Ah, the personal
robot. While flying cars and jetpacks are now here – for some people – we still
don't have robots that help us out around the house. However, maybe we soon
could. This week, California's RoboDynamics introduced its Luna personal robot
to the world. While the company currently isn't providing too much other
information, her(?) makers are calling
Luna "a breakthrough in robot design."
Luna was designed
for RoboDynamics by SchultzeWORKS, an industrial design studio also based out
of California. The robot incorporates the hardware, firmware, and drive train
already used in RoboDynamics' Telepresence internet-connected Low-cost Robot
(TiLR).
According to the
press release, Luna is the world's first personal robot to be expandable via
expansion ports, fully programmable with open standards, and affordable. No further specifics are
provided on hardware, software, or just what it is that she could do for you,
although she does apparently have a carrying handle in the back, and
unarticulated pipe-like arms that can swing up to carry a tray.
IEEE
Spectrum, however, states that Luna
has a Dual Core Atom 2 GHz processor, a Linux-based operating system, and up to
32 GB of storage. Interaction is possible via an 8-inch capacitive touchscreen,
a three-microphone array with speakers, wireless and cellular communication, an
8-megapixel camera, and a 3D sensor. She runs on a 12-volt battery, for 4-8
hours per charge.
The IEEE website
also reports a projected price of just US$1,000, although the first models
(which should ship later this year) will go for $3,000.
We'll let you know
when more information comes our way. In the meantime, you can see Luna in
action, in the rather rustic video below.
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