In a surprising turn of events, AI hardware startup Rabbit has defied expectations by selling an impressive 130,000 units of its R1 device, with usage doubling every two weeks. This is a remarkable feat, especially considering the struggles faced by other AI-specific hardware startups like Humane, which has been dubbed a flop by The New York Times. Rabbit’s CEO, Jesse Lyu, attributes the success to the company’s commitment to continuous updates, addressing concerns raised by early reviewers. The R1 device, a pocket-sized gadget with a touchscreen, mic, and camera, connects to AI services over cellular or Wi-Fi, allowing users to ask questions and perform tasks. Lyu is convinced that there is a genuine demand for non-phone and non-app access to AI, and Rabbit’s sales figures seem to support this claim. While the device may not be perfect, with some reviewers calling it “fairly useless” or “over-hyped,” Lyu believes that it’s a step in the right direction, much like the early days of the automobile.
Rabbit’s AI Hardware Surges Ahead
Rabbit wasn’t well received by the tech reviewer crowd either, but the sales results for the R1 have been different, according to the CEO.
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