Sweekar AI Pet Unveiled: Tamagotchi Evolved

At CES 2026, startup Takway introduced Sweekar, an AI-powered virtual pet designed to accompany users everywhere and develop a unique personality. Resembling a Tamagotchi, the palm-sized, egg-shaped device requires care tasks like feeding and playing to maintain its mood and health. However, Sweekar distinguishes itself by remembering the user's voice and shared activities.

The device features four distinct life stages, starting with a two-day incubation period where it remains a closed egg. Users must nurture the pet through baby and teen stages to ensure its development. Upon reaching maturity, Sweekar becomes autonomous, capable of entertaining itself and embarking on virtual excursions to bring back stories. This autonomy eliminates the risk of the pet dying from neglect, a common issue with earlier virtual pets. Sweekar will be available in pink, yellow, and blue, with interchangeable shells and optional outfits. While pricing is estimated between $100 and $150, Takway plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign to bring the product to market.

Takway, a startup aiming to be the "Nintendo of the AI robot era," has unveiled a new device at CES 2026 called Sweekar. This product represents a modern evolution of the classic virtual pet, combining physical hardware with artificial intelligence. Sweekar is designed as a companion that users can take with them everywhere, allowing the device to grow and adapt based on real-world interaction.

The device itself is a palm-sized, cutesy toy shaped like an egg. It features small ears and a screen that serves as its face, displaying various expressions. Unlike static toys, Sweekar utilizes AI technology to build a unique personality over time. The core concept is to create a digital friend that feels alive and responsive to its owner.

Key specifications and design elements include:

• Form Factor: Egg-shaped with ears and a facial screen.
• Colors: Available in pink, yellow, and blue.
• Customization: Options to switch shells and purchase outfits.
• Connectivity: Designed to go with the user everywhere.

Sweekar introduces a structured progression system involving four life stages. The journey begins with a two-day incubation period where the device remains a closed egg. During this time, the user waits for the pet to "break" its shell, revealing a face. This initial phase sets the stage for the nurturing aspect of the game.

Once the pet hatches, the user must engage in specific care tasks to keep it alive and healthy. The gameplay loop mirrors traditional virtual pets but adds a layer of depth:

1. Incubation: A two-day waiting period for the egg.
2. Infancy: Requires frequent feeding and attention.
3. Teenage: Continued care is needed to raise the pet.
4. Adulthood: The pet achieves autonomy.

Throughout the baby and teen stages, the pet's mood and facial expressions reflect the level of care it receives. If neglected, the pet may become unhappy, but unlike older virtual pets, it will not die immediately. The device requires charging to function, and the hardware is subject to physical durability, but the virtual life is protected from permanent loss due to neglect once a certain level is reached.

The defining feature of Sweekar is its ability to remember the user. The device records the user's voice and logs the activities shared between the pet and the owner. This memory function allows the AI to develop a relationship that feels personal and evolving, rather than generic.

As the pet matures into an adult (specifically from Level 51 onwards), it becomes "unkillable" in the virtual sense. It no longer requires constant monitoring to survive. Instead, it becomes self-sufficient. The AI will keep itself entertained and can go off on its own virtual excursions. The source compares this behavior to the app "Finch birb," suggesting the pet will travel digitally and return with tales of its adventures. This feature allows the user to maintain a connection with the pet without the burden of constant micromanagement.

While Takway has showcased the prototype, specific pricing details have not yet been finalized. However, the company projects that Sweekar will likely retail in the $100 to $150 range once it becomes widely available. This price point positions the device as a mid-range consumer electronics item.

To fund the manufacturing and distribution process, Takway has announced plans to launch a Kickstarter campaign. This crowdfunding approach will allow early adopters to secure the device and help bring the "Nintendo of the AI robot era" vision to life. The campaign is expected to launch soon following the CES 2026 reveal.