From Novelty to Next-Gen Service: Realbotix Pivots to Embodied AI Solutions

Daily Technology

14/02/2026

Realbotix, a company with roots in adult AI companions, is making a significant shift at CES, transitioning from its origins as a novelty provider to a serious contender in the embodied AI space. The company is now marketing its human-like robots for customer service roles in hospitality, retail, and other industries, signaling a new direction for the firm and raising questions about the future of human-robot interaction.

Key Takeaways

Realbotix, formerly RealDoll, is rebranding to focus on business-to-business applications for its humanoid robots.
The company emphasizes that its robots are not designed for physical intimacy but for customer service and companionship.
Ethical considerations surrounding AI companions and their impact on human relationships are being actively discussed.
Realbotix highlights its proprietary facial technology and modular design as key differentiators.
Pricing ranges from $20,000 for a torso to $125,000 for a full F-Series robot, with a monthly subscription for enterprise monitoring.

The Pivot to Embodied AI

Realbotix, which evolved from the adult AI company RealDoll, is now positioning itself as a provider of next-generation customer-service robots. CEO Andrew Kiguel explained that the company, acquired by his public shell Tokens.com, has bifurcated its operations. Abyss Creations continues the direct-to-consumer business of intimacy devices, while Realbotix focuses on business-to-business applications.

Kiguel stressed that Realbotix robots are not intended for physical intimacy. Instead, their human-like appearance and ability to integrate with various AI platforms, including ChatGPT, make them suitable for tasks like ordering room service, booking reservations, or acting as informational kiosks. The company sees potential in sectors like hospitality, casinos, and retail.

Ethical Considerations and New Use Cases

The transition raises important ethical questions about AI companions. Rabbi Daniel Nivens expressed concerns that romantic robots might diminish people's ability to form relationships with other humans. However, he also acknowledged potential benefits in areas like dementia care, where robots could offer patience and affection.

Realbotix is exploring applications beyond traditional customer service. Kiguel mentioned conversations with schools about using robots as tutoring assistants, emphasizing that they would not be marketed as babysitters or caregivers for minors. The company is also looking into therapeutic applications for U.S. military personnel dealing with combat trauma and has been approached by trucking companies for long-haul drivers seeking companionship.

Technological Innovations and Safety

Realbotix boasts proprietary facial technology, including patents for a modular interchangeable face, robotic vision eyeballs with integral cameras, and magnetically adjustable facial contours. Kiguel highlighted their robotic vision system's ability to read social cues and connect with AI for responsive interactions, differentiating it from standard cameras.

The company is also addressing safety concerns related to AI. While relying on third-party AI providers like Anthropic and OpenAI, Kiguel indicated plans to develop proprietary models with their own safety protocols. The modular design of the robots, allowing for easy replacement of parts like faces and limbs, is another key feature, making them akin to 'Lego' for easy maintenance and travel.

Market Positioning and Pricing

Realbotix aims to make its robots accessible for mainstream business use. Prices start at $20,000 for a robotic torso, suitable for tabletop concierge roles, and can go up to $125,000 for the F-Series model, which features advanced articulation and battery life. An additional $199 monthly subscription is required for enterprise monitoring.

This pricing strategy, coupled with the robots' 24/7 operational capability and lack of human labor costs (sick days, vacations, unions), presents a strong return on investment for businesses. The company's trajectory mirrors historical technological advancements, where innovations initially emerging from niche markets, like the adult entertainment industry, eventually find broader adoption in mainstream applications.

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