In an interview with FAST COMPANY, Lyu admitted that the Rabbit R1 launched prematurely in 2024. It failed to meet the high expectations for this piece of AI hardware. Despite the initial backlash, the device got 16 OTA updates in an effort to fix bugs and improve functionality. As of now, around 5,000 people use the Rabbit R1 daily, but this is a far cry from the 100,000 pre-ordered units. Early adopters have expressed disappointment as the device has struggled to deliver on its promises.
The AI hardware landscape
The Rabbit R1 is part of a larger conversation surrounding the emerging and uncertain field of AI hardware. It is still in its experimental phase, much like the early days of mobile phones. While the device features some good hardware, the real challenge lies in delivering a compelling, everyday use case for consumers. Lyu and industrial designer Robert Brunner both acknowledge that complexity but see it as essential to advancing technology.
Why did the Rabbit R1 user base shrink?
Despite the hype and a promising start, with over 100,000 pre-orders and $20 million in revenue, the Rabbit R1 has seen its user base shrink significantly. The device failed to meet the high expectations it set, largely because of several critical flaws.
Software bugs, short battery life, and limited functionality tanked performance on this device. Tech expert Mishaal Rahman discovered that theRabbit R1’s interface is essentially a single Android app, which led many to question why dedicated hardware was necessary at all.
The device currently supports only four apps—Spotify, MidJourney, DoorDash, and Uber— most of which you can manage with your phone. This redundancy, especially for a $200 product, makes the device’s value questionable. Rahman even installed the Rabbit R1’s software on a Google Pixel.
Some of the key features that Rabbit promised during the launch (like the “Teach mode” that would allow users to create their own agents) have yet to materialize. Lyu’s vision of a personalized computing experience where the Rabbit R1 would be the “simplest computer you don’t need to learn how to use” is far from a reality right now.
The future of the Rabbit R1
While Lyu has announced plans for updates, including a “Teach mode” and other features, the fate of Rabbit’s fledgling device remains unclear. Without some strides, the Rabbit R1 might be relegated to the growing category of hit-and-miss AI gadgets, just like the Humane AI Pin.
Lyu, however, views these initial missteps as a necessary part of the product’s evolution. He believes that launching early and learning from user feedback is crucial for startups in the fast-paced AI hardware industry. Despite the setbacks, he remains optimistic about the Rabbit R1’s future.