Nubia is taking a different route with iMoochi, an AI pet robot designed to communicate without copying a human voice. Rather than sounding like a conventional smart assistant, it uses purrs, small laughs, animated eyes, and body movements to create a pet-like presence.
The product is positioned as an emotional companion rather than a device focused primarily on practical voice commands. Its AI is intended to recognize interaction habits and respond to the emotional context of conversations over time.
A pet-like character built through movement
The outer body of Nubia iMoochi uses soft, skin-friendly plush material, while its face is covered by a silicone mask. Two OLED displays form the eyes and show changing expressions, with an under-display sensor adjusting brightness to surrounding light conditions.
A stepper motor gives the robot physical gestures, allowing it to nod, shake its head, and wag its tail during interactions. These movements are central to how iMoochi conveys reactions without relying on an AI voice that imitates human speech.
Nubia developed a dedicated iMoochi language with professional voice actors. The audio is made up largely of purring, light laughter, and animal-style vocalizations intended to avoid the awkwardness of overly human-sounding digital voices.
Touch and voice recognition shape interactions
The AI Pet Robot includes five touch sensors located on its head, back, nose, and feet. A six-axis inertial sensor also detects when the unit is lifted, shaken, or carried to another location.
Multiple microphones support sound direction detection, enabling iMoochi to physically react toward the person speaking. Its AI model is designed to analyze both the meaning of a conversation and the emotional context that accompanies it.
Voiceprint recognition enables the device to identify its primary owner and build a familiarity score alongside an interaction history. Nubia has also prepared daily behavioral rhythms, which may include yawning, reacting to temperature changes, or initiating play sessions independently.
Two versions and their prices in China
| Version | Price in China | Included extra |
|---|---|---|
| Standard iMoochi | 1,699 yuan | Device and standard accessories |
| iMoochi with dock | 1,778 yuan | Cloud-shaped charging dock |
iMoochi is offered in Brown, Pink, and White color options. The standard package includes a charging cable, protective cover, comb, eye cover, and a birth certificate card.
Nubia also offers interactive clothing as an additional accessory. The clothing can unlock specific visual effects and expressions on the OLED displays, changing the robot’s appearance according to what it wears.
Wi-Fi, 4G, and app-based monitoring
According to Gizmochina, iMoochi supports both Wi-Fi and 4G networks, with 4G data service for a certain period included with the purchase. This 4G Connectivity allows the robot to remain connected when it is away from a local Wi-Fi network.
The device also has NFC for tap-to-connect interactions with other iMoochi units. Its battery is claimed to last around eight to 10 hours on a single charge.
Owners can pair the device with the iMoochi Life app to monitor companionship duration, the robot’s emotional status, and saved interaction records. The app serves as the central place for tracking the relationship built between the device and its owner.