At a recent event hosted by FrenchFounders, Jérôme Monceaux, co-founder and CEO of Enchanted Tools, introduced the company's innovative approach to robotics. Known for his involvement in developing humanoid robots such as Nao and Pepper at Aldebaran Robotics, Monceaux presented the flagship project of Enchanted Tools, Mirokaï, to an audience comprising both current and aspiring global leaders. The event, which took place in a vibrant environment of collaboration, also marked the launch of the Futur Leader Pass, aimed at mentoring young French-speaking leaders in business networking.
Enchanted Tools has garnered attention for securing the largest seed funding round in the history of French robotics and receiving the coveted Deeptech label from BPI. The company is one of the 125 startups selected for the French Tech 2030 initiative, with ambitious plans to manufacture 100,000 robots over the next decade, targeting a significant global impact in various sectors.
Mirokaï, the humanoid robot showcased at the event, is positioned as a solution to contemporary challenges in robotics. The design integrates multiple artificial intelligence systems that enable Mirokaï to interact effectively with users, navigate autonomously, and undertake logistical tasks without requiring specialized training. Applications of Mirokaï span several industries, including healthcare and logistics, reflecting a commitment to enhancing operational efficiency.
The unique design of Mirokaï sets it apart from typical robots. It features an interactive face that can react to users, two dexterous arms for handling objects, and an innovative rolling-sphere mobility system. As Monceaux articulated, Mirokaï serves as an “interactive companion” that inspires trust and goodwill through its engaging design and user-friendly interactions. He elaborated on the vision behind these robots, which Enchanted Tools refers to as “synthetic alterities” – entities capable of mimicking intelligent and emotional behaviours to forge deeper connections with humans.
The testing phase of Mirokaï revealed a profound emotional resonance. During one demonstration, multiple robots equipped with interactive gazes responded in unison to Monceaux's presence, highlighting their capacity to reflect human interactions. This development amplifies critical discourse surrounding the nature of human-machine relationships and the ethical dimensions tied to robotics.
Mirokaï's abilities extend into real-world scenarios where its interventions could offer significant benefits, such as providing contextual support to caregivers, preventing incidents in elder care, and streamlining logistics in healthcare environments. The company underscores a strong commitment to mechanical reliability, data security, and ensuring accessibility for untrained users.
The company’s future trajectory includes phased deployments in business-to-business environments starting in 2026, with plans to enhance public accessibility by 2029 at a lower cost. Enchanted Tools aims for international collaboration and seeks to bolster French expertise in the burgeoning field of robotics.
In a landmark initiative, Enchanted Tools has partnered with the Institut du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM) and SIRIC Montpellier Cancer to deploy Mirokaï in paediatric oncology. This collaboration marks a first in the use of humanoid robots in this critical field, where Mirokaï is designed to provide comfort and empathy to young patients undergoing radiotherapy.
Monceaux’s vision encapsulates an inspiring fusion of technological advancement, ethical consideration, and human-centric design. His efforts with Enchanted Tools signal a transformative path for the future of robotics, where harmonious collaboration between humans and machines can redefine contemporary business practices.
Further developments and insights regarding these advancements will be highlighted at the upcoming Humanoids Summit, scheduled for December 11–12 in Mountain View, where attendees can expect a series of conferences and live demonstrations elucidating the future of humanoid technology.
Source: Noah Wire Services