Panasonic and Anthropic are collaborating on a smart family wellness device called Umi that blends Panasonic’s consumer electronics know‑how with Anthropic’s responsible artificial intelligence. Announced in October 2024, Umi is an AI‑powered companion designed to support families with daily health, fitness and emotional well‑being guidance. The device uses Anthropic’s Claude AI model to understand natural language and provide personalized advice, while Panasonic supplies sensors and hardware to monitor sleep, activity, temperature and air quality around the home. By combining these strengths, Umi aims to deliver empathetic coaching that empowers users to build healthier habits.
How Umi Works
Umi looks like a friendly countertop hub with a touchscreen and ambient lighting. Family members can speak with Umi or use the companion app to ask questions, set goals, and receive tailored routines. For example, Umi might remind a teenager to take a break and stretch after long study sessions, suggest mindfulness exercises for stressed parents, or recommend opening windows when indoor air quality drops. The system learns each user’s patterns over time and adapts its recommendations accordingly. Because privacy and safety are paramount, Umi processes data locally when possible and adheres to Anthropic’s AI safety principles, such as refusing harmful requests and being transparent about its limitations.
Why It Matters
Panasonic and Anthropic see Umi as the next step in consumer wellness technology. Rather than just tracking metrics, Umi proactively encourages positive behavior through gentle nudges and friendly conversations. The partnership also highlights a trend of electronics manufacturers working with ethical AI labs to embed trustworthy intelligence into everyday products. Early testers have reported that Umi makes it easier to stay mindful of health without feeling judged or surveilled. If the pilot program continues to show promise, Panasonic plans to release Umi commercially in 2025. For families seeking a supportive digital coach that respects their privacy, Umi could revolutionize how we care for ourselves and each other.