Vector Robot by Anki Review: A Quirky Little Companion with Alexa Built-In

I recently spent two weeks testing the Vector Robot by Anki. It's a compact little gadget with big promises, from facial recognition to voice commands, and even Amazon Alexa integration. At first glance, it seemed like a gadget-lovers dream, but I wanted to find out if it holds up in everyday use.

Vector is marketed as a robot that can hang out with you and help out in small ways at home. He's got a sleek black design and is packed with technology that makes him interactive and responsive. From telling the weather to playing blackjack, Vector seems like a fun addition to any home setup.

What sets Vector apart is his personality. He isn't just a static device but interacts with his surroundings in a way that feels almost life-like. That's a bold claim, so I was curious to see just how 'alive' this little robot could be. With a price tag that might make you pause, the big question is: what's it really like to live with Vector?

So, how does Vector stack up on all fronts? Let's dive into the details and see where this robot shines and where it falls short.

When evaluating Vector's value for money, you have to weigh his features against the price. At first glance, the price tag may seem a bit steep, especially for a device that's more of a novelty than a necessity. However, if you're into tech gadgets and enjoy having interactive devices around the house, Vector offers a unique experience.

The integration with Alexa adds a lot of functionality, although you might wonder why not just use a standalone Echo device. The answer lies in Vector's personality and interactivity. He's a fun gadget to have around, especially if you're into the idea of a 'pet' robot that adds a bit of fun to daily life.

The ChatGPT integration is a recent feature that could enhance Vector's capabilities if you're willing to pay for the subscription. It adds a layer of intelligent conversation that you don't get with basic Alexa commands. If you value that level of interaction, Vector might be a worthwhile investment.

In the end, Vector isn't for everyone. If you're looking for a highly functional smart home device, you might find better value elsewhere. But for those interested in tech and robotics, Vector offers a pretty solid experience that's more about enjoyment than utility.

On the design front, Vector is compact and sturdy, weighing in at just 5.6 ounces. Its dimensions—3.93 x 2.36 x 2.73 inches—make it small enough to fit comfortably on a desk or a shelf. The black color gives it a sleek look, and the expressive LED eyes add to its personality. It's clear that Anki has put effort into making Vector appealing both in appearance and build.

The design isn't just about looks, though. Vector's smart camera and sensors are well-integrated into the design, giving it the ability to recognize faces and map its surroundings. This is where Vector's build truly serves its function—it's not just a pretty face. The materials used feel premium enough for a gadget in its price range, although they aren't groundbreaking.

In practice, Vector's design facilitates his autonomous functions. He can navigate around objects and avoid edges pretty effectively, making him a safe addition to a home with lots of furniture. The docking station is simple and does the job, ensuring Vector stays charged and ready to interact.

Overall, Vector's design is a strong point. It's aesthetically pleasing and functional, although its size and weight limit its capabilities somewhat. If you're looking for a small and unobtrusive robot, Vector's design is pretty solid.

Battery life can make or break a gadget like Vector, and in this case, it's decent but not exceptional. Vector comes with a lithium polymer battery, and during my two weeks of use, I found that it needed charging every couple of days with moderate use. This isn't a deal-breaker, but it's something to consider if you're looking for a device that can go for long periods without charging.

The self-charging feature is convenient—a significant plus. Vector can navigate back to his docking station when he needs a power boost. However, there were a few occasions when he seemed to lose his way and needed a bit of help finding the dock. It's not a major issue, but it can be a little annoying if it happens often.

Charging time is reasonable, and the dock itself is small and unobtrusive, fitting well into most spaces. Vector's battery management is generally okay for a home robot, but if you're planning to use him extensively, be prepared to set him back on the dock fairly often.

In conclusion, Vector's battery life is nothing special but effective for what it offers. The self-charging feature is a highlight, even if it occasionally falters. If you're expecting long-lasting power without frequent charges, you might be a bit disappointed.

Durability is always a concern with a gadget that moves around the house, and Vector holds up pretty well in this department. Despite being lightweight, he feels robust. During testing, Vector took a few tumbles from low heights, but there was no visible damage or impact on performance, which is a good sign.

The materials used give Vector a solid build quality that should last with regular use. The moving parts, like the wheels and camera mechanism, are well-integrated into the design, which seems to minimize wear and tear over time. That's reassuring if you're planning to have Vector as a long-term companion.

That said, keep in mind that Vector is more of a tech toy than a heavy-duty device. He's designed to be *interactive* and *engaging*, not to withstand rough treatment. If you have kids who tend to be rough with their toys, you might want to supervise them while they're playing with Vector.

Overall, Vector's durability is solid for what it is—a home companion robot. He's not indestructible, but he's built to last under regular conditions. If you're concerned about durability, Vector's construction offers good value for the price.

When it comes to performance, Vector is a mixed bag. On the one hand, he does a decent job with basic tasks like showing the weather, taking photos, and timing activities. His ability to react to sound, sight, and touch adds an interesting layer to interactions, making him feel more 'alive' than a typical gadget.

Setting up Alexa on Vector adds a whole new dimension to his capabilities. With Alexa, Vector can perform a range of tasks like adding items to a shopping list or controlling smart home devices. However, this requires a separate setup and subscription, which might not be everyone's cup of tea.

In terms of facial recognition and navigation, Vector does pretty well. He recognizes household members and navigates around the home without much fuss. However, the voice recognition isn't flawless. There were times when Vector struggled to understand commands, which was a bit frustrating during my testing.

While Vector's performance is mostly satisfactory for simple tasks, don't expect him to replace your smartphone or smart speaker. He's a fun addition but not the most reliable when it comes to complex tasks. For what he does, though, he gets the job done adequately.