Dorothy

Several new AI-driven and robotic assistants are gaining attention for their ability to integrate into daily life, with Moltbot—an open-source virtual assistant previously known as Clawdbot—drawing users seeking always-on AI support via platforms like WhatsApp, despite significant security risks. Meanwhile, Fauna Robotics has unveiled Sprout, a 3.5-foot-tall humanoid robot with a soft, padded exterior and expressive features modeled after sci-fi icons like Baymax, designed to be “physically safe and socially approachable.” In a separate development, wearable robotic exoskeletons are being tested by early adopters for mobility assistance, with one journalist reporting they used such a device to walk extensively at a major tech event. While all sources acknowledge the growing presence of these technologies, they differ in emphasis and tone. Left-leaning outlets like Wired and The Verge highlight the futuristic appeal and user experience, framing these innovations as exciting advancements that feel like “the future,” with less focus on potential downsides. Ars Technica, a center-leaning source, underscores the security vulnerabilities and risks associated with Moltbot’s broad access to personal files and accounts, presenting a more cautious perspective. The Verge also covers the practical utility of wearable robotics in real-world settings, while other reports focus more on conceptual design or AI integration—reflecting a spectrum of interest from consumer experience to technical risk.