Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Microsoft Research's MirageTable brings some augmented reality to your tabletop]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/12/microsoft-researchs-miragetable-brings-some-augmented-reality-t/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/12/microsoft-researchs-miragetable-brings-some-augmented-reality-t/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/12/microsoft-researchs-miragetable-brings-some-augmented-reality-t/#comments Image

We got a look at a holographic telepresence project from Microsoft Research earlier this week, but that's far from the only Kinect-enhanced rig it's working on these days. This setup dubbed a MirageTable was also shown off at the Computer-Human Interaction conference in Austin, Texas this week, offering a glimpse of one possible future where two people can interact with virtual objects on a table as if they were sitting across from each other (or simply do so on their own). To make that happen, the setup relies on a ceiling-mounted 3D projector to display the images on a curved surface, while a Kinect on each end of the connection both captures the person's image and tracks their gaze to ensure images are displayed with the proper perspective. You can check it out in action after the break, although some of the effect is lost without 3D glasses.

Continue reading Microsoft Research's MirageTable brings some augmented reality to your tabletop

Microsoft Research's MirageTable brings some augmented reality to your tabletop originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 12 May 2012 07:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3dCHI 2012Chi2012HCIhuman-computer interactionHuman-computerInteractionkinectmicrosoftmicrosoft researchMicrosoftResearchmiragetableteleconferencingtelepresencevideoSat, 12 May 2012 07:16:00 EST<![CDATA[NTT forces you to pay attention during a video conference (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/ntt-video-conferencing-technology/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/ntt-video-conferencing-technology/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/ntt-video-conferencing-technology/#comments NTT figures out how to make you pay attention during a video conferenceVideo conferencing solved the "you talkin' to me?" problem ages ago, when business execs first started using sophisticated telepresence suites to share moisturizing tips. The thing is, catching a person's eye somehow has greater instinctive impact when you actually see them turn around to face you. That's exactly the sensation that NTT engineers have tried to replicate with the MM-Space conferencing system. It's demoed after the break by a pleasant-looking (Oil of Olay?) Japanese woman -- and even though you can't hear a word she says, the rotating, nodding translucent screen definitely lends her some extra gravitas.

Continue reading NTT forces you to pay attention during a video conference (video)

NTT forces you to pay attention during a video conference (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 19:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>businessenterpriseMM-SpaceNTTtelepresencevideovideo chatvideo conferencingVideoChatVideoConferencingTue, 03 Apr 2012 19:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Osaka University wants to shake your hand with its robotic glove (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/osaka-university-robot-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/osaka-university-robot-hand/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/27/osaka-university-robot-hand/#comments Image
Feel like you aren't connecting with the people you video chat with? A team from Osaka University has developed a robotic hand that'll start a chat by gripping your paw with the warmth and firmness of a rugby player. Assembled from silicone and sponge, the researchers fitted a film heater to keep the electrical extremity at 37 degrees Celsius -- the theory being that if its warmer than your own hand, you're more predisposed toward it. Future plans for the mechanical metacarpus include adding a pressure sensor so it'll match your grip and welding it to a telepresence robot for executives to harass their colleagues with a constant stream of formal greetings. If you're wondering, the answer's yes; we do have footage of terrified exhibition guests giving it a go after the break.

Continue reading Osaka University wants to shake your hand with its robotic glove (video)

Osaka University wants to shake your hand with its robotic glove (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Mar 2012 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DiginfoHandshakeJapanOsaka UniversityOsakaUniversityRobot HandRobot Hand CommunicatorRobotHandRobotHandCommunicatorSkypeTelepresenceTelepresence RobotTelepresenceRobotvideoVideo CallVideo ChatVideoCallVideoChatTue, 27 Mar 2012 14:01:00 EST<![CDATA[VGo telepresence robot gets Verizon LTE, we go eyes-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/vgo-telepresence-robot-lte-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/vgo-telepresence-robot-lte-ces/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/11/vgo-telepresence-robot-lte-ces/#comments
The idea of a telepresence robot isn't exactly new in the tech world, considering there's been a few going to school in the place of teenagers for over a year now. But the VGo 'bot -- a chest-high roving device that has a display and camera built-in and allows patients and others to interact with a remote operator -- is at CES this year to show off its inclusion of Verizon LTE, instead of the WiFi-only model we've seen in times past. Certainly, the robot can default to WiFi in the absence of Big Red's next-gen network, but the nationwide coverage definitely gives the robot a lot more appeal... even if it is a mere $6,000. Expect to see the 4G-enabled Johnny Five available in the next two or three weeks. To see exactly what the robot's capable of, check out the gallery below and the video after the break.

Gallery: VGo eyes-on

Continue reading VGo telepresence robot gets Verizon LTE, we go eyes-on (video)

VGo telepresence robot gets Verizon LTE, we go eyes-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 Jan 2012 21:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cesces 2012Ces2012ces2012bestoffeat8374hands-ontelepresencetelepresence robotTelepresenceRobotverizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvgovideovzwWed, 11 Jan 2012 21:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco hangs up on Umi 'Personal Telepresence' flop]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/cisco-hangs-up-on-umi-personal-telepresence-flop/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/cisco-hangs-up-on-umi-personal-telepresence-flop/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/04/cisco-hangs-up-on-umi-personal-telepresence-flop/#comments A whole separate box and remote just for video chat? For as much as $600, plus a $10 per month subscription (HDTV and broadband not included)? It was always doubtful whether the Umi telepresence kit would catch on, but now Cisco has crushed those doubts by quietly crushing both the 1080p and cheaper 720p versions of the product. No press release or announcement; just a disembodied voice at the end of a technical support line advising callers that the product is "under evaluation," and a behind-the-scenes nudge to Business Insider that it really has been discontinued. It's not yet clear what will happen to the monthly service for existing customers, but if it gets disrupted then Cisco will surely have to come clean. Heck, for $600 we'd expect a personalized hi-def video apology.

Cisco hangs up on Umi 'Personal Telepresence' flop originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>1080p720pabandonedciscocisco systemscisco umicisco umi personal telepresenceCiscoSystemsCiscoUmiCiscoUmiPersonalTelepresencediscontinuedexpensiveHD video chathdpostcrossHdVideoChathi-defhigh definitionHighDefinitiontelepresenceumiumi personal telepresenceUmiPersonalTelepresencevideo chatvideo conferencingVideoChatVideoConferencingWed, 04 Jan 2012 10:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Yaskawa Electric's SmartPal VII lets you clean up grandma's house using Kinect (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/yaskawa-electrics-smartpal-vii-lets-you-clean-up-grandmas-hous/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/yaskawa-electrics-smartpal-vii-lets-you-clean-up-grandmas-hous/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/21/yaskawa-electrics-smartpal-vii-lets-you-clean-up-grandmas-hous/#comments SmartPal VII The world's largest industrial robot manufacturer, Yaskawa Electric, wants to invade your grandmother's home. Alright, maybe invade isn't the word we're looking for, but if your Grams is anything like ours she probably wouldn't be happy about you dropping off a robot helper (she can take care of herself, don't you know). The SmartPal VII is a telepresence bot that can be controlled remotely using a Kinect. (Seriously, what can't Microsoft's gaming controller do?) The head-mounted stereoscopic cameras and infrared sensor enable it to navigate a room autonomously, while the light-weight arms equipped with touch sensors make it safer for human interaction. The demo of the bot picking up toys and putting them in a bin isn't the most exciting in the world, but it does show just how much control an operator has using simple hand gestures. Check out the video after the break.

Continue reading Yaskawa Electric's SmartPal VII lets you clean up grandma's house using Kinect (video)

Yaskawa Electric's SmartPal VII lets you clean up grandma's house using Kinect (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 21 Nov 2011 22:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>kinectMicrosoftmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectrobotrobotssmartpalsmartpal ViiSmartpalViiTelepresencevideoyaskawa electricyaskawa electric smartpal ViiYaskawaElectricYaskawaElectricSmartpalViiMon, 21 Nov 2011 22:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Telesar V robot brings new meaning to escapism (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/telesar-v-robot-brings-new-meaning-to-escapism-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/telesar-v-robot-brings-new-meaning-to-escapism-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/07/telesar-v-robot-brings-new-meaning-to-escapism-video/#comments The esoteric art of telepresence is all about that sweetest of dreams: being somewhere you'd rather be. So far, though, it's hardly teleported much beyond our head movements and kisses. What we really need is a fully-fledged avatar that can also feed sensory information back to us -- and that's exactly what the Telesar V claims to be. The user dons a pair of VR goggles that control the robot's head and see through its eyes. A pair of gloves not only control the Telesar's hands, but also transmit force and temperature data back from its sensors. Drag yourself away from that violent BF3 simulator and check out the smoochiness after the break. (And yes, the inventor's surname is just about perfect.)

Continue reading Telesar V robot brings new meaning to escapism (video)

Telesar V robot brings new meaning to escapism (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Nov 2011 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatargogglesjapanjapaneseKeio UniversityKeioUniversityProfessor TachiProfessorTachisensationsensorsensorssensoryTachitelepresencetelesarTelesar VTelesarVtelexistencevirtual realityVirtualRealityVRVR glovesVR gogglesVrGlovesVrGogglesMon, 07 Nov 2011 08:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony's Face-to-Avatar blimp soars through SIGGRAPH, melts the heart of Big Brother (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/sonys-face-to-avatar-blimp-soars-through-siggraph-melts-the-he/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/sonys-face-to-avatar-blimp-soars-through-siggraph-melts-the-he/http://www.engadget.com/2011/08/11/sonys-face-to-avatar-blimp-soars-through-siggraph-melts-the-he/#comments Telepresence, say hello to your future. Humans, say hello to the next generation of Chancellor Sutler. All jesting aside, there's no question that Big Brother came to mind when eying Sony Computer Science Laboratories' Face-to-Avatar concept at SIGGRAPH. For all intents and purposes, it's a motorized blimp with a front-facing camera, microphone, a built-in projector and a WiFi module. It's capable of hovering above crowds in order to showcase an image of what's below, or displaying an image of whatever's being streamed to its wireless apparatus. The folks we spoke to seemed to think that it was still a few years out from being in a marketable state, but we can think of a few governments who'd probably be down to buy in right now. Kidding. Ominous video (and static male figurehead) await you after the break.

Gallery: Sony's Face-to-Avatar blimp soars through SIGGRAPH 2011

Continue reading Sony's Face-to-Avatar blimp soars through SIGGRAPH, melts the heart of Big Brother (video)

Sony's Face-to-Avatar blimp soars through SIGGRAPH, melts the heart of Big Brother (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 11 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adadsadvertisementadvertisingavatarblimpcameraconceptface to avatarface-to-avatarFaceToAvatarhands-onmarketingprivacyprojectorprototyperesearchsiggraphsiggraph 2011Siggraph2011sonytelepresencevideowebcamweirdThu, 11 Aug 2011 13:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco Cius headed to Verizon late summer, IT departments celebrate]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/cisco-cius-headed-to-verizon-late-summer-it-departments-celebra/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/cisco-cius-headed-to-verizon-late-summer-it-departments-celebra/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/cisco-cius-headed-to-verizon-late-summer-it-departments-celebra/#comments

Usually the trumpets blare when a new Android-based slate hits the town, but the IT-friendly Cisco Cius isn't really the type to get all hot and bothered over. We've had plenty of signs that this deceptive looking not-a-video-phone was coming to Big Red's Enterprise accounts and official word from the operator means your side of the cubicle will be getting some locked-down, Angry Birds-less tablet love later this summer. There's a whole bit of 4G LTE buzz buzz buzz in the release, but we have to stress that it's mobile hotspot only -- meaning this WiFi-equipped pad isn't the full office-on-the-go you might've hoped for. Out-of-context Moses and the Greeks PR allusions after the break.

Continue reading Cisco Cius headed to Verizon late summer, IT departments celebrate

Cisco Cius headed to Verizon late summer, IT departments celebrate originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 01:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid tabletAndroidTabletCiscocisco ciusCisco SystemsCiscoCiusCiscoSystemsciusCius tabletCiusTabletenterprisegoogleLTElte 4gLte4gslatetablettablet pcTabletPcTelepresenceVerizonverizon wirelessVerizonWirelessvideoVZWFri, 15 Jul 2011 01:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco Cius Android tablet hands-on (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/cisco-cius-android-tablet-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/cisco-cius-android-tablet-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/29/cisco-cius-android-tablet-hands-on/#comments
In the market for a $750 Android tablet with an IT-controlled closed ecosystem, Atom processor, and a requisite middle man to place your order? Then you probably work for a corporation. Cisco's Cius Android tablet was designed with a Cisco infrastructure in mind, focusing heavily on security and integration with other products. Sure, you can watch HD video or play Angry Birds (if IT is willing to flip the switch on game downloads), but you'll mostly be using the Cius to join WebEx presentations, TelePresence conferences, and access custom enterprise apps -- this is not the tablet to give your kids, for someone just looking to browse the web, or really for anyone not working at a company that already depends heavily on Cisco services. Basically, if a Cius magically appears on your desk one day, you'll know it's right for you.

Gallery: Cisco Cius Hands-On


Today Cisco launched AppHQ, a custom app store created to give IT departments complete control over device app loading, allowing them to limit access only to enterprise apps, or the entire Android Market. We went hands-on with the tablet and AppHQ at the company's offices in NYC, and were impressed with the tablet's ability to integrate seamlessly with Cisco services. Even though Cius isn't intended to be used for entertainment, it's designed to be both your primary portable device and desktop workstation -- so that ability to play HD video will definitely come in handy. You can access all of Cisco's popular communications tools, making private calls as you walk, joining a video conference from the train over AT&T or Verizon LTE, and then slipping the device into its dock once you reach the office, which adds speakerphone functionality, three USB ports, video out, and even Ethernet connectivity. You can use Cius to access an offsite virtual Windows desktop, using a mouse, keyboard, and monitor to control your primary machine. The tablet has begun rolling out to some clients and will be available worldwide on July 31st. You'll need to reach out to your Cisco sales rep to make a purchase, but jump past the break for a quick look in our hands-on video.

Continue reading Cisco Cius Android tablet hands-on (video)

Cisco Cius Android tablet hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Jun 2011 17:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid tabletAndroidTabletCiscocisco ciusCisco SystemsCiscoCiusCiscoSystemsciusCius tabletCiusTabletenterprisegooglehands-onslatetablettablet pcTabletPcTelepresencevideoWebexWed, 29 Jun 2011 17:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Sony makes floating-head telepresence avatars a reality, Sean Connery digs out gun and red speedos]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/sony-makes-floating-head-telepresence-avatars-a-reality-sean-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/sony-makes-floating-head-telepresence-avatars-a-reality-sean-co/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/16/sony-makes-floating-head-telepresence-avatars-a-reality-sean-co/#comments


The real world just got a little more Zardoz thanks to Tobita Hiroaki and his colleagues at Sony Computer Science Laboratory, who've built a telepresence blimp that projects the operator's face across its meter-wide surface. The looming, translucent face can float about like any other blimp; an interior camera allows the user to see where it's going. The whole thing is ominous in a completely different way from, say, a tiny googly-eyed robot perched on your shoulder, but something about its nearly silent movements still gives us the creeps - and unlike the Anybots QB, it's not going to pick up your scone from the café. But if your dreams include having others bow before your god-like visage, you'll have to wait awhile, as the technology's still in its early stages. In the meantime, you can practice intoning "Zardoz is pleased!" while watching the video above.

Sony makes floating-head telepresence avatars a reality, Sean Connery digs out gun and red speedos originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 May 2011 07:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avatarblimpCSLfloatfloatingFloating AvatarFloatingAvatarresearchrobotsSonySony Computer Science LaboratorySony CSLSonyComputerScienceLaboratorySonyCsltelepresenceTobita HiroakiTobitaHiroakivideovideo callvideo chatvideo conferenceVideoCallVideoChatVideoConferencezardozMon, 16 May 2011 07:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Google and iRobot team up to put Android apps on Ava telepresence bot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/google-and-irobot-team-up-to-put-android-apps-on-ava-telepresenc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/google-and-irobot-team-up-to-put-android-apps-on-ava-telepresenc/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/12/google-and-irobot-team-up-to-put-android-apps-on-ava-telepresenc/#comments iRobot Ave at Google I/O Remember that Ava telepresence bot that we were gaga over at CES? Well Google has decided to lend iRobot a hand in getting the tablet-topped automaton rolling with some Android apps. The two companies have teamed up to create Ava specific programs that can be run from an Android slate perched on the extending neck of this silicon-brained companion. Apparently any 'ol tablet will do, so you'll still be able to play Angry Birds, but where's the fun in that? The exciting stuff will be apps that can communicate with the robot and pass it directions, meaning we need to figure out what our new, mechanical best friends should do for us. We've already got plenty of options for killing and beer serving -- how about one that folds our laundry? Oh, wait. Well, we'll think of something. While we ponder you check out Ava's cameo at Google I/O and the PR after the break.

Continue reading Google and iRobot team up to put Android apps on Ava telepresence bot

Google and iRobot team up to put Android apps on Ava telepresence bot originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 May 2011 03:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidappappsavagooglegoogle iogoogle io 2011GoogleIoGoogleIo2011ioio 2011Io2011iRobotirobot avaIrobotAvarobotroboticsrobotstablettabletstelepresencevideoThu, 12 May 2011 03:10:00 EST<![CDATA[RoboDynamics Luna: the 5-foot tall personal robotic platform (update: video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/robodynamics-luna-the-5-foot-tall-personal-robotic-platform-tha/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/robodynamics-luna-the-5-foot-tall-personal-robotic-platform-tha/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/robodynamics-luna-the-5-foot-tall-personal-robotic-platform-tha/#comments It's a new era for personal robotics. Meet Luna, the fully-programmable robot companion platform that will ship this year. As a platform, RoboDynamics -- a Santa Monica-based company previously grounded in telepresence -- is trying to position Luna as the 5-foot tall "beige box" of modern robotics. She comes with her own one-click Luna App Store, eight "Luna Expansion Ports" (think 12/5 volt USB for robots), and Luna CloudNet where third-parties can sell additional functionality like face recognition to app developers. The robot ships with a number of personality packs and features an 8-inch touchscreen, two cameras, wireless connectivity, a three-mic array, and a variety of sensors. Oh, and she's portable. Remember, Luna's not a prototype, but a real working robot that you can actually take home for the price of an entry-level fully-loaded laptop.

Update: While $1,000 is the ultimate target price, the initial batch of limited edition Luna robots will ship in Q4 for $3,000. General availability will begin in the second half of 2012 with final pricing coming later this year.

Gallery: RoboDynamics Luna: the 5-foot tall personal robotic platform that retails for $1,000

Continue reading RoboDynamics Luna: the 5-foot tall personal robotic platform (update: video)

RoboDynamics Luna: the 5-foot tall personal robotic platform (update: video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 May 2011 02:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cloudnetcompanioncompanion robotCompanionRobotdomesticdomestic robotDomesticRobotlinuxlunaluna app storeluna cloudnetluna expansion portLunaAppStoreLunaCloudnetLunaExpansionPortlunaoslxppersonalpersonal robotPersonalRobotplatformrobodynamicsrobotic platformRoboticPlatformtelepresencevideoWed, 11 May 2011 02:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco killing Flip line of camcorders, axing 550 employees in restructuring effort]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/cisco-killing-flip-line-of-camcorders-shakes-fist-at-hd-recordi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/cisco-killing-flip-line-of-camcorders-shakes-fist-at-hd-recordi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/12/cisco-killing-flip-line-of-camcorders-shakes-fist-at-hd-recordi/#comments Oh Flip, how far you've come. And, of course, how far you've fallen. Once a spunky upstart with oddly shaped camcorders, you got snapped up by Cisco in Spring of 2009 for a hefty $590 million in stock. Now, according to Pocket-lint, you (and your moustaches) are done for. Cisco CEO John Chambers says the brand is being dispatched as the company refocuses, done in by the proliferation of high-definition sensors into smartphones and PMPs and the like. We had been waiting for the company's next products (if you'll recall, a WiFi-enabled Mino HD hit the FCC just a few months back), but at this point, it looks like those hopes and dreams will remain unfulfilled. We're awaiting comment from the company, and will update as it flies in.

Update: Looks like the "exit of some consumer operations" will lead to 550 employees being left out of work. If you'll recall, the outfit reported in February that sales of consumer products sank 15 percent, while profits slipped 18 percent as margins slid for a fourth consecutive quarter. Meanwhile, Umi will be integrated into the company's TelePresence product line and operate through an enterprise and service provider go-to-market model. In other words, Skype just ate Umi's lunch.

Continue reading Cisco killing Flip line of camcorders, axing 550 employees in restructuring effort

Cisco killing Flip line of camcorders, axing 550 employees in restructuring effort originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Apr 2011 09:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsbusinesscamcorderciscoflipflip camflip videoFlipCamFlipVideohandheld camcorderHandheldCamcorderhd camcorderHdCamcorderindustrykillkilledminomino hdMinoHdpocket camcorderPocketCamcorderTelePresenceumivideo callingVideoCallingTue, 12 Apr 2011 09:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Students build self-balancing TIPI robot, plan new world order (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/28/students-build-self-balancing-tipi-robot-plan-new-world-order/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/28/students-build-self-balancing-tipi-robot-plan-new-world-order/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/28/students-build-self-balancing-tipi-robot-plan-new-world-order/#comments Remember this guy, the QB robot that was priced at a whopping 15 grand? Seemingly, the webcam wheeler inspired a team of young minds at the University of Waterloo, who've unleashed the DIY in themselves to build one of their own. TIPI, or Telepresence Interface by Pendulum Inversion, was designed to give humans the feeling that they're not actually talking to a six-foot tall cyclops cyborg with an LCD face and webcam eye, but rather, evoke the emotions drawn when speaking the old, conventional, face-to-face way. Thanks to this team of mechatronics engineers, the low-cost TIPI uses an accelerometer, gyro and pendulum to balance by itself and can be remotely controlled while communicating via its Beagle Board and Polulu Orangutan SVP brain. Head past the break to see the robot struttin' its stuff -- oh, and get ready to rave. You'll see what we mean.

Continue reading Students build self-balancing TIPI robot, plan new world order (video)

Students build self-balancing TIPI robot, plan new world order (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Mar 2011 17:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerometerbalancebeaglebeagle boardBeagleBoardboardDIYdo it yourselfdo-it-yourselfDoItYourselfgyroscopeinterfaceinversionlcdorangutanpendulumpendulum-balancePoluluPolulu Orangutan SVPPoluluOrangutanSvprobotrobotsself-balancingspeakersvpTelepresenceTelepresence Interface by Pendulum InversionTelepresenceInterfaceByPendulumInversiontipiuniversityuniversity of waterlooUniversityOfWaterloovideowaterlooMon, 28 Mar 2011 17:32:00 EST<![CDATA[TEROOS robotic avatar gives your long-distance girlfriend a tiny, googly-eyed face (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/25/teroos-robotic-avatar-gives-your-long-distance-girlfriend-a-tiny/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/25/teroos-robotic-avatar-gives-your-long-distance-girlfriend-a-tiny/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/25/teroos-robotic-avatar-gives-your-long-distance-girlfriend-a-tiny/#comments Do you pine for animatronic eyes and robots that whisper sweet nothings in your ear? Well, geeks with distant girlfriends rejoice, because TEROOS, the shoulder-mounted, remotely-controlled telepresence avatar has arrived. Created by researchers from Keio University in Japan, the little bot has a camera and mic so far away friends can see and hear what you do, while a directional speaker keeps your conversations private. Communication's courtesy of Skype, while some custom code lets users control the device's six-axis articulating head. It's not an independent system, however, as it relies upon a smartphone to relay commands from a PC to the avatar through Bluetooth. Users can also change the bot's facial expressions thanks to a couple of googly eyes and mechanical eyelids, though it doesn't have quite the emotional range of other androids from the land of the rising sun. Intrigued? Check the vid after the break.

Continue reading TEROOS robotic avatar gives your long-distance girlfriend a tiny, googly-eyed face (video)

TEROOS robotic avatar gives your long-distance girlfriend a tiny, googly-eyed face (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Mar 2011 12:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avataravatarsbluetoothchatkeio universityKeioUniversityrobotrobotsskypetelepresenceTEROOSvideovideo chatVideoChatFri, 25 Mar 2011 12:26:00 EST<![CDATA[TelePresence Tech kiosk to bring virtual shopping to a mall near you, we go hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/telepresence-tech-kiosk-to-bring-virtual-shopping-to-a-mall-near/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/telepresence-tech-kiosk-to-bring-virtual-shopping-to-a-mall-near/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/23/telepresence-tech-kiosk-to-bring-virtual-shopping-to-a-mall-near/#comments If Amazon were to venture beyond the web in favor of a more tangible medium to peddle its wares, it might consider something like Telepresence Tech's new telepresence kiosk for the job. We got a surprise demo of the system at a Samsung event today and came away intrigued. The technology renders 2D images that float and rotate in space, giving retailers a way to let customers see their products as if they were actually there, and at a fraction of the cost -- about $1.50 per hour -- of paying meatbags to man a traditional brick-and-mortar store. A separate touchscreen lets shoppers scroll through available items, speak face to virtual face with customer service, and make purchases. Check the gallery to see more of what our retail future looks like.

Gallery: Telepresence Tech Kiosk at Samsung Mobilization

TelePresence Tech kiosk to bring virtual shopping to a mall near you, we go hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Mar 2011 23:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>adsadvertisinghands-onmarketingretailretailerretailerssamsungshoppingteleconferenceteleconferencingtelepresencetelepresence techTelepresenceTechvideo conferencingVideoConferencingWed, 23 Mar 2011 23:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco's Umi and TelePresence video calling systems: now with work at home and home at work]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/ciscos-umi-and-telepresence-video-calling-systems-now-with-wor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/ciscos-umi-and-telepresence-video-calling-systems-now-with-wor/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/ciscos-umi-and-telepresence-video-calling-systems-now-with-wor/#comments It was only a matter of time before Cisco's Umi and TelePresence services got together for some HD video calling synergy, and the company has finally enabled "full interoperability" between the two. Not only that, but the networking giant is also rolling out a free HD calling client called Umi Connect for PC and Mac (think SkypeHD) and a new Umi 720 system that works with slower broadband connections. The 720 will cost $399 upon its market arrival this summer, while the already available Umi 1080 gets a much-needed-yet-still-underwhelming hundred dollar price drop to $499. Service fees have also fallen from $275 to $99 a year and from $24.95 to $9.95 monthly for those who are commitment-averse. Maybe now you can persuade the bossman (or bosslady, as it were) to finally let you work from home -- though pants-free employment will undoubtedly remain off, or maybe just under, the table. PR's after the break.

[Thanks, Adam]

Continue reading Cisco's Umi and TelePresence video calling systems: now with work at home and home at work

Cisco's Umi and TelePresence video calling systems: now with work at home and home at work originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 21:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ciscoCisco TelePresenceCiscoTelepresencehdtvSkypeHdtelepresenceumiumi 720umi connectUmi720UmiConnectvideo callingvideo conferencingVideoCallingVideoConferencingMon, 07 Mar 2011 21:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Danish professor crafts a robotic twin: behold the Geminoid-DK (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/denmark-professor-crafts-a-robotic-twin-behold-the-geminoid-dk/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/denmark-professor-crafts-a-robotic-twin-behold-the-geminoid-dk/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/denmark-professor-crafts-a-robotic-twin-behold-the-geminoid-dk/#comments

Uncannily realistic telepresence humanoids aren't just for the Japanese -- this week, it was revealed that Denmark is home to a brand-new Geminoid -- the Geminoid DK. Modeled after professor Henrik Scharfe at Aalborg University, this Geminoid-F derivative was constructed by Kokoro and ATR, the very same organizations that built the last few we've seen. The more things change, the more they stay the same: DK pulls off the beard quite nicely, but it still looks downright creepy when it smiles, blinks and breathes. See for yourself in plenty of video footage, both above and after the break.

Danish professor crafts a robotic twin: behold the Geminoid-DK (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aalborg UniversityAalborgUniversitydenmarkgeminoidGeminoid DKgeminoid-DKGeminoid-FGeminoidDkHenrik ScharfeHenrikScharfehumanoidrobotstelepresencevideoMon, 07 Mar 2011 00:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Man builds machine to push phone buttons from half a world away (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/27/man-builds-machine-to-push-phone-buttons-from-half-a-world-away/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/27/man-builds-machine-to-push-phone-buttons-from-half-a-world-away/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/27/man-builds-machine-to-push-phone-buttons-from-half-a-world-away/#comments
If your ambition was to travel the world, and your job to push the buttons of three cellphones located in South Korea, you might go insane. That seems to be what happened to Mok Young Bak, at least, when he invented the crazy contraption depicted in the video above. Called the Caduceus, it's a telepresence machine that does just one thing -- it controls every single button on each of those three phones with a series of servo motors and actuator cables, and moves a pendulum-like webcam so he can clearly see each screen from wherever he happens to be. That way, he can enjoy tourism while leaving his livelihood within reach, at least so long as concerned neighbors don't assume the terrible din is, say, a killer robot assembly line, and insist that police investigate.

Man builds machine to push phone buttons from half a world away (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Feb 2011 11:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>caduceusDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfhackhacksMok Young BacqMokYoungBacqremote controlRemoteControltelecommutingtelepresencevideoSun, 27 Feb 2011 11:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Johnny Chung Lee makes DIY telepresence bot out of an iRobot Create and a netbook]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/johnny-chung-lee-makes-diy-telepresence-bot-out-of-an-irobot-cre/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/johnny-chung-lee-makes-diy-telepresence-bot-out-of-an-irobot-cre/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/11/johnny-chung-lee-makes-diy-telepresence-bot-out-of-an-irobot-cre/#comments Most of us don't have $15,000 to drop on an Anybot, even though having one around would be nice in the event we don't feel like leaving the house to get some coffee. To help those of us with more humble means, our old friend Johnny Chung Lee (of Wiimote hacking and Kinect dev team fame) has utilized his prodigious DIY talents to create a video chat robot for the relatively paltry sum of $500. Using an iRobot Create ($250), a netbook with Skype ($250), a cable to connect the two, and some control software he wrote himself, Mr. Lee built a digital surrogate on the cheap. Johnny isn't the first person to so leverage iRobot's hacking platform, but he added a stand on top of the robot to get the PC closer to human height, attached a fish-eye lens to the webcam for better remote viewing, and even did some re-wiring to allow the netbook to charge via the Create's base station. The code and how-to instructions are up on his blog, so hit the source link if you're feeling up to making one yourself. Seems like Johnny Lee's putting that Google 20 percent time to good use thus far -- keep 'em coming. Check the video of this latest creation after the break.

Continue reading Johnny Chung Lee makes DIY telepresence bot out of an iRobot Create and a netbook

Johnny Chung Lee makes DIY telepresence bot out of an iRobot Create and a netbook originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Feb 2011 23:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>creatediyhow tohow-toHowToirobotirobot createIrobotCreateJohnny Chung LeeJohnnyChungLeerobotrobotsTelepresencetelepresence robotTelepresenceRobotvideoFri, 11 Feb 2011 23:40:00 EST<![CDATA[Robot buys a scone in a coffee shop, that's all you really need to know (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/09/robot-buys-a-scone-in-a-coffee-shop-thats-all-you-need-to-know/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/09/robot-buys-a-scone-in-a-coffee-shop-thats-all-you-need-to-know/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/09/robot-buys-a-scone-in-a-coffee-shop-thats-all-you-need-to-know/#comments Robots. Constructed by man to make our lives easier and provide opportunities for sloth that might not have arisen otherwise. One resident of Mountain View, California decided that commanding his Anybot to fetch a scone from Red Rock Coffee was a good use of the $15,000 telepresence automaton. And here we thought bot proliferation would either freak us out or engineer mankind's demise -- turns out it'll just add a few more folks in line while we wait to order our next cup of joe.

Continue reading Robot buys a scone in a coffee shop, that's all you really need to know (video)

Robot buys a scone in a coffee shop, that's all you really need to know (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 Feb 2011 05:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anybotanybotscoffee shopCoffeeShopqbrobotrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypseTelepresencetelepresence robotTelepresenceRobotvideoWed, 09 Feb 2011 05:44:00 EST<![CDATA[Texas student sends robot to school in his place, can't get it to do his homework]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/texas-student-sends-robot-to-school-in-his-place-cant-get-it-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/texas-student-sends-robot-to-school-in-his-place-cant-get-it-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/03/texas-student-sends-robot-to-school-in-his-place-cant-get-it-t/#comments
You may have recently seen telepresence robots played for laughs on The Big Bang Theory, but they do also have quite a few practical purposes, and high school student Lyndon Baty from Knox City, Texas is now using one to particularly great effect. He has a weakened immune system that prevents him from actually attending school, so he's using a remotely-controlled Vgo telepresence "robot" that allows him to move from class to class and interact with teachers and other students using nothing more than his laptop and webcam at home. The bot itself is four-feet tall, self-balancing, and simply packs a basic video conferencing system up top that allows its operator to interact with their surroundings -- at $5,000, it's also considerably cheaper than some other similar options. As Popular Science notes, however, this isn't the first time that a telepresence bot has gone to school -- a student in Russia suffering from leukemia has also been using a similar bot since September of last year as part of a pilot project from the robot's designers. Head on past the break for the local news report from Texas.

Continue reading Texas student sends robot to school in his place, can't get it to do his homework

Texas student sends robot to school in his place, can't get it to do his homework originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 03 Feb 2011 19:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>boteducationrobotschoolTelepresencetelepresence robotTelepresenceRobotvgovideoThu, 03 Feb 2011 19:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Self-balancing Anybots QB now shipping, the future of telepresence is now (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/01/self-balancing-anybots-qb-now-shipping-the-future-of-telepresen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/01/self-balancing-anybots-qb-now-shipping-the-future-of-telepresen/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/01/self-balancing-anybots-qb-now-shipping-the-future-of-telepresen/#commentsSelf-balancing Anybot now shipping, the future of telepresence is now First they came for our telepresence, and we did not speak because we couldn't afford them. Then they came for our physical presence, and there was no one left to speak out for us. Yes, Anybots are coming, the self-balancing QB robot available for purchase and shipping now, but at $15,000 we're thinking not too many of you will be jumping on this bandwagon to start. As we saw in our hands-on in December the self-balancing bots enable you to be somewhere that you aren't, controlled through a simple web interface and enabling executives to remotely monitor and run over the toes of their peons toiling in the office while said execs sit comfortably at home. There's some footage of one of the bots in action below, which you'd better watch before one of them captures footage of you maintaining a state of inaction.

Continue reading Self-balancing Anybots QB now shipping, the future of telepresence is now (video)

Self-balancing Anybots QB now shipping, the future of telepresence is now (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 01 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anybotsavailablenow availableNowAvailableqbrobotself-balancingtelepresencevideowifiwirelessTue, 01 Feb 2011 11:00:00 EST<![CDATA[ZMP's City Simulator Experiment takes the driver out of the car, keeps the helmet just in case (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/zmps-city-simulator-experiment-takes-the-driver-out-of-the-car/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/zmps-city-simulator-experiment-takes-the-driver-out-of-the-car/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/31/zmps-city-simulator-experiment-takes-the-driver-out-of-the-car/#commentsZMP's City Simulator Experiment takes the driver out of the car, keeps the helmet just in case (video) ZMP has done some great things in the past -- well, except maybe Miuro, the roving iPod dock that ensured your PMP would always be just out of reach. Lately the company has been focusing on self-driving cars like the RoboCar MEV, and while this little one most certainly does have a driver, that driver is not actually in the car. It's a potential roadway revolution. Just imagine being able to partake in your morning commute from the safety of your own home! Right now it's just a little RC car (not unlike Malte Jehmlich's telepresence Wipeout from last year) being steered by what looks like a Logitech Driving Force GT, making us hope that the next Gran Turismo offers a mode just like this -- minus the headgear.

Continue reading ZMP's City Simulator Experiment takes the driver out of the car, keeps the helmet just in case (video)

ZMP's City Simulator Experiment takes the driver out of the car, keeps the helmet just in case (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Jan 2011 15:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>city simulator experimentCitySimulatorExperimentdriving force gtdriving simulatorDrivingForceGtDrivingSimulatorlogitechrc carRcCarsimulatortelepresencevideozero motion pointZeroMotionPointzmpMon, 31 Jan 2011 15:29:00 EST<![CDATA[iRobot AVA chills with us at CES, will turn Android and iPad app developers into roboticists (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/irobot-ava-chills-with-us-at-ces-will-turn-android-and-ipad-app/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/irobot-ava-chills-with-us-at-ces-will-turn-android-and-ipad-app/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/07/irobot-ava-chills-with-us-at-ces-will-turn-android-and-ipad-app/#comments We just got a chance to meet iRobot's AVA and talk to iRobot's CEO Colin Angle about his plans for this intriguing new bot. What we're looking at right now is basically a developer platform, or a "concept car" as Colin put it, showing off ideas for a consumer-facing bot with a lot more smarts than a Roomba, with hopes to attract developers who can extend its functionality. What wasn't clear to us before is that the tablet perched atop the bot can be any iPad or Android tablet -- not some first-party model by iRobot -- and the point of that is to let existing iPad and Android devs to develop apps using their regular tools that can control the bot through an API iRobot will give them access to. That means, unlike some robotic SDKs out there, developers won't have to learn the ins and outs of robots before they build an app for the AVA, they just have to pass simple instructions to the bot which can be interpreted by iRobot's already impressive software. For instance, the robot can already drive itself around a building and map it entirely, so then a software dev would just have to pick a point on a map and send AVA on its way -- no complicated navigation work on the app dev's part. iRobot also sees potential for game devs, which is particularly interesting because they could combine two of the "hot" areas of current game development: Kinect-style motion controls and touch controls. It's all very exciting, we assure you, so we suggest you follow after the break and watch this video -- before we sic AVA on your ass.

Gallery: iRobot AVA chills with us at CES

iRobot AVA chills with us at CES, will turn Android and iPad app developers into roboticists (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 07 Jan 2011 16:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avacesces 2011ces2011hands-onirobottelepresencevideoFri, 07 Jan 2011 16:59:00 EST<![CDATA[iRobot debuts AVA telepresence robot with tablet controls]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/irobot-debuts-ava-telepresence-robot-with-tablet-controls/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/irobot-debuts-ava-telepresence-robot-with-tablet-controls/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/06/irobot-debuts-ava-telepresence-robot-with-tablet-controls/#comments iRobot's first attempt at a telepresence robot, a modified Roomba, was a false start, but now they're back with an all-new bot called AVA which should right all wrongs. The bot can adjust its own height from three feet to five feet tall to meet you at eye level, with a tablet perched on top (this is CES 2011, after all). Its base is an odd three-wheeled configuration for maneuverability, and the robot has DARPA Challenge-style environment mapping to avoid bumping into anything or anybody. For sensors the AVA is using dual Kinect-style PrimeSense sensors, along with laser rangefinders, scanning acoustic sensors, and bump sensors. There's naturally a microphone and camera for the bot's primary purpose: video telepresence. What's more interesting, however, is that iRobot has an apps platform for this, which will allow developers to build new functionality. There's no word on price or when this will go on sale, but we already know one thing: we want one. Check out some quality time that PC Magazine's Lance Ulanoff spent with AVA after the break.

Continue reading iRobot debuts AVA telepresence robot with tablet controls

iRobot debuts AVA telepresence robot with tablet controls originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Jan 2011 22:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>avabreaking newsBreakingNewscesces 2011ces2011irobottelepresencetelepresence robotTelepresenceRobotvideoThu, 06 Jan 2011 22:43:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY telepresence robot uses PrimeSense Kinect drivers for extremely awkward push-ups (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/diy-telepresence-robot-uses-primesense-kinect-drivers-for-extrem/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/diy-telepresence-robot-uses-primesense-kinect-drivers-for-extrem/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/03/diy-telepresence-robot-uses-primesense-kinect-drivers-for-extrem/#comments
From enhancing your WoW game to putting you in Tom Hanks's shoes, DIYers the world o'er really do seem to love Kinect. And what do we have here? Taylor Veltrop's Veltrobot remote telepresence 'bot uses the PrimeSense open source Kinect drivers for tracking the user's skeleton, with a modified Kondo KHR-1HV mirroring the operator's movements (which are received via 802.11n WiFi). Right now he is only controlling the arms, but with any luck we should be seeing complete control over all the robot's movements soon enough. Once the thing is finalized, Veltrop plans on releasing an open source development kit. And then? That's right: robot avatars for everyone!

Continue reading DIY telepresence robot uses PrimeSense Kinect drivers for extremely awkward push-ups (video)

DIY telepresence robot uses PrimeSense Kinect drivers for extremely awkward push-ups (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 Jan 2011 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diydriverhackhacksKHR-1HVkinectKondoKondo KHR-1HVKondoKhr-1hvmodopen sourceopenniOpenSourceprimesenseproject natalProjectNatalrobotrosside kickside-kickSideKickTaylor VeltropTaylorVeltroptelepresenceveltrobotvideowillow garageWillowGarageMon, 03 Jan 2011 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[EngKey telepresence robot teaches English to Koreans by way of the Philippines]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/engkey-telepresence-robot-teaches-english-to-koreans-by-way-of-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/engkey-telepresence-robot-teaches-english-to-koreans-by-way-of-t/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/28/engkey-telepresence-robot-teaches-english-to-koreans-by-way-of-t/#comments
You know, for all the hubbub we've been hearing about le robots (the robots), you'd think we'd see them put to better uses than chasing our pets and killing people. Right? Right. Well, the best use we can think of is education, and that's exactly what they're doing at an elementary school in Daegu, South Korea. Developed by the Korea Institute of Science of Technology (KIST), EngKey is just under three-and-a-half feet high, features a video display for a face, and seems hell bent on taking all those "teach English in Korea" jobs away from shiftless American college grads looking to postpone responsibility for one or two more desperate years. There are currently twenty-nine such devices, which -- get this -- are actually operated remotely by teachers in the Philippines. Is this the end result of globalism? Not quite yet: for the time being, the robots are still too cumbersome to operate and expensive to justify putting into production. But who knows? Maybe someday, kids.

EngKey telepresence robot teaches English to Koreans by way of the Philippines originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 28 Dec 2010 22:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>daegueducationEngKeyKISTkoreaKorea Institute of Science of TechnologyKoreaInstituteOfScienceOfTechnologyremoterobotrobotssouth koreaSouthKoreateachteachertelepresenceTue, 28 Dec 2010 22:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Two Kinects join forces to make 3D telepresence, enable virtual light saber battles (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/two-kinects-join-forces-to-make-3d-telepresence-enable-virtual/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/two-kinects-join-forces-to-make-3d-telepresence-enable-virtual/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/20/two-kinects-join-forces-to-make-3d-telepresence-enable-virtual/#comments UC Davis's Oliver Kreylos has been responsible for two of our most impressive Kinect hacks yet. He was one of the first to get proper 3D video out of the thing, following that up by pairing up two of the cameras, one to fill in the gaps of the other. You might have thought he was just playing around but no -- oh no. There was a method to the madness and his ulterior motive has been revealed: 3D telepresence. This is what he's been working on all along and he has an early version operational, using the output from two Kinects in a remote office to beam a 3D representation of another person to his display, which he can navigate around (and through) using a Wiimote. Meanwhile, the viewer can see the position of Oliver in real-time, a virtual camera floating around and enabling them to maintain eye contact despite her not actually looking at either physical camera. That demonstration is embedded after the break along with a somewhat fanciful follow-up in which Kreylos engages in a rather... protracted lightsaber battle against the forces of evil.

Continue reading Two Kinects join forces to make 3D telepresence, enable virtual light saber battles (video)

Two Kinects join forces to make 3D telepresence, enable virtual light saber battles (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d telepresence3dTelepresencekinectmicrosoftoliver kreylosOliverKreylostelepresencevideoxboxxbox 360Xbox360Mon, 20 Dec 2010 10:03:00 EST<![CDATA[Anybots QB hands-on]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/10/anybots-qb-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/10/anybots-qb-hands-on/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/10/anybots-qb-hands-on/#comments This week at GigaOM's NetWork 2010 conference in San Francisco, we briefly mingled with our robot overlords and survived to tell the tale. Anybots was letting its $15,000 QB telepresence robot decimate roam the crowd, and we were invited to interact with one and then take another for a spin by way of remote control. The experience was entertaining but still rather impersonal, mostly due to the lack of two-way video, something that's billed as "coming soon." There's no word on whether the robots -- which are starting to (literally) roll off the assembly line -- were amused or not. Based on our abysmal remote-control skills, we can only assume our lives were spared for one reason: to write this post. Take a look at our videos after the break!

Gallery: Anybots QB hands-on

Continue reading Anybots QB hands-on

Anybots QB hands-on originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 10 Dec 2010 14:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anybotanybotshands-onqbrobotrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypsetelepresencevideoFri, 10 Dec 2010 14:03:00 EST<![CDATA[MantaroBot telepresence robot works via Skype, offends our aesthetic sensibilities]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/07/mantarobot-telepresence-robot-works-via-skype-offends-our-aesth/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/07/mantarobot-telepresence-robot-works-via-skype-offends-our-aesth/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/07/mantarobot-telepresence-robot-works-via-skype-offends-our-aesth/#comments
We don't see much in this space from Mantaro, an engineering and development company that usually works on things like network management systems and switches for telecoms. That's why we were pleasantly surprised when the company announced an affordable telepresence robot. How affordable, you ask? Well, in a marketplace where these things can easily cost well over ten grand, MantaroBot can be yours for a cut-rate $3,500. Unfortunately, in a marketplace where these things can easily cost over ten grand, MantaroBot also looks like it cost a cut-rate $3,500. But you know what? Sometimes one must choose function over form. And what you get here is pretty straightforward: the remote operator steers the robot and communicates using a Skype plug-in (PC only) that also allows 180 degree panning and tilting of the onboard HD camera. This bad boy also features infrared sensors for obstacle detection, communication link monitoring (if you go offline, MantaroBot stops in its place) and more. Available now. PR after the break.

Continue reading MantaroBot telepresence robot works via Skype, offends our aesthetic sensibilities

MantaroBot telepresence robot works via Skype, offends our aesthetic sensibilities originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 07 Dec 2010 10:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conferencingmantaromantarobotrobotskypetelepresencevideo conferencingVideoConferencingTue, 07 Dec 2010 10:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Dynamic 3D holograms can now refresh every two seconds, save galaxies in their spare time]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/04/dynamic-3d-holograms-can-now-refresh-every-two-seconds-save-gal/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/04/dynamic-3d-holograms-can-now-refresh-every-two-seconds-save-gal/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/04/dynamic-3d-holograms-can-now-refresh-every-two-seconds-save-gal/#comments Perhaps the biggest challenge in making holograms usable on a daily basis -- aside from having to film your subject with a million trillion cameras -- is in getting their refresh rates up to the levels we're used to with "normal" two-dimensional video. We're still a fair way away from those magical 30fps, but the University of Arizona is touting a heretofore unheard of redraw rate of once every two seconds. This is a major advance from their first dynamic holograms demonstrated two years ago, which required minutes to swap over to a new image. The current prototype is built on a 10-inch photorefractive polymer screen, with lasers beaming information onto it, though 17-inch versions are also being tested. Another present limitation is that the hologram displayed can only be of one color, but that is also subject to the continuing labors of the UA researchers, who foresee no major hurdles preventing them from eventually cobbling together full-color, fast-refreshing, and fully realized 3D holograms. Now that'd be 3D television we can all get behind. Or in front of, depending on the viewing angle we want.

Continue reading Dynamic 3D holograms can now refresh every two seconds, save galaxies in their spare time

Dynamic 3D holograms can now refresh every two seconds, save galaxies in their spare time originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 Nov 2010 06:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d hologram3d holograms3dHologram3dHologramsarizonadynamic hologramDynamicHologramhologramhologram displayHologramDisplayhologramsholographic telepresenceHolographicTelepresencelaserlasersmonochromaticNasser PeyghambarianNasserPeyghambarianopticsresearchtelepresenceuniversityuniversity of arizonaUniversityOfArizonavideoThu, 04 Nov 2010 06:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco unveils Umi consumer video conferencing system]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/cisco-unveils-umi-consumer-video-conferencing-system/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/cisco-unveils-umi-consumer-video-conferencing-system/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/06/cisco-unveils-umi-consumer-video-conferencing-system/#comments Well hey -- Cisco's finally announced the consumer-level HD video conferencing system that's been rumored for a while now. Called Umi, (you me -- get it?) the system consists of a 1080p camera module, remote, and a separate set-top box. Cisco says Umi will allow for full 1080p video calls with 720p/30 recording, with a fallback to 720p / 480p if bandwidth is constrained. The camera itself has a glass lens with an optical zoom, autofocus, auto exposure and auto white balance, as well as motorized pan, tilt, and zoom. There's also a motorized privacy shutter, which is a nice touch. The service is compatible with Google Voice and Video Chat, and Cisco says it's looking into FaceTime integration as well -- we'd expect Skype and Fring are also high on the list of potential partners.

Cisco says it'll be demoing Umi on Oprah and launching an ad campaign with Ellen Page in the runup to a holiday launch, but none of that will distract from the required $24.99 monthly / $275 annually Umi service plan and $599 MSRP. We don't know how well that's going to go over with anyone, but that'll give you something else to ponder along with this new Cisco slogan we just came up with:

Cisco Umi: Now you have to wear pants.

Continue reading Cisco unveils Umi consumer video conferencing system

Cisco unveils Umi consumer video conferencing system originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Oct 2010 12:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>breaking newsBreakingNewsciscoTelepresenceumivideo conferencingVideoConferencingWed, 06 Oct 2010 12:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Screen Grabs: Willow Garage's telepresence bot guest stars on The Big Bang Theory]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/04/screen-grabs-willow-garages-telepresence-bot-guest-stars-on-th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/04/screen-grabs-willow-garages-telepresence-bot-guest-stars-on-th/http://www.engadget.com/2010/10/04/screen-grabs-willow-garages-telepresence-bot-guest-stars-on-th/#commentsScreen Grabs chronicles the uses (and misuses) of real-world gadgets in today's movies and TV. Send in your sightings (with screen grab!) to screengrabs at engadget dot com.
CBS's The Big Bang Theory is the super popular sitcom about brilliant nerds. If you've been watching, you've undoubtedly seen Steve Wozniak's recent guest spot -- but there have been other notable presences, too. Willow Garage's Texai telepresence robot recently made an appearance as "Shel-bot" -- a stand in for the character Sheldon. While we didn't get to see the hilarious high jinks ourselves, we can tell from the screen shots that it was a pretty good time. Hit up the coverage link to learn more about Willow Garage's Texai.

Screen Grabs: Willow Garage's telepresence bot guest stars on The Big Bang Theory originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 Oct 2010 02:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>big bang theoryBigBangTheoryrobotrobotsscreen grabsscreengrabstelepresencetexaiwillow garageWillowGarageMon, 04 Oct 2010 02:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Cisco to announce high-def consumer telepresence device next week?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/cisco-to-announce-high-def-consumer-telepresence-device-next-wee/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/cisco-to-announce-high-def-consumer-telepresence-device-next-wee/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/cisco-to-announce-high-def-consumer-telepresence-device-next-wee/#commentsCisco to announce high-def consumer telepresence device next week? Cisco is certainly no stranger to the telepresence world, offering a high-end system catering to your high-paid CEO and his high-def boardroom. However, that doesn't do Ma and Pa Internet User much good when they want to dial up their offspring and see how the grandkids are faring. This, it seems, is Cisco's next step, with the company launching an "inexpensive home telepresence product for personal use" according to All Things Digital. At a press conference scheduled one week from today, a device and service are expected to be unveiled with a cost between $200 and $500 (depending on carrier subsidies) that will enable easy high-def video calling -- something SkypeHD and others do today, but supporting devices have been slow to find success. What will this device look like? Well, Cisco Senior VP Marthin De Beer said earlier this year: "We didn't buy Flip to have it be only a video recorder." He also said: "We would absolutely love to integrate with FaceTime." That latter bit sounds a little optimistic, but high-def telepresence that's as simple to use as a Flip HD? It could be good -- or it could be another FlipShare TV.

Cisco to announce high-def consumer telepresence device next week? originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 07:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ciscohdhigh definitionHighDefinitiontelepresencevideo chatvideo conferencingVideoChatVideoConferencingWed, 29 Sep 2010 07:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Avaya intros business-oriented A175 tablet, shows off Flare user interface]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/26/avaya-intros-business-oriented-a175-tablet-shows-off-flare-user/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/26/avaya-intros-business-oriented-a175-tablet-shows-off-flare-user/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/26/avaya-intros-business-oriented-a175-tablet-shows-off-flare-user/#comments Avaya's not a name you generally hear when circling the consumer electronics water cooler, and even though it just introduced a new tablet, you still won't ever see this guy in Target, Best Buy or Walmart. Expected to cost between $1,500 and $2,000, this 11.5-inch enterprise tablet is designed primarily to be used at a cubicle, doubling as a SIP phone and tripling as an office collaboration tool. Dubbed a "Polycom killer" more than an iPad killer, this unit relies on Aura 6.0 and the newly designed Flare user interface (detailed in the video past the break), which enables touchscreen operation and supports multi-user video calling, email, web browsing and support for Android applications. Specs wise, it's "slightly thicker than an iPad," has a trio of USB 2.0 ports, inbuilt WiFi, 3G / 4G WWAN support and an integrated battery for those days when you simply have to clock in from the comfort of Venice Beach. Hit that More Coverage link for a live report at the device's unveiling, and feel free to start hassling your manager to order up a few dozen of these. Or use that money for office-wide raises -- whatever floats your boat.

[Thanks, Bob]

Continue reading Avaya intros business-oriented A175 tablet, shows off Flare user interface

Avaya intros business-oriented A175 tablet, shows off Flare user interface originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Sep 2010 03:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>a175androidauraAvayaAvaya flareavaya tabletAvayaFlareAvayaTabletbusinessdisplayenterpriseflaregooglegoogle androidGoogleAndroidmojoofficetablettelepresencevideowidgetSun, 26 Sep 2010 03:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Hiroshi Ishiguro creates his creepiest robot yet, the Telenoid R1 (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/02/hiroshi-ishiguro-creates-his-creepiest-robot-yet-the-telenoid-r/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/02/hiroshi-ishiguro-creates-his-creepiest-robot-yet-the-telenoid-r/http://www.engadget.com/2010/08/02/hiroshi-ishiguro-creates-his-creepiest-robot-yet-the-telenoid-r/#comments Sure, creating freakish humanoid clones is Hiroshi Ishiguro's primary hobby, but his latest work takes a couple steps outside the Uncanny Valley. The Telenoid R1 telepresence robot trades extremities for an androgynous doll-like body, which researchers at Osaka University and ATR describe as "soft and pleasant" but strikes us as something we'd see crawling out of the depths of hell on stump-like arms. (Perhaps Ishiguro was going for Casper the Friendly Ghost.) The $35,000 prototype transmits both the voice and head motions of a remote operator, allowing dutiful Japanese individuals to visit their elders via internet-equipped PCs, and a final version will actually go on sale later this year for around $8,000 should said elders agree with the latest in puffy white design. Watch a sample visit after the break.

Continue reading Hiroshi Ishiguro creates his creepiest robot yet, the Telenoid R1 (video)

Hiroshi Ishiguro creates his creepiest robot yet, the Telenoid R1 (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Aug 2010 04:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Advanced Telecommunications Research InstituteAdvancedTelecommunicationsResearchInstituteATRAtreyuGeminoidhiroshi ishiguroHiroshiIshiguroJapanosaka universityOsakaUniversityrobotroboticsRobotstelenoidtelenoid R1TelenoidR1TelepresencevideoMon, 02 Aug 2010 04:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Anybots QB telepresence robot: nag employees remotely for $15,000]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/anybots-qb-telepresence-robot-nag-employees-remotely-for-15-00/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/anybots-qb-telepresence-robot-nag-employees-remotely-for-15-00/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/29/anybots-qb-telepresence-robot-nag-employees-remotely-for-15-00/#comments
Anybots has a new telepresence robot, the QB -- and while it certainly seems to be an advance on the QA, which we saw at CES 2009, we gotta admit that it's not nearly as cute as its predecessor. Marketed towards CEO-types, this bad boy can be controlled via your PC (or eventually your Mac), and it features WiFi b/g connectivity, 5 megapixel camera, speaker, microphone, and a max speed of 3.5 MPH. To be honest, having your boss follow you around the office with a webcam-on-wheels sounds more like a NewsRadio plot than effective office management, but certainly there's someone rich and crazy enough to drop $15,000 on one of these. The first hundred to put down ten percent get membership in the prestigious 100 Club! For reals! Which reminds us, it's been awhile since we've listened to our Sex Pistols Live At The 100 Club CD. PR, video after the break.

Continue reading Anybots QB telepresence robot: nag employees remotely for $15,000

Anybots QB telepresence robot: nag employees remotely for $15,000 originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Jul 2010 10:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>anybotsanybots qbAnybotsQbqbrobotrobotsTelepresencevideoThu, 29 Jul 2010 10:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Head-mounted display controls video camera, keeps you painfully single]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/28/head-mounted-display-controls-video-camera-keeps-you-painfully/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/28/head-mounted-display-controls-video-camera-keeps-you-painfully/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/28/head-mounted-display-controls-video-camera-keeps-you-painfully/#comments
At the University of Electro-Communications in Tokyo, Satoshi Nariai demonstrates something called the head-mounted Mobile Video Communication System. With acceleration and position sensors built into a head-mounted display, the remote camera moves in relation to your head's movements. The researcher sees this being used primarily for videoconferencing where he thinks it will promote effective communication by allowing eye contact. Of course, there's one problem with that -- if you're both wearing large displays on your face, how could you possibly make eye contact? Unless, of course, you paint eyes onto the outside of the display itself, Loony Tunes-style. That said, it's still an impressive piece of gear. See it in action after the break.

Continue reading Head-mounted display controls video camera, keeps you painfully single

Head-mounted display controls video camera, keeps you painfully single originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Jul 2010 14:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Mobile Video Communication SystemMobileVideoCommunicationSystemTelepresencetokyoUniversity of Electro-CommunicationsUniversityOfElectro-communicationsviceo cameraViceoCameravideovideo chatvideo conferencingVideoCameraVideoChatVideoConferencingWed, 28 Jul 2010 14:24:00 EST