What is the Cinnamon 1?
The Donut Robotics Cinnamon-1 is a desktop companion robot introduced in 2021 by Donut Robotics, based in Tokyo, Japan. It features an LCD screen that displays animated facial expressions, and is equipped with a camera, microphone, and speaker to enable voice interaction and language practice. The robot connects via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and runs on a Linux-based operating system powered by an ARM Cortex-A53 processor. Its stationary design, capacitive touch interface, and compact 15 cm height position it as a conversational kiosk or social companion for hospitality, retail, education, and home use. Originally crowdfunded at $299, it received limited commercial release and is now discontinued, with functionality often described as simpler than initial expectations.
Specifications
Here are the full technical specifications.
| Spec | Value |
|---|---|
| Height | 150 mm |
| Weight | Not specified |
| Degrees of freedom | 0 |
| Battery life | 2 hours |
| Max speed | 0 km/h |
| Payload | Not specified |
| Price (new) | $299 |
| Price (used range) | $150–$250 (estimated) |
Price & Value
New MSRP: $299
Used range: $150–$250 (estimated)
The Cinnamon-1 was originally crowdfunded at $299, squarely in the affordable desktop robot tier. Now discontinued, used units may appear on secondary markets with prices typically between $150 and $250 depending on condition and included accessories. Its value proposition focuses on simple conversational companionship rather than mobility or advanced AI, which contrasts with similarly priced competitors like the mobile Lovot or the child-focused Miko. Depreciation is modest but long-term software support remains uncertain, and the limited production run means parts and repairs could be challenging. Overall total cost of ownership is low, thanks to USB‑C charging and no mandatory subscriptions, but buyers should weigh the robot's narrow feature set against its historical asking price.
Who Is It For?
Best for: - Home users wanting a compact, stationary conversational companion - Language learners seeking basic English/Japanese practice with a friendly device - Hospitality or retail desks as a low‑cost, animated information kiosk
Not for: - Users expecting mobility or any physical movement (DOF 0, no wheels) - Heavy‑duty service roles (no payload capacity and battery only 2 hours) - Developers needing advanced AI integration (basic speech recognition, no SDK ecosystem)
Alternatives & Comparison
In the sub‑$300 desktop companion category, the Cinnamon-1 competes with a handful of social robots, each emphasizing different strengths.
| Model | Price | Available | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Anki Vector | $199 | no (discontinued) | Vector is mobile with expressive treads but limited speech; Cinnamon is stationary and conversation‑focused |
| Miko | $299 | yes | Miko targets children with educational content and games; Cinnamon is a general‑purpose companion |
| Lovot | $299 | yes | Lovot uses emotional expressions and mobility; Cinnamon is static but more directly conversation‑oriented |
Verdict: For a purely conversational, stationary companion, the Cinnamon-1 offers a low‑cost entry if you can find a used one. However, buyers who value mobility and interactive play will find the Lovot or Miko much more engaging. If you specifically need a talking face on a desk for light interaction, Cinnamon remains a viable, if limited, option.
Use Cases & Capabilities
Companion Robot
The Cinnamon-1 acts as a friendly desktop presence with an animated LCD face and simple voice responses. It can greet users, tell jokes, or provide casual company, though its interaction depth is limited to pre‑programmed scripts. The 2‑hour battery means it is best used near a USB‑C power source, and its lack of mobility confines it to the spot where it is placed. For those seeking a low‑cost, low‑maintenance social robot rather than a complex AI, it fills a niche. However, it cannot learn or adapt over time.
Language Practice
Marketed partly for language learning, the Cinnamon-1 can engage in basic English and Japanese dialogues. It helps with pronunciation and common phrases, making it suitable for absolute beginners or children. The microphone and speaker quality are adequate for quiet indoor settings, but speech recognition accuracy is known to struggle with accents or background noise. Practice sessions are limited by the 2‑hour battery and the robot's inability to correct complex grammar mistakes. It is best thought of as a motivating tool rather than a comprehensive tutor.
Information Desk
With its stationary design and capacitive touch interface, the Cinnamon-1 can be placed at a reception desk to greet visitors and answer frequently asked questions. The LCD face can display helpful icons along with spoken information, and Wi‑Fi connectivity allows it to fetch simple web data. However, the 2‑hour battery means it needs frequent charging or a permanent USB‑C connection, and the lack of physical interaction (no arms to point or gesture) reduces its impact. It is suitable for low‑traffic, informal settings like a small shop or library, rather than busy corporate lobbies.
History & Background
Donut Robotics was founded in 2016 in Tokyo, Japan, initially focusing on translation and communication devices. In 2020, the company announced the Cinnamon-1 as a desktop social robot, running a crowdfunding campaign to bring it to market by early 2021. The robot was delivered to backers in limited numbers that year, representing the first generation and only model in the Cinnamon line. Despite moderate early interest, the project received criticism for its limited speech recognition and functionality, and no subsequent hardware revisions or successor have been released. As of 2026, Donut Robotics has shifted focus to other conversational AI products, leaving the Cinnamon-1 discontinued and without official support.
Buying Used — What to Check
Verify battery health Original 2‑hour runtime may have degraded over time; a weak battery will shorten cord‑free usage significantly.
Test LCD for dead pixels The animated face is the robot's primary output; a damaged screen undermines the whole experience.
Test speech recognition accuracy This was a known weakness; ensure the microphone and software still work acceptably in your typical environment.
