Timo, the In-Car AI Social Robot, Launches on Kickstarter with CarPlay and 4G LTE Versions
YiLink - TIMO
YiLink’s Timo brings voice interaction, expressive animations, physical movement, location-based Easter Eggs, and personalized experiences to the car — starting at $149 for Super Early Bird backers.
HONG KONG, Sept. 10, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- YiLink today announced the launch of Timo, its in-car AI social robot, on Kickstarter.
Designed to make everyday drives more personal, entertaining, and connected, Timo combines a physical character with voice interaction, expressive animations, physical movement, and connected experiences.
Rather than functioning as another traditional voice assistant or simply adding more features to an existing infotainment system, Timo gives digital interaction a physical presence inside the car — something drivers can see, hear, interact with, and make their own.
The Kickstarter campaign introduces two versions of Timo: the Timo CarPlay Edition, which works through the Timo mobile app and compatible CarPlay systems, and the Timo 4G LTE + Wi-Fi Edition, which features built-in mobile connectivity for a more independent connected experience.
Super Early Bird pricing starts at $149 for the CarPlay Edition and $209 for the 4G LTE + Wi-Fi Edition.
Voice-First Interaction with a Character That Feels Present
Timo is built around voice-first interaction, allowing drivers to engage with it without constantly reaching for their phones or navigating complicated menus.
Its built-in display brings Timo to life through a range of facial expressions, while an internal motion system enables physical movements that respond to what is happening during the drive.
A built-in six-axis motion sensor detects changes such as acceleration, braking, and turning, triggering corresponding expressions and movements. These reactions give Timo a stronger sense of physical presence as the car moves.
Users can also personalize Timo through different expressions, personality settings, and physical accessories.
For those who want to take customization further, YiLink supports DIY accessories, allowing users to create and swap custom parts, including accessories made with 3D printing.
Easter Eggs: Turning the Road Into a Place for Discovery
One of Timo’s key connected features at launch is Easter Eggs.
Users can leave digital content tied to real-world locations, including voice messages, text, stories, or small surprises.
When another Timo user passes through the same location later, they may discover what someone else has left behind.
The idea is to turn familiar roads into something more than a route from point A to point B.
A street you drive every day, a scenic overlook on a road trip, or even an ordinary intersection could hold a message, story, or surprise left there by someone else.
Two Ways to Connect
Timo will be available in two versions, designed around different connectivity needs.
Timo CarPlay Edition
The CarPlay Edition works through the Timo mobile app and a compatible CarPlay system.
Users connect Timo through their smartphone, interact with it by voice, and access selected Timo experiences through the vehicle’s CarPlay interface.
Internet connectivity for this version primarily comes from the user’s smartphone.
Super Early Bird: $149
Early Bird: $179
Kickstarter Price: $199
Timo 4G LTE + Wi-Fi Edition
The 4G LTE + Wi-Fi Edition is designed for users who want Timo to stay connected independently.
It comes with built-in 4G LTE connectivity, so users do not need to provide their own SIM card or sign up for a separate mobile data plan.
The first year of mobile data service is included.
Timo can also connect to Wi-Fi whenever a network is available.
In short, the 4G LTE + Wi-Fi Edition can connect on its own without relying on a smartphone or CarPlay as its primary internet connection.
Super Early Bird: $209
Early Bird: $229
Kickstarter Price: $249
More Than Another In-Car Voice Assistant
“We believe the next step for the in-car experience isn’t simply adding more screens or more commands,” said York, Co-Founder of YiLink.
“With Timo, we wanted to give digital interaction an actual character — and create experiences that didn’t really exist in the car before. That could be a conversation during a drive, discovering something another person left along your route, or simply having a character in your car that genuinely feels like your own.”
Looking ahead, YiLink plans to continue expanding Timo’s connected and social experiences, exploring new ways for users to discover and interact with one another through shared locations, moments, interests, and experiences.
These future experiences build on the same idea behind Easter Eggs: a car can be more than transportation. It can also become a space for personality, discovery, and human connection.
Designed to Become Yours
Timo is not designed to be just another connected device. It is designed as a character that users can gradually make their own.
Expressions, personality settings, and interchangeable physical accessories allow users to customize both how Timo looks and how it interacts with them.
As the product and its community grow, YiLink plans to make digital personality and physical customization an increasingly important part of the Timo experience.
Kickstarter Campaign Details
Timo launches on Kickstarter on September 10, 2026.
Timo CarPlay Edition:
Super Early Bird: $149
Early Bird: $179
Kickstarter Price: $199
Timo 4G LTE + Wi-Fi Edition
Super Early Bird: $209
Early Bird: $229
Kickstarter Price: $249
The 4G LTE + Wi-Fi Edition includes built-in mobile connectivity. No separate SIM card or mobile data plan is required, and the first year of mobile data service is included.
Super Early Bird quantities are limited and available while supplies last.
Support Timo and view the full campaign:
Kickstarter: [https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/yilink/timo-interactive-ai-social-robot-for-your-car]
About YiLink
YiLink is a technology company focused on intelligent connected products and experiences designed for life on the move.
Timo is YiLink’s first product, combining a physical character, voice interaction, connected services, customizable personalities, and physical accessories to introduce a new kind of interactive experience inside the car.
Media Contact
Kickstarter: Timo robot
Youtube: Yilink
Facebook Group: Timo
Instagram: @yilink_official
Tiktok: Yilink
Email: hello@hiyilink.com
Website: www.yilink.ai
Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
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YiLink - TIMO
YiLink’s Timo brings voice interaction, expressive animations, physical movement, location-based Easter Eggs, and personalized experiences to the car — starting at $149 for Super Early Bird backers.
Voice-First Interaction with a Character That Feels Present
Timo is built around voice-first interaction, allowing drivers to engage with it without constantly reaching for their phones or navigating complicated menus.
Easter Eggs: Turning the Road Into a Place for Discovery
One of Timo’s key connected features at launch is Easter Eggs.
Two Ways to Connect
Timo will be available in two versions, designed around different connectivity needs.
Timo CarPlay Edition
The CarPlay Edition works through the Timo mobile app and a compatible CarPlay system.
Timo 4G LTE + Wi-Fi Edition
The 4G LTE + Wi-Fi Edition is designed for users who want Timo to stay connected independently.
More Than Another In-Car Voice Assistant
“We believe the next step for the in-car experience isn’t simply adding more screens or more commands,” said York, Co-Founder of YiLink.
Designed to Become Yours
Timo is not designed to be just another connected device. It is designed as a character that users can gradually make their own.
Kickstarter Campaign Details
Timo launches on Kickstarter on September 10, 2026.
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