Video Teleconferencing Equipment: Anybots Tries to Convince Executives that QB Is Pat From Accounting

 24 May 2010 - By Omar Mariño+
 omar@myddnetwork.com


I’m all for the progression of robotics and I can’t wait until I can go buy a maid droid that cleans up my office and does the laundry but imagining how the new QB from Anybots will revolutionize teleconferencing is just too painful. 

It’s an excellent idea that’s been used in hundreds of Sci-Fi flicks:  the mobile camera functions as a surrogate person enabling virtual conferencing to reach the next level of realism.  However, QB isn’t cloaked in any holographic field, it’s just a white plastic ball on a slim stalk strapped to a set of wheels.

Though it wouldn’t be fair to call the device just a camera (there are touch sensors, laser pointers, and remote controls so the user on the other end of the line can effectively interact with the audience) it’s also not fair to consider it a true virtual co-worker.

QB from Anybots

QB from Anybots

Perhaps the biggest hurdle to overcome is the $15,000 price tag.  Though traditional systems do cost about as much, they also offer stability, a level of user-friendliness, and comfort that QB just doesn’t.

In fact, QB doesn’t really offer anything more than novelty—which I’m sure several Web 2.0 companies and those with a quirky New Wav-ish mentality will truly love.

You can check out some videos on YouTube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN1lQcJHpO8 and form your own opinion.






Disclaimer - Category: Control, Digital, Gadget