TCL, whose brand message is “Inspire Greatness”, unveiled its latest AI robot, Ai Me, at CES 2025, and it was the center of attention at IFA 2025.
More than just a voice assistant, this device is designed to be our “emotional” partner. This article details its revolutionary modular structure and AIOS, which suggests a linkage with Google Gemini, based on the latest primary information.
- Product Overview: Features and Basic Structure
- Summary of key points
- rough conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Specifications summary (detailed version)
- Reviews (word of mouth and expectations)
- Overall Evaluation: Attractiveness and Challenges
- Comparison with “Mia,” a talking cat-shaped robot
- summary
Product Overview: Features and Basic Structure
TCL Ai Me is the world’s first “modular” (combination of parts) AI companion robot. Its adorable looks are based on the owl, a symbol of wisdom, and its large digital eyes blink emotionally and make eye contact with the user, dispelling the coldness inherent in digital devices.
Three cores of “intelligence transfer.”
Ai Me’s greatest feature is that its “core,” which is the brain of the AI, is independent and can be replaced with three different bases (foundations) depending on the application.
- Baby Core: The main unit in the home. Combined with an autonomous driving base, it can move freely around the room, keep an eye on the family, and automatically take vlogs when the AI recognizes a smile.
- Mini Core: A compact unit designed to be portable. It can be used as a work partner at your desk or as an AI assistant on the go.
- Drive Core: A unit that dramatically changes the in-car experience. Installed in the dashboard of the car, it operates navigation, detects driver fatigue, and acts as a talking companion.
Summary of key points
What is TCL Ai Me?
- Fusion of “emotion” and “intelligence”: Advanced object recognition and emotion analysis AI can detect the user’s mood and react to it based on the user’s facial expressions.
- Affinity with the Google ecosystem: seamless AI integration is expected to follow the trend of Google Gemini being included in TCL TVs in 2025.
- The heart of the smart home: TCL’s proprietary AIOS enables home appliance operation via the Matter standard, etc.
good point
- Life-like design: more than 30 different facial expression patterns and adorable neck-turning physical movements.
- Premium texture: The exterior of DriveCore is made of Alcantara, an Italian material used in luxury cars.
- Auto-Vlog function: AI automatically edits and saves family memories.
points of concern
- Conceptual stage barrier: Prototypes are mainly exhibited at this time, and the release date and final price of the mass-produced version have not yet been announced.
- Privacy concerns: Users are highly concerned about the security of data processing because of the constant camera operation.
Users who may be suitable for
- Early adopters of the latest AI gadgets: those who want to be among the first to experience the lifestyle of the future.
- Households with children: Those who wish to document their children’s growth in a natural way.
- Those who are particular about the texture of their gadgets, those who prefer high-end materials such as Alcantara.
rough conclusion
The “next-generation AI partner that connects the home, outside, car, and all other aspects of life with a single ‘intelligence’ and stays close to you as a member of the family.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
First, check the main points:
- Price: Undecided at this time (concept stage).
- Can do: Conversation, watch over, automatic vlogging, appliance operation, in-car assistance.
- Supported OS: Proprietary AIOS (will work with Google Gemini).
- Disadvantages: Concerns about cost of implementation and privacy concerns.
- Update: Supports software updates via OTA.
What is the price?
Undecided at this time, TCL is currently exhibiting this product as a concept model at trade shows in various countries and is adjusting final specifications and pricing based on market response. Due to the structure of combining multiple modules, it is expected that the core and base will be purchased individually as well as in bulk sets.
What exactly can you do?
Ai Me is a versatile AI assistant. In the home, the “Auto-Vlog” function recognizes smiling family members and creates short videos, and watches over pets while they are away from home. In the in-car unit, it also provides safe driving support by detecting when the driver is drowsy and alerting the driver.
What are the supported operating systems and software platforms?
TCL’s proprietary AIOS . It is worth noting that TCL has announced that it will integrate Google Gemini into 2025 model TVs and other products. This is expected to enable Ai Me to also have very advanced natural language processing and deep integration with Google services.
Are there any disadvantages or concerns?
The biggest concern is privacy. The challenge is how secure users will feel about a constantly operating camera and microphone. In addition, because they are multifunctional and modular, the cost of installing a full set may be more expensive than a typical smart speaker.
Are there any software updates available?
Yes, OTA (Over-The-Air) updates are supported. The system is designed to constantly deliver the latest AI models, new facial expression effects, and functional enhancements via the Internet, allowing the robot to continue to be used as a “growing robot” long after purchase.
Q. How does Ai Me “learn”?
A. The system learns about the environment through daily interaction with the user and through object recognition.
It not only identifies the faces of family members, but also remembers individual preferences and makes personalized suggestions (music playback, schedule notifications).
Specifications summary (detailed version)
| (data) item | Detailed specifications (based on exhibition prototype) |
| Manufacturer | TCL |
| Product name | Ai Me |
| AI Infrastructure | TCL AIOS (suggested Google Gemini linkage) |
| Main sensors | 4K wide-angle camera, LiDAR, microphone array, depth sensor |
| raw materials | Reinforced plastic, Italian Alcantara (Drive Core) |
| communication | Wi-Fi 6E / Bluetooth 5.3 / 5G support |
| Distinctive features | Expression effects (over 30 types), Auto-Vlog, object recognition, smart home integration |
Reviews (word of mouth and expectations)
These are the reactions of media and users who saw the products in person at CES 2025 and IFA 2025.
It’s one of the most impressive things I’ve seen at CES. It’s normal for a robot to have a camera, but when it’s presented with owl-like ‘eyes,’ the sense of being watched mysteriously disappears, and you accept it as a character.”
(Source: Abt.com Blog – Meet the TCL Ai Me )
The modular concept is very smart. You can get into a car with just the AI core inside, and the same assistant will work inside the car. I think this is the true ‘companion.
(Source: Durov’s Code – TCL’s Ai Me Review )
The Alcantara-finished drive unit has a surprisingly high quality feel. It’s not just a plastic toy, it’s a lifestyle product.”
(Source: PR TIMES – ALCANTARA x TCL Partnership )
Overall Evaluation: Attractiveness and Challenges
Attraction: Continuity of Experience
Until now, AI robots have been “only in the house” and complete, but AI Me can move around while maintaining the context (context) of the user by moving its core. This is a major step toward elevating AI from “tool” to “partner.
Challenge: Milestones toward practical application
As this is a very ambitious project, there are concerns about how the complex modular structure will affect failure rates and prices, and we hope that TCL’s vision of “bringing warmth to technology” will be realized at a price affordable to the average consumer.
Comparison with “Mia,” a talking cat-shaped robot
| Comparison items | TCL Ai Me (futuristic and multifunctional) | Cat shaped robot “Mia” (healing, specialized type) |
| Appearance and Design | Owl-shaped. Features digital eyes. | Cat Shape. Emphasis on familiarity, including custom hats. |
| Technical Features | Modular. Move, shoot, operate appliances. | Specialized in dialect dialogue, with over 100 different facial expressions. |
| Main applications | Practical assistance, security, and interior. | Daily healing and communication in dialect. |
| price range | High price range (forecast) | 9,800 yen (tax included) and up (easy to purchase) |
| longevity | Continue to use it with the evolution of functions. | Stay close for a long time with the warmth of attachment and dialect. |
Key points of comparison: Mia emphasizes “warmth that accompanies daily life. With its unique Japanese dialect of speech and affordable price of less than 10,000 yen, it is a suitable choice for those who want to easily incorporate everyday healing and familiarity.
👇 Talking cat-shaped robot “Mia” that speaks 47 dialects nationwide
summary
TCL Ai Me is a very exciting concept that embodies the future of living with AI. The experience of “always having a presence by your side, whether at home or in the car, that understands you,” may well become the standard for smart living in the future.
Further information on the commercialization of the product is awaited, and TCL’s official website also details its design story.
View the design story of the 👇 owl-shaped next-generation AI partner, TCL Ai Me.
TCL Ai Me Official Design Story (English)
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