Floki-backed project introduces Minibot M1 robot and $RICE token in move to merge robotics with blockchain

Rice Robotics, a Hong Kong-based robotics startup, has announced the launch of an AI-powered companion robot, the Minibot M1, developed in partnership with Floki.

Hong Kong-based robotics startup Rice Robotics, backed by blockchain project Floki, has announced the launch of an AI-powered companion robot, Minibot M1. The robot will operate on the decentralized RICE AI protocol and integrate features to support everyday tasks and emotional interaction with users.

The Minibot M1, unveiled in partnership with Floki, will be capable of managing household schedules, retrieving online information, and providing companionship through interactive music, storytelling, and conversational engagement. In return, users interacting with the robot will earn $RICE tokens. This forms part of a broader data collection and training ecosystem for the robotic intelligence.

The launch of the robot will also see the introduction of the $RICE token, which will be the utility token of the RICE AI protocol. The token will be launching on TokenFi Launchpad, with staking opportunities available for holders of $TOKEN, the native token of TokenFi. Airdrops of $RICE will also be issued to both holders and stakers of $FLOKI and $TOKEN.

"We are excited to be launching the Minibot M1 and the $RICE token with our partners at TokenFi Launchpad,” said an executive at Rice Robotics.

“The Minibot M1 is a revolutionary new product that combines the latest in AI technology with a focus on user experience to create a truly unique and engaging companion. We believe that the Minibot M1 will bring joy and convenience to users' lives.”

Earlier this year, Rice Robotics secured over $7 million in a pre-Series A funding round led by Alibaba Entrepreneurs Fund, Soul Capital, and Audacy Ventures. The company is working toward a decentralized data-sharing model where robots can autonomously exchange training data to improve performance without centralized oversight.

This startup is a partnership with several major corporations including SoftBank, Nvidia, Dubai Future Foundation, NTT Japan, and Mitsui Fudosan. Its robots are currently deployed in commercial delivery settings across Japan, including unmanned indoor delivery for 7-Eleven Japan and office services at SoftBank headquarters.

Floki’s involvement in this project is another part of its broader strategy to expand into tokenized AI and blockchain-enabled services. Through its sister project TokenFi, Floki aims to facilitate the tokenization of real-world assets and data, including AI-generated content and robotic learning models.