SHENZHEN, China, Aug. 16, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Energize Lab's Eiliko AI Charm Bot continues to ride the wave of AI enthusiasm, maintaining its hot streak since launch and quickly becoming another breakout AI hit in the market.
On August 5, Eiliko officially launched on Kickstarter and instantly captivated the tech world — Tiny, talkative, and packed with personality. Eiliko took Kickstarter by storm, achieving 1700% of its funding goal in 24 hours (outperforming 92% of tech projects in first-day funding) with over $170,000 raised from 1,400+ global backers.
Why Traditional AI Robots Fall Short?
Eiliko redefines AI companionship - Unlike traditional AI robots, this charismatic portable buddy travels with users everywhere. It doesn't just chat naturally, but reacts with a unique personality to every interaction, turning coffee breaks and adventures into moments of genuine tech-enhanced connection.
What Makes Eiliko Special?
At the core of Eiliko is an expressive AI personality powered by advanced neural networks. Its infrared sensors enable social bonding with other Eilikos, while swappable bodies personalize its look and personality. Regularly enhanced through software updates, it maintains your unique connection while expanding its interaction library. Early testers report remarkable connections - "Feels like adopting a digital pet," says tech influencer @Medy Renaldy, who received a preview unit. "The emotional responsiveness is unlike any companion device I've tried - hands down the most interactive portable AI robot I've ever encountered"
Key features include:
- AI Chat Companion：Wi-Fi connected for personalized conversations with distinct personality responses
- Expressive Reactions：Head pats, playful shakes, or quick taps trigger lively animations (12+ responses)
- Social Connection Mode：Infrared sensors detect nearby Eilikos, unlocking special "soulmate bonding" (permanent pairing)
- Style & Personality Swap：Themed bodies change both appearance and interaction style (8+ collectible designs)
- Auto-Updates: Regularly enhances interaction capabilities through software upgrades, expanding the library of animations and responses
From Desk to Everywhere
Eilik, Energize Lab's first robot, captured hearts worldwide in unexpected ways. "To our surprise, many of you took Eilik far beyond the desk — to cafés, beaches, even around the world in travel bags," the team recalls. This inspired a simple but powerful question: "What if Eilik could come with you everywhere, a little easier?"
The answer is Eiliko—a pocket-sized AI charm designed for true portability. Clipping seamlessly onto bags, backpacks, or keychains, it delivers the authentic companionship users love. Energize Lab listened to fans who wanted Eilik to chat, equipping Eiliko with advanced AI conversation capabilities-completely subscription-free for life.
Kickstarter campaign now live
Early backers can save up to 41% off retail pricing through Kickstarter.The limited-time offers include exclusive bundles like the Lover Set with Mystery SpinKit and the Deluxe Bundle with the full series collection. Eiliko is designed by Energize Lab, a team pioneering emotional connections through robotics. With multiple successful crowdfunding campaigns behind them, they specialize in creating AI companions that blend cutting-edge technology with an emotionally intelligent design.
Visit our Kickstarter page to learn more and secure your early access: https://store.energizelab.com/pages/eiliko-kickstarter?ref=8y7qlo
About Energize Lab：
Energize Lab is the seasoned robotics team behind the beloved Eilik - a crowdfunded hit with over 300K+ users worldwide, amassed 300M+ views across YouTube, TikTok and Instagram. On May 18, 2023, something remarkable happened - Eilik became the first companion robot to reach space when PASCAL Lab students included a version (designated "E.L.I.A.S") in their experimental spacecraft launch.
The award-winning team has since launched successful follow-ups, including Eilik DQ and Panxer, combining patented robotics with emotional design to redefine human-robot connections.
"The response has been phenomenal," says Shaw Yeung of Energize Lab. "With over 3,000 supporters now backing Eiliko, we're seeing overwhelming validation of our vision - the world is embracing technology that connects on a human level."
For Media Inquiry:
Contact: Energize Lab Team
Kickstarter campaign:
https://store.energizelab.com/pages/eiliko-kickstarter?ref=8y7qlo
Tel: 18926562962
Email: contact.pr@energizelab.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Kickstarter Sensation: Energize Lab's AI Charm Bot Eiliko Hits 3800% of Goal and $380K+ in Funding, with Support from Over 3,000 Backers
Kickstarter Sensation: Energize Lab's AI Charm Bot Eiliko Hits 3800% of Goal and $380K+ in Funding, with Support from Over 3,000 Backers
- Having secured the fully driverless commercial permit in mid-November 2025, the partners have launched fully autonomous ride-hailing service via the AutoGo app.
- Initial operations cover Yas Island, with phased expansion planned for Reem, Al Maryah, and Saadiyat Islands.
- The launch marks a critical step toward the partners' goal of deploying hundreds of vehicles by 2026 and building Abu Dhabi's largest fully driverless fleet.
ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU and HKEX: 9888) today announced that its autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, and AutoGo, a leading UAE-based autonomous mobility company, have officially launched the fully autonomous commercial ride-hailing service in the emirate. The launch of the service, now available via the AutoGo app, marks a major milestone in the commercialization of autonomous driving in the Middle East. The service has launched initially on Yas Island, where users in Abu Dhabi can now download the app to hail fully driverless rides.
The collaboration between Baidu's Apollo Go and K2's AutoGo began in March 2025, when they announced the partnership to build Abu Dhabi's largest fully driverless fleet. Building on that momentum, the companies secured one of the inaugural permits for fully driverless commercial operation in Abu Dhabi in mid-November 2025 and signed a next-phase agreement to scale the fleet to hundreds of vehicles by 2026. With the service now available to the general public through the AutoGo app, the partners are actively advancing their goal of establishing the emirate's largest fully driverless fleet.
"Moving from an initial partnership agreement to launching live, fully driverless operations for the public in a span of just a few months is a remarkable milestone," said Liang Zhang, Managing Director of EMEA at Baidu Apollo. "This speed of execution highlights the technical readiness of Apollo Go, the strong operational capabilities of our partnership, and the steadfast support of local regulatory bodies."
"AutoGo's transition to live robotaxi operations marks an important milestone in Abu Dhabi's autonomous mobility journey," said Sean Teo, Managing Director of K2. "Launching the service at the start of the year reflects our focus on execution and long-term value creation. By introducing robotaxi services in real urban environments and scaling across key districts, we are moving decisively from development to deployment—delivering autonomy that is practical, safe, and ready for everyday use."
The initial operation covers Yas Island, a premier leisure and entertainment hub in Abu Dhabi, now designated as a permitted zone for fully driverless operations. This service allows users to simply download the AutoGo app, request a ride, and experience a journey in a vehicle with no human driver behind the wheel.
Following the initial launch on Yas Island, the service will implement a phased geographic roll-out across Abu Dhabi. The expansion will begin with Reem Island, Al Maryah Island, and Saadiyat Island. Over time, the service will continue to expand across additional areas, with the long-term objective of operating across the wider Abu Dhabi emirate.
Apollo Go's rapid expansion into the UAE is backed by its industry-leading autonomous driving technology and proven real-world operational expertise. As a leading autonomous ride‑hailing service provider globally, Apollo Go has logged more than 240 million autonomous kilometers, of which over 140 million kilometers were completed in fully driverless mode. With a global footprint across 22 cities, Apollo Go's weekly ride count has recently surpassed 250,000, and the service has completed more than 17 million cumulative rides as of October 31, 2025. Looking ahead, Apollo Go and AutoGo will scale fully autonomous commercial ride-hailing services to reach more users and advance Abu Dhabi's smart city vision.
About Baidu
Founded in 2000, Baidu's mission is to make the complicated world simpler through technology. Baidu is a leading AI company with strong Internet foundation, trading on the NASDAQ under "BIDU" and HKEX under "9888." One Baidu ADS represents eight Class A ordinary shares.
Media Contact
intlcomm@baidu.com
ABU DHABI, UAE, Jan. 17, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Baidu, Inc. (NASDAQ: BIDU and HKEX: 9888) today announced that its autonomous ride-hailing service, Apollo Go, and AutoGo, a leading UAE-based autonomous mobility company, have officially launched the fully autonomous commercial ride-hailing service in the emirate. The launch of the service, now available via the AutoGo app, marks a major milestone in the commercialization of autonomous driving in the Middle East. The service has launched initially on Yas Island, where users in Abu Dhabi can now download the app to hail fully driverless rides.
The collaboration between Baidu's Apollo Go and K2's AutoGo began in March 2025, when they announced the partnership to build Abu Dhabi's largest fully driverless fleet. Building on that momentum, the companies secured one of the inaugural permits for fully driverless commercial operation in Abu Dhabi in mid-November 2025 and signed a next-phase agreement to scale the fleet to hundreds of vehicles by 2026. With the service now available to the general public through the AutoGo app, the partners are actively advancing their goal of establishing the emirate's largest fully driverless fleet.
"Moving from an initial partnership agreement to launching live, fully driverless operations for the public in a span of just a few months is a remarkable milestone," said Liang Zhang, Managing Director of EMEA at Baidu Apollo. "This speed of execution highlights the technical readiness of Apollo Go, the strong operational capabilities of our partnership, and the steadfast support of local regulatory bodies."
"AutoGo's transition to live robotaxi operations marks an important milestone in Abu Dhabi's autonomous mobility journey," said Sean Teo, Managing Director of K2. "Launching the service at the start of the year reflects our focus on execution and long-term value creation. By introducing robotaxi services in real urban environments and scaling across key districts, we are moving decisively from development to deployment—delivering autonomy that is practical, safe, and ready for everyday use."
The initial operation covers Yas Island, a premier leisure and entertainment hub in Abu Dhabi, now designated as a permitted zone for fully driverless operations. This service allows users to simply download the AutoGo app, request a ride, and experience a journey in a vehicle with no human driver behind the wheel.
Following the initial launch on Yas Island, the service will implement a phased geographic roll-out across Abu Dhabi. The expansion will begin with Reem Island, Al Maryah Island, and Saadiyat Island. Over time, the service will continue to expand across additional areas, with the long-term objective of operating across the wider Abu Dhabi emirate.
Apollo Go's rapid expansion into the UAE is backed by its industry-leading autonomous driving technology and proven real-world operational expertise. As a leading autonomous ride‑hailing service provider globally, Apollo Go has logged more than 240 million autonomous kilometers, of which over 140 million kilometers were completed in fully driverless mode. With a global footprint across 22 cities, Apollo Go's weekly ride count has recently surpassed 250,000, and the service has completed more than 17 million cumulative rides as of October 31, 2025. Looking ahead, Apollo Go and AutoGo will scale fully autonomous commercial ride-hailing services to reach more users and advance Abu Dhabi's smart city vision.
About Baidu
Founded in 2000, Baidu's mission is to make the complicated world simpler through technology. Baidu is a leading AI company with strong Internet foundation, trading on the NASDAQ under "BIDU" and HKEX under "9888." One Baidu ADS represents eight Class A ordinary shares.
Media Contact
intlcomm@baidu.com
** The press release content is from PR Newswire. Bastille Post is not involved in its creation. **
Baidu's Apollo Go and K2's AutoGo Commence Fully Autonomous Ride-Hailing Service on Yas Island, Announce Phased Expansion Across Abu Dhabi
