Nubia has officially launched the iMoochi in China, an AI-powered pet robot designed for emotional companionship rather than standard voice assistant tasks. First teased by ZTE at MWC 2026, the device is now available starting at 1,699 yuan ($250), or 1,778 yuan ($262) bundled with a cloud-shaped charging dock.
Nubia iMoochi Specifications
Instead of functioning like a traditional smart speaker, the iMoochi is designed to act like a digital pet. The hardware features a plush, skin-friendly exterior paired with a durable silicone face mask. Its eyes are dual OLED displays that render dynamic facial expressions and utilize under-display sensors to automatically adjust brightness based on ambient lighting. Inside, the robot is equipped with stepper motors that allow it to nod, shake its head, and wag its tail in response to user interactions.
Interaction is driven by a combination of physical sensors and an emotion-understanding AI model. The iMoochi has five touch sensors located on its head, back, nose, and feet, along with a six-axis inertial sensor that detects when the device is being lifted, shaken, or carried. Multiple microphones enable directional sound detection, allowing the robot to physically react to where a voice is coming from.
On the software side, the AI model is designed to analyze both the semantic meaning and emotional context of conversations. It uses voiceprint recognition to identify its primary owner, building a familiarity score and interaction history over time. To avoid the uncanny valley effect often associated with human-like AI voices, Nubia opted for a custom iMoochi language developed with professional voice actors. The audio profile consists mostly of pet-like vocalizations, purrs, and giggles. The software is also programmed to simulate a daily rhythm, prompting the robot to yawn, react to temperature changes, or initiate play sessions autonomously.
For connectivity, the iMoochi includes built-in Wi-Fi and 4G network support, with a period of 4G data service included with the purchase so it can operate outside of local wireless networks. It also features NFC for tap-to-connect interactions with other iMoochi units. The internal battery is rated for 8 to 10 hours of use per charge.
The device pairs with the iMoochi Life mobile app, which lets users track companionship duration, monitor the robot’s emotional status, and save interaction records. The pet comes in three colors: Brown, Pink, and White. The standard box includes a charging cable, protective cover, comb, eye mask, and a birth certificate card. Nubia is also selling optional interactive outfits that unlock specific visual effects and expressions on the OLED displays.
In related news, Lenovo has recently introduced an AI-powered gadget for kids featuring a flip camera, GPS tracking, and an SOS button.
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(JD)
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