WowWee Rovio

Rovio is a telepresence robot announced by WowWee at CES on January 5, 2008. Rovio allows remote Internet users to see, listen and speak via the built in webcam, microphone, and speaker. Remote users can also directly control the movement of Rovio, or program a series of waypoints as a patrol path.

Hardware
*Webcam (VGA quality) on motorized mount
*Visible LEDs for illumination
*Infrared (IR) location system
*Microphone
*Speaker
*WiFi network connectivity (802.11 b and g)
*USB port
*3 Motors
*3 Omni-directional wheels
*Rechargable battery pack
*Base station with recharger cradle


Operation

Rovio uses the indoor NorthStar IR navigation system from Evolution Robotics. The system works by projecting coded IR beacons onto the ceiling of the navigational space. Detectors on the Rovio can sense the beacons alignment and compute a location, enabling the Rovio to travel by defined waypoints, and to return to its charging cradle when necessary.


Software

Rovio is controlled by client software that transmits commands via the Internet. A Wireless Access Point is required for transmission of commands and audio data to Rovio and for outbound streaming video and audio. The client software presents the audio and video stream from the Rovio, and transmits microphone input to the Rovio speaker. The software can be used to define waypoints relative to the base station, along with navigational commands to execute at each waypoint.
 
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