Former Boston Dynamics strategy chief Marc Theermann unveils Hugo, a companion robot from his startup Dynamic Creatures
Introducing Hugo: the first human companion robot. At Boston Dynamics, I was Chief Strategy Officer, bringing robots into the real world. My co-founder, Farbod Farshidian, led research at the RAI Institute. Together, 15+ years teaching robots to run, jump, and work. So we asked: what if robots could connect with people? Hugo runs on the first Vision-Language-Expression (VLE) model. He links what he sees and hears to movement, expression, and gesture. He notices you, reads the room, and reacts in real time. And he's only the first. Dynamic Creatures is @BostonDynamics' official entertainment and hospitality partner. We're building a cast of characters with film studios, resorts, and theme parks.
Context
Robots built to interact with people in hotels and theme parks are a different market from industrial robots, and Boston Dynamics is backing this one as a partner.
This is a first hand launch post from the startup's cofounder, and calling Hugo the first human companion robot and the first Vision Language Expression model are the company's own claims. Reports describe Hugo as a prototype.
Deep dive
On October 16, Marc Theermann posted: Introducing Hugo, the first human companion robot. He wrote that he was Chief Strategy Officer at Boston Dynamics, bringing robots into the real world, and that his cofounder Farbod Farshidian led research at the RAI Institute, giving them more than 15 years of teaching robots to run, jump and work.
He said Hugo runs on what he called the first Vision Language Expression model, which links what the robot sees and hears to movement, expression and gesture, so it notices people, reads the room and reacts in real time. He said Dynamic Creatures is Boston Dynamics' official entertainment and hospitality partner and is building a cast of characters with film studios, resorts and theme parks.
Boston Dynamics has published its own announcement of the partnership. The Boston Globe reported on October 13 that the company makes robotic mascots, and summaries describe Hugo as a prototype living character for hotels, theme parks and retail that can walk among people, answer questions and offer hugs.
The post does not give pricing, availability or named customers.
What to expect next
Watch for the first venues to deploy Hugo, and for any named film studio or theme park partners.
Also watch how the robot handles safety around crowds and children, what the Vision Language Expression model actually does in unscripted settings, and whether rivals such as Disney's robotics teams respond with similar characters. Pricing and leasing terms will show whether it can reach beyond flagship venues.