Buddy is not only adorable, but can also be handy helper. Blue Frog Robotics' Buddy is an advanced robot companion to help around the house and even act as a watch dog. (via Blue Frog Robotics)
If the Jetsons have taught us anything it's that robot companions are handy and cool. Who doesn't want their own version of Rosie to help out around the house? Of course companion robots have been around for a number of years, but they're usually novelties or toys instead of tools. Thanks to Blue Frog Robotics, we may be closer to a true robot companion. Meet Buddy, an adorable bot that stands a little over two feet tall and weighs roughly 11 pounds. This cute guy is equipped with a 32GB Android tablet that serves as its face and primary input device, which users can program for different behaviors. Programming Buddy is pretty easy: just tap and drag action icons onto a digital timeline that tells it what to do and when.
But what can Buddy actually do? It can act as your personal assistant by syncing with your calendar and contacts to remind you of upcoming events and important tasks. It can also launch playlists, answer your calls, and even recommend recipes. Buddy can also be helpful when you're not home. Though he won't attack any intruders, he will let you know when things aren't right thanks to an equipped Nest camera that keeps an eye on your home. Not only that, but Buddy can also interact with kids and tutor them to a degree with interactive math lessons. It can also keep children entertained by screening movies and e-books either on its face or on a wall for more convenience.
Another great feature is the “Elder Care Pack” that comes with the production model. With this pack, Buddy can transport food, beverages, meds, etc between rooms thanks to an equipped serving tray. And similar to the personal assistant feature, it can remind elders when it's time to take their medicine. With service like this, it'll actually be possible for elders to remain independent for a longer amount of time.
Since this is currently a prototype, there's still a lot of work to be done before Buddy hits the market. There are some issues with voice commands and facial recognition that Blue Frog is going to work on ahead of its 2016 release. The final version of Buddy will also have a bunch of optional accessories to choose from, such as projector arm, side tray, mechanical arms, and a docking station. The Buddy Classic goes on sale July 2016 for $749, but those who contributed to Blue Frog's Indiegogo campaign will get theirs for $200 less. If this little guy can actually function the way company promises, we may see him in more homes in the future.
PS. Why does every crowdfunding video have to have music reminiscent of an Apple commercial?
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