How the makers of a new Netflix science fiction movie enhanced the look of the cute, round-headed bot at its center.

All these robots had smarts, capability, and agency. More than that, though—they were faithful(ish) companions to humans ... been wondering about the cute critter perched on her shoulder.

Companion robots are a breed that, heretofore, we’ve primarily seen in cinema. Free from the limits of real-world technology, they manage to be charismatic, cute, and capable in ways that endear ...