Sue Ennis, former Bitcoin industry figure, now runs a company building AI companion robots. She draws a direct parallel: the space feels like crypto in 2016—new tech scaling fast with zero regulatory framework.
The robots aren't toys. They're being deployed in healthcare settings and classrooms. Real buyers span elderly care facilities to individuals seeking companionship. One woman is reportedly married to an AI.
Ennis addresses the obvious questions: Can machines replace human connection? How do you prevent the AI from going off the rails? What about data privacy?
Physically, these aren't the dolls anyone grew up with. The company has already built prototypes deemed "too rude" and pulled them. Celebrity licensing requests are coming in.
Ennis herself uses the product. Her 10-year outlook: this category explodes, likely facing the same regulatory reckoning crypto eventually hit.
The comparison isn't casual—both industries emerged in ethical gray zones, grew faster than oversight, and forced society to ask uncomfortable questions about what we're willing to automate.
The robots aren't toys. They're being deployed in healthcare settings and classrooms. Real buyers span elderly care facilities to individuals seeking companionship. One woman is reportedly married to an AI.
Ennis addresses the obvious questions: Can machines replace human connection? How do you prevent the AI from going off the rails? What about data privacy?
Physically, these aren't the dolls anyone grew up with. The company has already built prototypes deemed "too rude" and pulled them. Celebrity licensing requests are coming in.
Ennis herself uses the product. Her 10-year outlook: this category explodes, likely facing the same regulatory reckoning crypto eventually hit.
The comparison isn't casual—both industries emerged in ethical gray zones, grew faster than oversight, and forced society to ask uncomfortable questions about what we're willing to automate.