By Andrew Craig, VNU
Net
A web-enabled robot that can keep an eye on your home while
you’re away on business and even attend trade shows on your behalf
is likely to please Comdex delegates this year.
iRobot has a built-in Apache web server running Red Hat
Linux and is powered by an AMD K6 chip. Its ‘head’ contains sensors
and a webcam so that it can navigate around objects and relay
pictures of what it ‘sees’ via the web.
iRobot’s wheels let it climb stairs, and its 2.4Ghz wireless
link has a range of up to 150 feet, making it suitable for most
homes and some offices – one suggested use is tracking those people
in your office who never answer their phone.
iRobot carries a heavy $5000 price tag, which includes a
JuiceBar charging station where the robot will recharge itself.
Its makers are hoping iRobot will attend trade shows on their
and their visitors’ behalf, relaying images across the web. With a
million square foot of Comdex floor to cover, this is a move most
delegates would welcome.