Startup Embodied Will Brick $800 Moxie An emotional support robot for children, no compensation

In addition to bricking the robot, Embodied noted that warranties, repair services, the relevant parental app and guides, and support staff will no longer be available.

“It is impossible to return the money”

Embodied said it was “unable” to offer refunds to most Moxie owners due to its “financial situation and impending liquidation.” The possible exception is for people who bought Moxie within 30 days. For those customers, Embodied said that “if the company or its assets are sold, we will do our best to prioritize refunds for purchases,” but it emphasized, that it is not a guarantee.

The startup also acknowledged complications for those who purchased the expensive robot through a third-party lender. no longer works.

Embodied said it is looking for another company to buy Moxie. If that happens, the new company will receive Embodied customer data and decide how it can use it, according to Embodied’s terms of service. Otherwise, Embodied said it “securely” deletes user data “in accordance with our privacy policy and applicable law,” which includes deleting personally identifiable information from Embodied systems.

Another smart gadget bites the dust

There is currently some hope Moxies can be resurrected.Things look bleak for Moxie owners, but we’ve seen failed smart device companies like Insteonresurrected before. It is also possible for someone to release it open source version like the product for which it is made Spotify Car Thingwhich Spotify officially brick today.

But Moxie’s short-lived, expensive nature is precisely why some groups, such as right-to-repair activists, prompting the Federal Trade Commission to more tightly regulate smart devices, especially when it comes to disclosure and software support obligations.Smart gadget makers are trying to figure out how to navigate the difficult economic landscape, owners of different types of smart devices; AeroGarden indoor gardening systems to Snoo bassinets— have had to deal with consequences, including jailbroken devices and paywall features. Last month, the FTC noted that smart device manufacturers that don’t commit to software support can be breaking the law.

For Moxie owners, the frustration comes not only from wasted money and the creation of e-waste, but also from the pain of giving a child a technological “companion” to grow up with and then suddenly taking it away.

This story originally appeared on Ars Technica.