Rice Robotics, an AI robotics startup, has partnered with the cryptocurrency project Floki to launch the FLOKI minibot M1, an innovative AI-powered companion robot. Announced on April 28, 2025, the minibot integrates with the RICE AI decentralized protocol and aims to assist users with daily tasks such as grocery reminders and scheduling. Beyond functionality, the robot offers emotional support through storytelling, friendship advice, and dancing to users’ favorite music.

This launch targets the rapidly growing AI robotics market, which some projections estimate could reach $100 billion by 2030, according to a CoinDesk report from 2025.

The partnership also introduces the $RICE token, the utility token for the RICE AI protocol, which will launch via the TokenFi Launchpad. Users can earn $RICE tokens by interacting with the minibot, contributing valuable data for robotics training.

This initiative aligns with the trend of tokenizing real-world assets, a move that has already driven a 41% surge in $TOKEN’s value, as reported by the X user @bitcoinlfgo on April 28, 2025. “This is a game-changer for the crypto and AI space,” said a Floki spokesperson. “The FLOKI minibot M1 bridges the gap between digital assets and real-world utility.”

Rice Robotics brings significant credibility to the project through partnerships with industry giants like Nvidia, SoftBank, and 7-Eleven. SoftBank’s involvement ties the project to the $500 billion Stargate AI infrastructure initiative, a collaboration between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle, announced by President Donald Trump in January 2025.

According to the BBC, the Stargate project aims to bolster AI infrastructure but has raised concerns about energy demands and foreign investment. Rice Robotics already powers office delivery at SoftBank’s headquarters and supports unmanned indoor delivery for 7-Eleven Japan through integration with the 7-Now app.

RICE ROBOTICS TO LAUNCH A CUSTOM FLOKI AI-POWERED ROBOT AND THE $RICE TOKEN

AI robotics startup @realRiceAI will launch a custom Floki AI-powered companion robot. The AI-powered companion robot, named the FLOKI minibot M1, will be natively integrated with the RICE AI… pic./6QQjpBFGqO

— FLOKI (@RealFlokiInu) April 28, 2025

FLOKI minibot M1, a sleek, egg-shaped robot with a Viking helmet, accompanied by the caption: “The FLOKI minibot M1 combines AI companionship with crypto incentives.” (Source: X post by @RealFlokiInu)

The launch has sparked discussions in the tech and crypto communities. Some see the minibot as a novel fusion of AI companionship and cryptocurrency, with @CryptoGeorgP
noting on X that “FLOKI will now have a real world robotic AI presence.” Others question whether it’s merely a crypto-driven gimmick. Concerns about the energy consumption of AI infrastructure also persist, especially given the Stargate project’s ambitious scope.

The FLOKI minibot M1 and $RICE token launch marks a bold step in merging AI robotics with cryptocurrency, backed by Rice Robotics’ impressive partnerships. As the project unfolds, its success may hinge on addressing energy concerns and delivering on its promise of meaningful utility. Further details on the $RICE token sale and airdrop for $FLOKI and $TOKEN holders are expected soon, potentially shaping the future of this innovative intersection.

Rice Robotics, in collaboration with Floki, unveiled the FLOKI minibot M1 on April 28, 2025, an AI-powered companion robot, alongside the $RICE token, sparking a 41% surge in $TOKEN’s value and igniting debates about the future of AI and crypto integration.

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