Timo, An In-Car AI Social Robot, Is Coming To Kickstarter To Make Everyday Drives More Interactive And Fun

(MENAFN- GlobeNewsWire - Nasdaq) Timo, YiLink's In-Car AI Social Robot

YiLink's in-car AI companion Timo brings voice interaction, expressive animations, physical reactions, and location-based Easter Eggs into the car. Timo will officially launch on Kickstarter on September 10.

HONG KONG, Sept. 08, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- YiLink today announced that Timo, its new in-car AI social robot, will officially launch on Kickstarter on September 10.

The Evolving In-Car Experience

As cars become increasingly intelligent, the in-car experience continues to evolve. Yet most automotive technology still focuses on practical functions such as navigation, music, phone calls, and information services.

The Design Behind Timo

Timo takes a different approach.

Timo Comes to Life on the Dashboard

Designed as a physical character that lives on the dashboard, Timo interacts with drivers through voice and responds with expressive animations and physical movements.

Bringing AI Into the Physical Space of the Car

Rather than keeping every digital experience confined to a phone or infotainment screen, Timo brings AI into the physical space of the car. By giving AI a tangible presence, Timo aims to make digital interactions feel more intuitive, expressive, and personal.

Making Familiar Roads Feel New Again

One of Timo's key connected experiences is Easter Eggs.

Easter Eggs are location-based interactive experiences that allow users to leave voice messages, text, stories, or other digital content at real-world locations.

When another Timo user passes through the same location, they may discover what someone else has left behind.

Discovering Stories Along the Road

A road is no longer simply a route from point A to point B. It can become a place for stories, memories, and unexpected discoveries from people you may never have met.

York, Co-Founder of YiLink, said:

“A lot of automotive technology has focused on making driving more efficient. We wanted to explore a different question: people already spend so much time in their cars, so can technology make that time more fun, more personal, and a little more connected to the people around them? Timo is our first attempt at answering that question.”
- York, Co-Founder of YiLink

Voice-First Interaction with Timo

Timo is built around voice-first interaction, allowing drivers to access its core experiences without constantly reaching for their phones or navigating complicated menus.

At launch, Timo will be available in two versions.

CarPlay version - Connects through a smartphone and a compatible CarPlay system.

4G LTE + Wi-Fi version

Features built-in cellular connectivity and can connect to the internet independently. Users will not need to provide their own SIM card or sign up for a separate mobile data plan.

Full product details, Kickstarter pricing, and launch offers will be announced when the crowdfunding campaign officially goes live on September 10, 2026.

About YiLink

YiLink is a technology company focused on intelligent connected products and experiences designed for life on the move. The company aims to use technology to make everyday journeys more personal, interactive, and engaging.

Timo is YiLink's first product, bringing together a physical character, voice interaction, connected services, and personalized experiences to introduce a new way of interacting with technology inside the car.

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