iHeart Partners With AI Companion Pioneer Miko.

iHeartMedia has entered a strategic partnership with Miko, a leader in AI-native robotics, to help bring the company’s emotionally-intelligent AI companions for children and elders into homes across North America. 

According to Miko’s news release, the company will tap into iHeart’s broadcast radio stations, podcasts, digital platforms and live experiences to introduce families to its AI companions, and collaborate with radio hosts and podcast creators “to produce engaging voice integrations and storytelling moments that bring Miko’s personality to life.”

The deal with iHeart follows Miko’s partnership with retailer Costco, where it now has a presence in each of its locations in North America. 

“Partnering with iHeartMedia signals the start of a new era where intelligent machines don’t just serve us, but connect with us,” the company’s release says. “Miko.AI is pioneering a future where emotionally intelligent, self-learning machines — powered by proprietary AI — not only coexist with humans but elevate human experiences across education, wellness and caregiving. With advanced AI embedded in consumer-friendly platforms, Miko delivers empathetic, adaptive companions that nurture child development, provide dignified elder care and support emotional and cognitive well-being at scale.”

With the deal, iHeartMedia joins Miko’s ongoing Series D funding round, joining other investors such as Chiratae Ventures, YourNest, 360 One and IvyCap Ventures.

“iHeart reaches nine out of 10 Americans every month, and we couldn’t be more thrilled to help make Miko a household name across North America,” iHeartMedia Executive VP of Ventures David Ellis says. “Miko is an AI-native robotics pioneer for societal good, with proprietary technology and IP that has the potential to reshape sectors from education and entertainment to mobility and connected living. We’re excited to showcase to our audience Miko’s platform —where emotion, intelligence, and experience converge.”

Miko co-founder and CEO Sneh Vaswani adds, “Our partnership with iHeart marks a pivotal moment in Miko’s mission to make AI companions part of everyday family life. Together, we’re bringing Miko’s unique blend of intelligence and emotional connection to millions of homes — creating experiences that entertain, educate, and inspire. We’re especially excited to tap into the incredible voices and reach of iHeart’s trusted hosts, who can bring Miko’s world of imagination and learning to families everywhere.”