Who Acquired the Vector Robot Assets and Who Supports It
The Vector robot entered the market in 2018 as a companion machine designed for home desks and living spaces. When Anki ceased operations in 2019, the future of the product became uncertain until Digital Dream Labs bought the assets in December of that year.
As reported by The Robot Report, this acquisition covered Anki's patents, trademarks, and domain names. Digital Dream Labs then announced an international release of a successor model named Vector 2.0 in October 2020.
Trade press described that updated release as including a 2-megapixel camera and an easier-to-change battery compartment. Buyers looking into the product today must confirm directly with Digital Dream Labs who currently sells and maintains the hardware and software services.
Why Cloud Dependence Matters for the Vector Robot
Cloud infrastructure determines how many features function on a Vector robot. The chief executive officer of Digital Dream Labs stated that Vector needs far more cloud connectivity than other former Anki products, such as Cozmo and Overdrive.
According to reporting from The Robot Report, Digital Dream Labs had a contractual obligation to maintain the original Anki servers only until September 30, 2020. During that period, some non-critical Vector cloud features were temporarily disabled while server restoration took place.
Because remote servers handle these duties, server availability dictates whether certain features work. If remote connections lapse or terms change, buyers experience disruptions unless services remain active.
What Tasks the Vector Robot Does Not Perform
The Vector robot functions strictly as a companion and desk robot. It does not complete household cleaning chores, carry items, or patrol spaces for home security.
Shoppers exploring automated domestic help often confuse small companion units with broader utility equipment. Those seeking physical assistance around the home need dedicated utility hardware instead of a tabletop companion machine.
To compare companion formats across different categories, see our guides on AI desktop companion robots, robot pets, and the broader consumer robots market.
How to Evaluate a Vector Robot Purchase Today
Deciding whether to purchase a Vector robot requires checking service policies before committing funds. At The Bot Scout, we observe that buyers often focus on the physical machine while overlooking whether the digital services required to run it are active and supported.
Current server status, product availability, subscription terms, and retail pricing are unpublished on the sources we reviewed. We do not state a dollar figure here because prices and inventory levels fluctuate across retail channels.
Anyone considering an older or pre-owned unit faces additional risks because cloud features depend on remote connectivity. When examining secondhand listings, buyers should ask whether the seller has verified connections to current services and whether a return policy protects the transaction if setup fails.
- Check Digital Dream Labs to confirm whether cloud services are operating and whether recurring subscriptions apply.
- Confirm current inventory and official pricing directly through Digital Dream Labs rather than relying on outdated reviews.
- Verify with secondhand sellers whether the specific unit links with active services and what refund terms exist.
- Review alternative models in our Eilik vs EMO desktop robots comparison and our overview of Loona, LOVOT, and Looi companion robots.
Who Should Skip the Vector Robot and What Would Change That
This product is not for buyers who want an independent, local-only machine that runs without external network services. Anyone who dislikes recurring fees or ongoing service verification should choose hardware that operates without a remote server connection.
Our assessment would shift if Digital Dream Labs publishes clear, permanent terms guaranteeing standalone functionality or transparent server maintenance timelines. Until service terms and retail availability are verified directly, purchasing involves risks that every shopper must weigh.
For broader context on companion machine budgets across manufacturers, consult our summary on companion robot prices.
Bottom Line
The Vector robot remains a companion machine shaped by the corporate transition from Anki to Digital Dream Labs and by its reliance on cloud connectivity. Because server uptime, feature access, and pricing vary over time, verify current support status directly with Digital Dream Labs before making any purchase.
Contact Digital Dream Labs to check server status, subscription requirements, and stock availability before buying a Vector robot.
FAQs
What is the Vector robot?
The Vector robot is a small home companion robot that Anki released in 2018. It is designed as a desktop companion rather than a chore or security device.
Who acquired the Vector robot assets?
Digital Dream Labs acquired Anki's assets in December 2019, including patents, trademarks, and domain names. In October 2020, Digital Dream Labs announced an international release of Vector 2.0.
Is the Vector robot still supported?
Support status changes over time and depends on cloud connectivity. Buyers should verify current server operations and software support directly with Digital Dream Labs.
How much does the Vector robot cost?
We do not state a dollar figure because retail prices and subscription fees change across sellers. You should confirm current pricing through Digital Dream Labs.
What are alternatives to the Vector robot?
Alternative companion machines include desktop and pet-style devices discussed in our companion robot guides. Review our comparisons of desktop companion robots to evaluate other models.