Yogi is the flagship robot from Cartwheel Robotics, designed to bring companionship and emotional connection into everyday spaces like homes and hospitality venues. Unlike traditional industrial machines, Yogi is a small, humanoid robot with toddler-like proportions and a soft, chubby appearance that radiates approachability and warmth. Created with a focus on social interaction, Yogi features a unique blend of expressive AI, soft robotics, and trust-centered design. Its advanced artificial intelligence allows it to communicate through both natural language and full-body gestures, thanks to Cartwheel’s proprietary Motion Language Model (MLM), which enables real-time, emotionally resonant physical responses. The robot is intended not just to perform simple tasks but to serve as a joyful and emotionally intelligent companion. Scott LaValley, the founder of Cartwheel Robotics, brings deep experience from Boston Dynamics and Disney Imagineering, envisioning Yogi as a lovable character rather than just a machine. Currently in the prototype stage, Yogi may be offered via a monthly service model, making it more accessible while still priced above most household appliances. As development progresses, Yogi is expected to evolve into a more capable general-purpose household robot. Alongside Yogi, Cartwheel is also working on a simpler companion robot called Speedy, which could launch sooner.
