Eilik
A tiny desk robot with a cartoon face that giggles, sulks and dances when you touch it. It needs no app or Wi-Fi, but it doesn't chat and the battery lasts about 90 minutes.
We re-check daily. Try the manufacturer’s site meanwhile.
The short version
Eilik is a palm-sized robot that sits on your desk and reacts. Stroke its head or poke its belly and it pulls a face, makes a noise or waves its arms. It plays a few simple games, and two or more Eiliks will interact with each other. It started as a Kickstarter project in late 2021, and Energize Lab still adds animations through updates. There's no predecessor; the newer Eiliko is a separate robot.
The trade-off is depth. It doesn't drive around, recognise you or hold a conversation. Energize Lab sells a separate AI Station if you want chat. The battery lasts about an hour and a half, so expect to recharge it over USB-C between play sessions. In return it's one of the cheapest companion robots around, needs no account, and works without an internet connection at all.
Our take: Buy Eilik as a gift or a desk toy for someone who'll smile at it a few times a day. It's a low-risk way to try a companion robot and a private one, with no camera listed. Skip it if you want something that learns your face, roams the desk or talks back; LivingAI's EMO does more of that, though owners say its voice recognition is patchy.
Where it sits in Energize Lab’s range
- EilikThis model
- Eilik DQSpecial Desert Quester edition of Eilik
- EilikoNewer, separate companion robot from the same maker
- Eilik AI StationAdd-on home that brings conversational AI
What we know so far
Limited evidence No independent, finished hands-on review of this robot yet. What follows comes from the maker's specifications and early coverage, and says where something is untested.
Independent coverage is thin. The only hands-on test we could confirm comes from Goally, which played games with it, gave it four out of five and found it a reliable mood-lifter in short bursts. Goally sells its own device for children, so it isn't fully independent. No major tech outlet has reviewed Eilik, and nobody has reported on how it holds up after months of use. Everything else here comes from Energize Lab's own specifications.
Goally, hands-on (Goally sells its own children's device and uses the review to promote it)
Fun in short bursts
During its test, Goally played games, told jokes and held dance parties with Eilik, and said it definitely lifts your mood, while reminding readers it's still just a robot. Its reactions come from preset animations triggered by touch, per the specifications. Expect a few minutes of fun several times a day, not a pet that keeps you company all evening.
Battery life is short
Energize Lab claims about 90 minutes of play and an hour to recharge over USB-C the specifications, and Goally describes it as made for short bursts of entertainment on that runtime. It drops into standby after a minute of being ignored, sleeps after 15 and switches off after 30. Goally says it's not recommended to leave it plugged in, so top it up between sessions instead.
Not for easily distracted children
Goally thought Eilik makes a great gift for anyone who loves interactive gadgets, but warned it may not suit someone who gets easily distracted. Energize Lab doesn't give an age rating the specifications. It's small, light and full of moving parts, so it's better on a shelf or desk than in a toy box.
Durability is unknown
Nobody we found has reported on how Eilik's four small motors hold up after months of use, and the maker's warranty is only 90 days, with a 14-day money-back window the specifications. Goally's test was a short one. If it's a gift, buy from a seller with an easy returns route and try every reaction in the first fortnight.
Only one hands-on review found, and its publisher sells a competing children's device.
Prices
Where to buy the Eilik in Australia
No verified Australia price in the last 7 days. We re-check daily.
We’re still looking for more Australia retailers for this model. Prices shown are read from each seller’s own page.
Before you buy
The questions people ask about this one
Does it need a subscription to keep working?
No. Eilik works out of the box with no account, app or Wi-Fi, according to the specifications. The only extra you might pay for is the AI Station add-on if you want it to chat. Goally tested it on its own and found plenty to enjoy.
What does it record, and where does that go?
As far as the specifications show, nothing. Energize Lab lists no camera or microphone and says it works without Wi-Fi or an internet connection the specifications. It reacts to touch rather than watching you, which makes it one of the more private companion robots.
Is it suitable for young children?
With supervision. Energize Lab doesn't publish an age rating the specifications. Goally thought it suits people who love silly, interactive tech, but warned it could distract children who struggle to focus. It's small and has moving arms and head, so it's better treated as a desk ornament than a toy to throw about.
How long does the battery last?
About an hour and a half, with an hour to recharge over USB-C, per the specifications. Goally treated that 90-minute runtime as enough for short bursts of play. It naps after 15 minutes without attention to save power. Goally advises against leaving it plugged in all the time.
Compare with
EMO
A livelier desk character that dances and butts in while you work.
Owners report patchy voice recognition and responses that can feel preprogrammed.
Moflin
Another touch-first companion, soft and furry rather than plastic, that doesn't record speech.
It needs recharging on its bed, and it's about cuddles rather than games.
Vector 2.0
An expressive desk robot with a camera for recognising faces.
One owner reports stalls and reboots, and it relies on an account and connection.
Full specifications
Figures come from the manufacturer’s product page unless a source is named. A blank means nobody we trust has confirmed it.
Owner reviews
Own a Eilik?
Tell people how it’s held up: cleaning, maintenance, faults and support. Owner reviews are shown separately from expert tests and never mixed into the score.
Sources
Everything cited on this page. Expert scores are shown as the reviewer gave them.
- Goally: Eilik Robot Review · 4 out of 5 PenguinsHands-on · Goally sells its own children's device and uses the review to promote it (not counted towards our two-review minimum)
- Energize Lab: Eilik product page and specificationsManufacturer