The questions parents and caregivers ask us most often. If yours isn't here, email hello@cotis.ai and we'll answer directly — and probably add it to this page.
The basics
What is COTIS?
A small, wearable AI companion designed for neurodivergent kids and the families who love them. It has three physical buttons — Ask, Translate, Calm — and no screen.
How old does my child need to be?
COTIS is designed for kids ages 5 to 14. Younger kids can use it with direct parental supervision. The device adjusts the vocabulary and tone of its responses based on the age you enter in the companion app.
Does COTIS replace a phone?
No. COTIS is not a phone. It can't call or text people, and a child can't reach out to anyone through it. It's a companion tool — Ask a question, Translate a language, find Calm — not a communication device.
Does my child need a phone for COTIS to work?
No. COTIS has its own cellular connection and works independently. A parent uses the companion app on their phone to set it up and manage settings.
How it works
What does Ask do?
A child presses the Ask button and asks a question out loud. COTIS responds in age-appropriate language. Parents can set what kinds of questions COTIS is allowed to answer and how it handles sensitive topics.
What does Translate do?
A child presses Translate and speaks. COTIS translates between the languages you've set up. This is especially useful in dual-language households, in classrooms where the child is still learning the dominant language, and when a child needs to communicate with someone who speaks a different language.
What does Calm do?
A child presses Calm and is guided through a short calming exercise — breathing, grounding, or a brief sensory script chosen for them. Parents and clinicians can configure what techniques work best for their specific child.
Is COTIS always listening?
No. COTIS only listens when a child presses a button. There is no wake-word, no always-on microphone, no background recording.
Does it have a camera?
No.
Safety and privacy
What can my child do without my permission?
Use the three buttons in the ways you've allowed. Nothing else. A child cannot create an account, buy anything, change privacy settings, install apps, or communicate with anyone through COTIS.
Can strangers contact my child through COTIS?
No. COTIS has no inbox, no calls, no social features. It is one-way: your child asks, COTIS responds.
Do you sell my child's data?
No. Never. See our Data Practices page for the specifics.
Do you use my child's voice to train AI models?
No, by default. We will not use your child's voice or transcripts to train any AI model — ours or anyone else's — unless you explicitly opt in through a separate consent flow. Opting in is never required to use any feature.
What if my child says something that worries you?
If a child says something that suggests they are being hurt, want to hurt themselves, or are in immediate danger, COTIS responds calmly, directs the child to a trusted adult, can read out crisis resources for older kids, and sends a real-time alert to the parent. See our Child Safety page for the full protocol.
The device itself
How does my child wear it?
COTIS comes with a soft, sensory-friendly strap. Most kids wear it on the wrist; some wear it on a lanyard or clip. The device is light, soft-edged, and water-resistant for everyday use.
What is the battery life?
A full day of typical use on a single charge. Final battery numbers will be confirmed at general availability.
Does it work in school?
Yes. COTIS is designed to work quietly, in haptic-only mode if needed, and to integrate with IEP and 504 accommodations. See our page For schools & IEPs.
Is it loud?
You control the volume from the companion app. COTIS also has a Quiet Mode where responses come through haptics only.
Ordering and waitlist
When can I get one?
General availability is planned for late 2026. Waitlist members get first access. Join the waitlist to be among the first.
How much does it cost?
Pricing will be announced before general availability. Waitlist members receive an exclusive pre-order price.
Do you offer financial assistance?
Yes. We are committed to making COTIS accessible to families regardless of income. Our financial assistance program will be available at general availability — email hello@cotis.ai with the subject line "Access" if you'd like to be notified when it opens.
Will insurance or my HSA/FSA cover it?
This depends on your plan and how COTIS is being used. We are actively working with HSA/FSA administrators and with payers in the assistive-technology space. For specific guidance, email hello@cotis.ai with the subject line "Coverage."