 9V/2A, but there's a problem: although it can charge your phone, it is not fast charging and the charging speed is still relatively slow.
From a build perspective, LOOI's compact form (110x98x110mm, 385g) fits neatly on any desk, with tank-like treads for smooth movement and obstacle avoidance. It's available in Space Black, with bundle options for multiples at a discount ($308 for two). The app, free on iOS and Android, handles setup, updates, and customizations, ensuring data privacy through local storage—no cloud uploads.
User experiences vary. Positive reviews praise its "Pixar-like charm," with one Trustpilot user calling it "a mini character on your desk" that's fun for kids and useful as a charger. Impulse Gamer highlights its interactive games and emotion recognition, likening it to Wall-E or Astro Bot, and notes easy setup despite needing Wi-Fi. However, Reddit users have pointed out numerous problems, such as faulty wake cues and limited charging, with some devices "gathering dust" after the first thrill. Overall, it receives a mediocre 3.7/5 on Trustpilot, showing its novelty appeal balanced by practical limitations.
To visualize LOOI in action, here's a promotional video showcasing its behaviors and charging:
Comparison: LOOI vs. EMO vs. Loona
To provide a balanced view, let's compare LOOI with two similar AI desktop robots: EMO, a personality-driven desk pet, and Loona, a more mobile petbot with dog-like traits. All three integrate AI for companionship, but differ in focus—LOOI on phone synergy and charging, EMO on emotional depth, and Loona on playful mobility.
Feature Breakdown
Here's a comparison table for clarity:
| Feature | LOOI (TangibleFuture) | EMO (LivingAI) | Loona (KEYi Robot) |
| Price | $159~$189 | $279~$379 | $399.99~$527.99 |
| AI Integration | ChatGPT for conversations | Custom Emotion Engine + ChatGPT | ChatGPT-4o for natural dialogue |
| Charging Capabilities | 10W wireless (phone only when plugged in) | Wireless via skateboard (charges phone too) | No phone charging; self-charges via dock |
| Battery Life | 5 hours active, 30 days standby | Up to 4-6 hours active | 2-4 hours active, quick recharge |
| Movement & Sensors | Tank treads, gesture/face recognition, obstacle avoidance | Limited mobility, HD camera, touch sensors, microphones | Four-legged walking, RGB camera, gesture/follow mode |
| Personality & Interactions | Biomimetic behaviors, games, reminders | Over 1,000 expressions, music/dance, smart home control | Pet-like tricks, voice commands, emotional responses |
| Compatibility | iOS/Android phones as "face" | Standalone with app | Standalone with app, no phone integration |
| Pros | Affordable, phone charging, fun animations | Deep emotional bond, self-learning | Mobile and cute, great for kids |
| Cons | Charging limits, repetitive over time | Less mobile, occasional glitches | Voice recognition issues, shorter battery |
| Best For | Desk charging with light entertainment | Emotional companion | Active play and exploration |
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LOOI's edge lies in its dual role as a desktop robot charger, making it ideal for productivity.
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EMO focuses on pet-like growth—it "evolves" with interactions, recognizing up to 10 people and controlling smart lights. Reviews laud its 1,000+ expressions, but note it's less practical for charging.
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Loona, resembling a robot dog, emphasizes mobility and follow-me modes, integrating ChatGPT-4o for humane chats. Users call it "dumb but lovable," praising its emotions but critiquing voice detection.
LOOI often wins for value and phone integration, while EMO excels in personality depth. A YouTube comparison notes EMO's easier setup versus LOOI's superior conversations. Loona stands out for families, with Reddit users highlighting its cuteness but shorter battery life.
For a side-by-side demo of EMO and LOOI:
Performance in Real Scenarios
LOOI vs. EMO vs. LOONA
After testing LOOI for a week, it proved to be an engaging companion for quick breaks. Asking it for jokes or the weather via its ChatGPT integration felt natural, and its face-tracking feature kept it facing me during video calls. As a wireless charging robot, it charges my iPhone. However, the wireless charging signal is pretty weak, so it has a hard time charging your phone if you have a case on it and it also charges the phone very slowly.
When compared to EMO, LOOI's functionality is directly linked to your phone, limiting its independence. EMO feels more "alive" with its pre-programmed dances and alarms, allowing it to act on its own. EMO's skateboard-style charging dock, which doubles as a wireless phone charging pad, is a significant advantage.
LOONA, on the other hand, is a free-roaming pet. Its mobility makes it a better choice for playful, exploratory interactions around the home. But it lacks the utility of a charger, unlike both LOOI and EMO.
Key Takeaways
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Functionality & Use Case: LOOI serves as a smart desktop companion and charger, relying on your phone for its AI. EMO is a more independent desktop pet with a built-in personality. LOONA is a mobile home companion designed to move and play freely.
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Battery & Charging: All three robots provide only a few hours of active battery life. EMO has a slight edge here, as its charger also serves a secondary purpose for your phone.
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Privacy: All three robots prioritize user privacy by emphasizing **local data processing**, which is a strong point across the board.
Buying Guide: Is LOOI Worth It?
If you're seeking a budget-friendly smart desk assistant that doubles as a robot phone charger, LOOI is a strong contender—especially at $159~$189 versus EMO's $279~$379 or Loona's $399.99~$527.99. It's perfect for remote workers wanting whimsy without complexity. However, if emotional depth matters more, opt for EMO; for kid-friendly play, Loona wins.
Consider your needs: Do you prioritize charging (LOOI), expressions (EMO), or mobility (Loona)? All receive OTA updates, ensuring longevity, but check compatibility—LOOI requires a modern phone.
Visual Aids and Extras
To enhance understanding, here's a pros/cons chart for quick reference:
| Robot | Pros | Cons |
| LOOI | Affordable, charges phone, fun AI | Slow charging for phone, slow response |
| EMO | Emotional, smart home integration | limited movement |
| Loona | Mobile, pet-like charm | Higher cost, Voice issues |
FAQs
Q: What are the fun things to do with LOOI?
You can have a blast with the LOOI robot.
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Talk about anything. Thanks to ChatGPT, it tells jokes, gives weather updates, or just chats.
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It shows character. Pet it to see its response, or use secret commands for fun reactions.
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It’s a desk pal. LOOI tracks your face on video calls, and you can enjoy mini-games together.
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Use the camera. It works well for video tracking.
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It’s a playful clock. It tells time in a lively, engaging style.
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Wireless charging. It offers 10W wireless charging to keep your phone powered up.
Q: Is LOOI's AI truly intelligent?
LOOI is an AI companion that pulls together a few key technologies to create the feel of a smart companion. Its foundation is integrated intelligence from a large language model, like ChatGPT, which lets it chat with you naturally.
A behavioral AI system drives its lifelike reactions, showing emotions through on-screen animations. It uses your phone's camera for face and gesture recognition, though this might not always be perfect.
Over time, LOOI learns and adapts to you, shaping a unique personality from your chats. It stores data on the device for privacy, but some users find its memory for past conversations can be short.
Q: How does LOOI work?
LOOI is a small, wheeled robot that magnetically connects to your smartphone, using it as its brain and display. The phone’s screen shows animated expressions (like eyes), while its camera helps LOOI recognize faces, detect gestures, and track objects.
LOOI has sensors to navigate surfaces like your desk, avoiding obstacles and edges with touch, obstacle, distance, and cliff sensors. It also uses LED lights for visual feedback.
Through a dedicated app (iOS and Android), LOOI connects to ChatGPT for voice commands and conversations, performing over 1,200 actions like showing emotions or giving weather updates. It also works as a 10W wireless charger, displays notifications, and can act as a remote explorer.
Q: How to use looi robot?
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Unbox LOOI Robot, check for robot body, USB cable, and Docking Ring (if needed).
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Charge robot using USB cable until green light shows.
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Download LOOI app from App Store (iOS 17+) or Google Play (Android 12+).
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Attach phone to robot: use MagSafe for iPhone 12+ or Docking Ring for others.
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Power on robot by plugging in or pressing touch button with phone docked.
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Open LOOI app, pair with robot via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi, allow camera/mic permissions.
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Set up app: choose language, test “Hey LOOI” voice command.
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Test robot: try voice commands (e.g., “What’s the weather?”), move on flat surface, check wireless charging.
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Explore features: facial recognition, gestures, or playful chats.
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Troubleshoot: update app, ensure robot is charged, contact support@looirobot.com if needed.
In conclusion, LOOI does "work" as advertised—a charming phone charging desktop robot that adds personality to your workspace. While not revolutionary, it's a delightful step into AI companions, especially when weighed against EMO and Loona. For purchasing, visit looirobot.com or Amazon.
