Anki, maker of cute mini-robot Vector, is shutting down

Robotics company Anki will close its doors on Wednesday.

The San Francisco-based maker of adorable mini-robots Vector and Cosmo will lay off its entire staff, according to Recode, which reported that CEO Boris Sofman made the announcement at an all-hands meeting on Monday.

Nearly 200 employees will receive only a week of severance pay, the report noted. In the days leading up to the decision to close, Sofman apparently told them the company was desperately seeking funding after a round of financing failed to come through.

Anki on Wednesday confirmed that it is letting go of its employees. 

"It is with a heavy heart to announce that Anki will be letting go of our employees, effective Wednesday," said an Anki spokesperson in an emailed statement. "A significant financial deal at a late stage fell through with a strategic investor and we were not able to reach an agreement. We're doing our best to take care of every single employee and their families, and our management team continues to explore all options available."

Back in 2013, the company seemed to be flying high when Apple gave it a coveted slot at the WWDC keynote event and it showcased products based on the intersection of artificial intelligence and robotics.

Originally published at, 4:59 a.m. PT.
Update at 10:28 a.m. PT: Adds comment from Anki.