Silicon Valley’s robotics and artificial intelligence company Anki have announced they’re bringing the future of consumer robotics to Australia.

Three robotic toys will land on Australian shelves: Cozmo – A small robot with a big brain, and an even bigger personality, is in store now; While Anki Overdrive, the world’s most intelligent robotic battle-racing system, and Anki Overdrive: Fast & Furious Edition, based on the adrenaline-fuelled world of the massively popular Fast & Furious film franchise, will be available in October.

Anki Overdrive being played by kids

Anki Overdrive being played by kids. Image: Supplied

By harnessing the power of robotics and A.I., Anki is bringing a previously unattainable level of intelligence and gameplay to the physical world by blending the best of toys and video games into a unique entertainment experience.

Additionally, Anki frequently updates the apps for Cozmo and Anki OVERDRIVE, meaning there is new content to discover and ways to play year round.  

With a recommended retail price of $319.99, Cozmo is a small bot that fits in the palm of your hand, but don’t underestimate his size; Cozmo has a big brain and an even bigger personality. He’s a real-life robot like you’ve only seen in movies.

“Cozmo is bringing advanced robotics into the home in an engaging and emotive way,” said Boris Sofman, CEO and co-founder of Anki. “He has been intricately designed to have a deep personality and character traits like the robots that we’ve come to love in Hollywood films, and we’re incredibly excited for everyone to meet him.”

Anki co-founders, left to right: Boris Sofman, Hanns Tappeiner, Mark Palatucci

Anki co-founders, left to right: Boris Sofman, Hanns Tappeiner, Mark Palatucci. Image: Supplied

The little robot has a brain that processes more data per second than all the Mars rovers combined. One of the most exciting things about Cozmo is the more he and his human friend get to know each other, the more skilled he’ll become, and the more content Cozmo owners can unlock. Cozmo also comes with a free app, which is compatible with iOS, Android, and Kindle Fire devices. It comes packed with gameplay content and constantly introduces new ways to play.

Cozmo is the result of more than six years of research and development by a team of the best and brightest roboticists, film animators, game developers, and designers. The Anki team also includes Hollywood designer Harald Belker, designer of the Batmobile as well as vehicles from Tron: Legacy and Minority Report.

Cozmo and Anki OVERDRIVE are available to purchase today through JB Hi-Fi and Australian Geographic, and Anki OVERDRIVE: Fast & Furious Edition is available for pre-order only at JB Hi-Fi.

In addition to Cozmo, Anki will be releasing a Cozmo Collector’s Edition in Liquid Metal Finish available exclusively at JB Hi-Fi.