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SALT LAKE CITY — Telepresence is not a new technology, but a Silicon Valley tech company is trying to make it more accessible by connecting it to something many people already own: an Apple iPad.
A robot created by Double Robotics uses for its brain an iPad mounted on a pole ascending from a set of motorized, self-balancing wheels. The robot can be controlled via a Wi-Fi connection from anywhere in the world by using an iPad app.
First announced last summer, the Double is shipping early this year. Retailing at about $2,000, the robot is still too expensive to allow it to become as ubiquitous as the iPad itself, but the company knows that. Instead, Double Robotics is hoping companies will be interested in purchasing the product, saying it is more functional and elegant than traditional conference calls.
"The minimalist design and intuitive touchscreen controls allow you to freely move around without inconveniencing others," reads the description on website. "You can stay at eye level, whether sitting or standing, by adjusting your height remotely, which makes conversations fluid and real. Retractable kickstands will automatically deploy to conserve power when you are not moving around."
The price tag may be too steep for the average family who just wants a robot for the fun of it, but it may be a worthwhile investment for a retail store wishing to use it as a mobile customer service kiosk, or a museum that wants to give patrons the opportunity to view exhibits from home.
Another possibility is universities using the robot to allow future recruits to see the campus without having to physically make the trip. Offices and manufacturing facilities would likely round out the majority of the orders.
