Laptop robot gives a helping hand

A US firm is retailing a 'laptop robot' that it says will perform labour saving tasks around the home.

Evolution Robotics unveiled its 'personal robot system' at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in Los Angeles last week, claiming that, with a little personal instruction, it could be trained to carry out domestic duties.

The company told news agency Reuters that it was more likely to attract "the early adopter market" at present.

The ER1 robot, retailing at $599, or $499 if users build it themselves, requires a personal laptop computer attached to a computer framework on wheels.

The tool comes with software and a graphical user interface that allows users to train the robot to recognise items and locations.

The company website promises: "The ER1 is the first personal robot system you can easily train to do useful and fun things around the house. All you need is a Windows laptop and your imagination.

"With the easy-to-use software, you can train your robot to do things like recognise objects and places, send email, take pictures and video, respond to voice commands, and more!"

The company plans to develop more personal robots in the future.

See also:

Terminator flies take to the skies

Boffins all a-buzz with robotic insects  06 Jun 2002

Boffins develop 'sociable' robots

I'm sorry Dave, I can't do that  20 May 2002

Like this story? Spread the news by clicking below:

 del.icio.us     Digg this     reddit!