iRobot Ava 500 video collaboration robot to debut in early 2014

iRobot Ava 500, an autonomous robotic mobility platform with Cisco TelePresence EX Series personal system, is targeted for availability in early 2014.

The robots are designed for remote team collaboration, tour guide, and facility inspection applications. Controlled by an iPad interface, the robots are able to travel to a specific location as defined by the user, building and maintaining a map of its movements as it travels. When a session is completed, the robots automatically return to its docking station for charging. It’s video and audio components are controlled by Cisco TelePresence EX60.

Cisco TelePresence features a 2.1 MPixel camera with a 1/3" CMOS image sensor, 1080p30 and 720p60 resolution, auto focus, and integrated privacy shutter. In addition, it features multicoated all-glass optics, a horizontal field of view of 50° and a vertical field of view of 29°. Its audio system is comprised of two stereo front speakers, integrated full-range microphone, a 3.5 mm line-in jack for PC or other audio source, and a two 3.5 mm jacks for headsets.

Ava 500 is designed to enable those working off-site to more personally participate within highly collaborative teams and enables a mobile presence to areas such as manufacturing facilities, laboratories, customer experience centers and other remote facilities in a supply chain.

KBZ, a Cisco-authorized distribution specializing in collaboration, unified communications, and telepresence solutions, will be the first to distribute the iRobot Ava 500 video collaboration robot in the United States beginning in early 2014, according to a press release.

View more information on the iRobot Ava 500.

Also check out:
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MIT researchers developing algorithm to improve robot vision

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