Tech firms make robots cute to win human trust
Feb 23rd 2026
Delivery bots, companion lamps and household machines are being designed with big eyes, rounded shapes and voices to encourage acceptance, while experts warn of privacy and emotional risks.
- Designers use rounded shapes, large eyes and sounds to signal friendliness and intent.
- DoorDash built Dot with big eyes, rounded features and signals to help pedestrians and it operates now in the Phoenix area.
- Startups are making petlike companions and interactive devices that learn user preferences and show personality.
- Companies try to avoid the uncanny valley by keeping robots stylized rather than hyperrealistic.
- Researchers warn cute design can foster emotional attachment and raise privacy and safety concerns for children and elderly users.
- Industry growth is driven by AI software advances even as robotics hardware catches up