17 August 2026

Moxie robot companion stops working after company shutdown

• Moxie, a robot designed to help neurodivergent children practice social skills, became inoperable when its maker ceased operations and turned off supporting servers.
• Children who relied on the robot for daily interaction and therapy support lost access without warning or transition period.
• The incident raises questions about relying on internet-dependent devices for child development when companies may not survive long-term.

How it was covered

The AlgorithmMIT Technology Review

Moxie, a robot designed to help neurodivergent children with social skills, stopped working after its maker went out of business and servers were shut down. The story highlights both the promise and pitfalls of AI companion toys for children.