VIDEO – Revolve Robotics Develops Kubi To Give Consumer Affordable Telepresence Option

By: Talha Bhatti | December 8th, 2012 | Business, Gadgets, Mobile Apps, Tablets

Several startups are working on developing telepresence robots that move around and can help users in need anywhere they go. Revolve Robotics has taken the telepresence idea and changed it by taking out the moving parts and just focusing on developing a product that is highly affordable. The company developed Kubi to be a robot that does all the work by swiveling and tilting but not moving.

CEO Marcus Rosenthal talked about why a moving telepresence is not all it is cracked up to be, saying that, “The whole moving avatar thing is pretty cool. But, not only is it a bit creepy — with people driving up behind you and looking over your shoulder — it’s pretty expensive.”

Rosenthal explains the decision his company took to develop a robot that doesn’t move was based on two factors. First he states that “80 percent of the value of a telepresence robot is in a specific room, not in moving around. And 90 percent of the cost is the ability to move.” That is why the Kubi can turn on its pedestal but stays put where ever the user places it. Kubi is also extremely easy to use and all a person has to do is attach their iPad to the base and they are ready to experience a telepresence robot.

Other options from competitors are fairly expensive. For example, Double Robotics sells their telepresence robot for $2,000 to 2,500 while Suitable Technologies sells their product for $16,000. The Kubi is expected to sell for a comparatively low $250.

Rosenthal adds that, “This is affordable for the consumer. You can bring it into your home – families with young children can use it to meet the grandparents. And it’s also very effective in a business meeting.”

In order for Kubi to work, users must download an iOS app an dock their iPad with a base. They will authenticate and then are in charge of the device and can move it around on the base. The device can also be connected to from the base without having to use a mobile device.