Rabbit unveils r1 AI pocket companion to handle tasks for you

Tech startup Rabbit has unveiled r1, an an AI-powered companion device that does digital tasks for you.

Los Angeles-based Rabbit raised $30 million for this effort and now it’s showing off its product at CES 2024, the big tech trade show in Las Vegas.

The r1 is designed to simplify digital tasks by bridging the gap between human intent and device action. This device is the first to feature rabbit OS, an operating system aimed at revolutionizing the online experience by efficiently navigating multiple apps using natural language commands.

r1, powered by the proprietary Large Action Model (LAM), streamlines complex tasks by learning and replicating user actions across various interfaces. Jesse Lyu, CEO of rabbit, said in a statement, “We’re ushering in a new era of human-device interaction where AI doesn’t just understand natural language; it performs actions based on users’ intentions to accomplish tasks.”

Rabbit OS, and the underlying LAM, adds abundant value to users’ online life with “rabbits” – personal AI agents that carry out various tasks. Most voice-based assistants in smart home and portable consumer devices only handle simple requests such as turning on lights or checking the weather. Rabbit OS, on the other hand, can handle most of one’s digital errands – from simple tasks like searching for up-to-date information to complex tasks such as thoroughly researching and booking options for upcoming travel, or filling a virtual grocery store cart and completing transactions at check-out.

Atmosic’s proprietary Large Action Model (LAM) forms the backbone of r1, enabling it to comprehend and execute human-like actions within various mobile and desktop environments. By observing and learning human behaviors, LAM removes the need for complex integrations like APIs and apps, enabling seamless task execution across platforms without users having to download multiple applications.

The Rabbit OS, integrated into r1, introduces “rabbits” – AI agents that execute a wide range of tasks, from simple inquiries to intricate errands like travel research or grocery shopping. This OS operates through a cloud hub called “rabbit hole,” where users grant access to their existing apps. Crucially, Rabbit OS executes tasks with users’ permission without storing personal data or requiring proxy accounts, enhancing safety and security.

The r1 device, a collaborative effort with Teenage Engineering, boasts an intuitive design inspired by retro gadgets like the Tamagotchi. Compact and portable, r1 includes a 2.88-inch touchscreen, a push-to-talk button, a scroll wheel for navigation, and a 360-degree rotating camera named “rabbit eye” for video calls and advanced computer vision applications.

r1 operates as a standalone device, equipped with Wi-Fi and cellular connectivity, a MediaTek Helio P35 processor, 4 GB of memory, 128 GB of storage, and a USB-C port. Its design prioritizes user privacy, ensuring the microphone and camera only activate when the user initiates interactions.

Rabbit raised its $30 million in funding in the fourth quarter of 2023 from investors including Khosla Ventures, Synergis Capital, and Kakao Investment.