iRobot’s latest gadget shows off at the CES 2012 is the navigator called Ava. The bot is designed as a platform for human-robot interaction. At the top is a plastic easel-esque part to hold an iPad or another tablet computer, making up the display. The lower body of the robot contains a bunch of sensors, including a scanning laser and ultrasonic 2D/3D imaging. Ava’s “torso” is height adjustable and it can move around autonomously.
Ava looks like “a Roomba vacuum cleaner jury-rigged with a Microsoft Kinect and an Apple iPad tablet” – as described in LA Times. The robot can interact with users in several ways: through voice, touch and gestures. iRobot says that Ava can be customized for specific tasks as needed.
The robot’s maker, Mark Chiappetta, told reporters at CES that Ava’s first applications will likely be providing caregiver support and as a mobile kiosk for retailers. Lets hope it doesn’t rip you off your wallet!