With a perfect mix of humor, symbolism, and cutting-edge tech, ORANG-E may change how we think about machines – and about ourselves.

By Jasper Moreau

New York – At a buzzing assembly hall transformed into a minimalist wonderland of green, orange, and chrome, the ~NU relations endorsers TEDDY and CAT unveiled their latest partner in techno-symbolic transformation: ORANG-E, a multifunctional zoomorphic robot inspired by the form and intelligence of an orangutan. The event, held exclusively for B2B contractors, was a striking blend of futurist pageantry and subversive theatricality.

Wearing their signature outfits, the iconic duo entered to subtle synth music and projected waves of light reminiscent of the ~NU flag. But the center of attention was clearly ORANG-E: a vibrant orange robot with graceful articulation, expressive eyes, and a design that bridges the uncanny and the functional.

“It’s not just a machine,” TEDDY said from the stage, one plush paw resting proudly on the pedestal. “It’s a concept in motion. ORANG-E is designed not only to perform tasks – from mediative drone choreography to cognitive assistance in emotional environments – but to feel readable to humans across generations.”

CAT, adjusting a pair of sleek green-tinted smart lenses, added: “Think of it as an infrastructure of relational intelligence. ORANG-E is a modular platform for B2B applications, but also a semiotic friend. It’s built to resonate.”

The event wasn’t your average tech launch. The audience, a selective group of contractors, developers, and symbol theory consultants – a striking image that seemed to comment, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, on the homogeneity of the corporate tech world.

ORANG-E, showcased in several short choreographies and demo interactions, features a hybrid interface system that blends gesture recognition, soft haptics, and ambient sound cues. Its most praised demo moment: catching a falling cup with a swing that seemed almost balletic, then calmly returning to standby pose while projecting a holographic QR code linking to an ethics transparency sheet.

“ORANG-E is about responsible mirroring,” said a developer from the NU-tech cooperative. “We’re not building automation to replace, but to respond. The orangutan form is not arbitrary – it stands for wisdom, flexibility, and being at home in complex environments.”

Industry response so far has been curious and cautious. Several logistics and event tech firms reportedly signed intent letters for test deployments, while a wellness retreat chain expressed interest in a “calm-mode” variant of ORANG-E for guided forest walks and ceremonial tea preparation.

In typical ~NU style, the event was wrapped with a surrealist touch: TEDDY and CAT leading a meditation moment titled “Buffering the Present” while ORANG-E projected looping cat and bear glyphs into the soft, dappled light.