The newest plus-one on the party circuit can’t eat the cake, doesn’t drink, doesn’t flirt at Table 7 and doesn’t even have a pulse — but might steal the show.
It’s a robot.
Whether it’s a wedding, corporate conference, birthday bash or black-tie gala, party hosts and guests looking to leave their companions slack-jawed are calling The Robot Studio in Dallas to send in the high-energy mechanical charmers.
The price of a robot companion isn’t exactly pocket change.
Renting one runs about $500 an hour, while buying one outright costs anywhere from $13,000 to $80,000, depending on the model.
Every booking comes with custom outfits and accessories tailored to the event, music and choreography if requested, plus a trained technician to keep everything running smoothly.
All the host has to provide is a standard power outlet.
“The bots are friendly and entertaining,” owner Aaron Mehdizadeh told The Post. “Everyone loves Stewie, who’s named after the character on ‘Family Guy.’ He’s adorable and enthusiastic, but also kind of a wise guy.”
Stewie doesn’t just stand around looking futuristic.
The three-foot-three bot greets guests, shakes hands, claps, dances, strikes action poses and responds to basic voice commands — quickly becoming the unofficial host where ever he rolls in.
The rest of the robotic cast has personalities too.
Buzz is the thoughtful brainiac. Mirokai is polished and sophisticated.
“They’ve each got their own unique personality,” Mehdizadeh said. “Their movements are controlled and smooth because we never want anyone thinking robots are ‘Terminator’ scary. They’re everyone’s best friend.”
They’re daring drivers too.
So far, the company has six bots, with another half-dozen on the way.
“They’re designed to engage, entertain and amaze,” he said. “Everyone who’s rented one says the robot made the event unforgettable.”
The machines are surprisingly sturdy.
Stewie weighs about 50 pounds, while his taller cousins stand 4.3 feet high and weigh between 75 and 85 pounds. They’re built from metal alloys, carbon fiber and plastic.
The robots begin life with established Chinese manufacturers including Unitree and Booster before being customized and programmed by The Robot Studio.
But President Trump’s recent restrictions on certain Chinese robot imports over national security concerns could make adding new bots to the fleet more complicated, added Mehdizadeh.
For now, they’re mostly stealing the show at parties.
But Mehdizadeh believes they won’t stay there for long — they’ll soon be standing in line at the supermarket along with you, throwing the frisbee at the nearby park, walking your neighbor’s dog or fixing that stubborn leak in the faucet.
“One of the first places you’ll see them is hotels, acting as concierges,” he said. “They’ll greet guests, give directions and show people to their rooms.”
He predicts they’ll quickly move to helping around the home, assisting elderly people with everyday tasks and becoming as common as smartphones.
In fact, robots are already popping up in the classroom, patrolling beaches as shark spotters, assisting surgeons and tackling household chores around the house from laundry to dishes.
“Their ability to absorb information and respond is extraordinary,” Mehdizadeh said. “Because they’re programmed with AI to interact, there’s really no limit to what they can do. Talking to them is like talking to the AI on your computer — only this one has a body.
“If you look into their eyes, it’s clear they’re ‘thinking’ and processing information.”
Although based in Dallas, The Robot Studio sends its robotic performers coast to coast.
“Whether it’s one humanoid greeting guests or multiple robots performing together, they’re designed to turn heads, spark conversations and keep audiences engaged,” Mehdizadeh said
And if he’s right, today’s party trick could become tomorrow’s everyday reality.
“They’ll soon be part of everyday life, whether we’re ready for them or not,” he said. “The future is now.”
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