Move over OUYA, because today we’ve got another Android-based Kickstarter to talk about. Its name is Botiful, and its looking to infuse a little personality into those Skype video calls you make with your Android phone. Botiful is being touted as the “first consumer telepresence robot,” and by docking an Android phone on the robot (and using the special Skype interface), it allows users on the other end to choose what they’re looking at. For example, if you’re talking to someone who is using a Botiful, you’re given control over their robot, so you can remotely control what the robot does and who the focus is on.
It sounds like a cool idea (especially when you see it all played out in the Kickstarter pitch video), but Botiful’s creator isn’t just stopping at Skype video calls. On offer is a Botiful SDK, which creator Claire Delaunay is hoping developers will use to come up with their own apps and uses for Botiful. Of course, uses for Botiful will be on the light side at first, but if this Kickstarter catches on, we may see a ton of developers embrace the robot and begin creating new apps for it.
Just with full Skype integration, however, it already seems like there’s plenty you can do with Botiful. A few examples from the Kickstarter: using Botiful to look under your car, using it to entertain your children while you’re away, or using it to check on your home while you’re at work. Delaunay says that the finished product should cost $299 or more, but if you’re quick to pledge, you can secure one for only $199. So far, the Kickstarter campaign has raised $21,411 of its $90,000 goal and has 32 days left to go. If you’re interested in seeing Botiful become a reality, head on over to the Kickstarter page and pledge away!
Knowing that any tele-presence robots on the market currently cost thousands, this is going to kick ass!