The companion robot market continues to get more crowded. UBTECH Robotics has launched an Indiegogo campaign for its new Alpha 2 humanoid robot.
Designed as a robotic assistant to make “household life easier,” Alpha 2 stands 17 inches tall, is 9 inches wide and weighs about 5 lb. Alpha 2 can take pictures and videos, make calls, check voice mails, read and send texts and emails, and control WiFi-enabled office equipment. Alpha 2 can also post to your social media accounts using voice commands.
Alpha 2, which is programmable and runs on an open-source OS, is connected to the cloud and leverages intelligent voice and perceptual systems to receive commands and execute corresponding behaviors. The robot is capable of simultaneous interpretation, voice search, visual interaction and providing verbal reminders.
Photos: Meet the Alpha 2 Humanoid Robot
Unlike some of the other companion robots set to hit the market, such as Jibo and Buddy, Alpha 2 actually has legs to move around. Alpha 2 has 20 servo motors that bend its joints, helping the robot be your personal dance partner, DJ, singer, yoga and workout instructor and more.
Alpha 2, which can operate for “more than 1 hour” per charge, can also tutor children and entertain pets, remind you to take medication and will integrate with smart appliances like lights, locks, and security systems.
Alpha 2 is compatible with both iOS and Android systems for remote communication and control. UBTECH is also supporting the developer community with Voice Apps (VAPPs) that you’ll be able to purchase from the Alpha Store, which should be up and running around the time of the first Alpha 2 deliveries. Developers will be able to submit skills or applications for certification in advance.
“Part of our goal with this public crowdfund is to attract a community of developers who will take Alpha 2’s capabilities to the next level,” says UBTECH CEO James Chow. “Offering development kits and DIY products are an important part of our technology vision, because we want to fuel the robotics revolution and technical innovation both inside and outside our walls.”
Alpha 2 will come with 16GB local storage, and there’s no need to back-up your data since the robot is connected to the cloud. UBTECH says Alpha 2 uses MySQL encryption to secure personal data sent to and from the cloud.
UBTECH is looking to raise $100,000 for the Alpha 2 humanoid robot. UBTECH says Alpha 2 will start shipping in February 2016. The Super Early Bird Special is $499, while the Early Bird Special is $599. Developer editions are available for $729 (8kg servo), $739 (20kg servo) and $769 (2 servos).
