The technology world was abuzz this month as start-up Rabbit Inc. unveiled its latest creation, the R1 device, a handheld gadget powered by artificial intelligence (AI) that aims to revolutionize the way we interact with AI beyond smartphones and computers. Priced at $199, the R1 has quickly gained popularity, with five batches of pre-orders selling out since its launch at CES 2024 earlier this month.
Rabbit, founded by Chinese technology entrepreneur Jesse Lyu Cheng, has caught the attention of consumers and tech media alike with its palm-sized orange box. Despite not exhibiting at CES, the timely launch has propelled Rabbit into the spotlight. The company recently announced pre-orders for a sixth batch of 50,000 R1 devices, following the sell-out of their latest batch of 10,000 units.
The success of Rabbit’s R1 device is part of a larger trend in the technology industry. Since the launch of ChatGPT in 2022, which introduced large language models (LLMs) and generative AI to the public, there has been a race among start-ups and tech giants to develop the next generation of AI-powered devices that can revolutionize human-machine interaction.
Handset makers like Xiaomi and Huawei, as well as laptop makers such as Dell, Lenovo, and HP, are all banking on AI-powered devices this year. Jesse Lyu Cheng, the CEO of Rabbit, had a vision of bringing a dedicated AI-powered device to billions of consumers. In a product launch video, he explained that while recent advancements in LLMs have made it easier for machines to understand people, there is still a struggle to get things done. Rabbit sought to create a device that could trigger actions on behalf of users across all environments, including iOS, Android, and desktop.
In collaboration with design firm Teenage Engineering, Rabbit has created a device that combines vintage aesthetics with cutting-edge technology. The R1 has a pressable scroll wheel for accessing built-in functions, including voice controls, and features a rotating camera for capturing photos and videos. With a weight of just 115 grams and a size that easily fits into a pocket, the R1 is designed to be portable and convenient.
The standout feature of the R1 is its unique operating system, based on a proprietary “large action model.” This model, developed in-house by Rabbit, is designed to learn user intentions and behavior. By observing how a user interacts with apps like food delivery or ride-hailing services, the R1 can then perform the same actions on command.
The R1 launch video, posted on YouTube on January 9, has already received over 4.8 million views and 56,000 likes, highlighting the excitement surrounding Rabbit’s innovative device. The company has also secured significant funding, raising $36 million from investors in the US, Canada, and South Korea.
Jesse Lyu Cheng, the mastermind behind Rabbit, has an impressive entrepreneurial background. He studied financial mathematics at Xian Jiaotong-Liverpool University in Suzhou and the University of Liverpool in the UK. Lyu has been on Forbes' 30 Under 30 Entrepreneurs list twice and previously founded a smart home AI device maker called Raven Tech, which was acquired by Baidu in 2017.
Rabbit’s R1 device marks the latest advancement in AI-powered technology, offering users a new way to interact with AI. With its success at CES 2024 and the growing interest from consumers, Rabbit is poised to make a significant impact in the tech industry. As the world continues to embrace AI, the possibilities for innovative devices like the R1 are endless.
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