iRobot preannounced its full-year 2008 earnings and revenue after the close of business today, reporting that revenue came in several million dollars light of expectations due to reduced U.S. consumer demand (which anyone who hasn't been in a cave knew was going to be the case) and a marginal profit for the full year after charges for layoffs and a retailer bankruptcy (presumably Linens 'N Things II).
The company also is expecting flat to slightly lower overall revenue in 2009, despite continued growth in the military and overseas markets due to the U.S. economy, and has nearly $40 million in cash.
A lack of growth is disappointing but not surprising given the consumer meltdown of the past few months, and pretty much meets my expectations for the company in this environment. This year by necessity is a hunker-down year for consumer products companies, and everyone, with the exceptions of Apple and RIMM (two other stocks I own), are seeing revenue and profits evaporate. That said, iRobot has a big soft landing in its military business and has to be considered a takeover target if it drops much lower. And the Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle contract that could come in the second half of the year could easily boost the stock into the stratosphere. That is the big kahuna upon which hopes for a snapback this year rest, given that iRobot has clearly decided to avoid any significant new product launches until the economy improves.
The company is now trading at about one half of annual revenue and less than four times cash.
I'm hanging in there.
The full press release is here.
Tags: iRobot, robot
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Friday, January 23, 2009
Army evaluating whether to accelerate, ditch parts of FCS
The Army is undergoing a major review of the Future Combat Systems program to see what can be accelerated and what will be ditched. The Army Times has this report:
Clip: “The question will be: how fast will the technologies mature, and is there a way to accelerate and do it faster? If we can do it faster, we will,” U.S. Army Lt. Gen. Stephen Speakes, deputy chief of staff for programs, said Jan. 9 at the Association of the U.S. Army’s Aviation Symposium in Arlington, Va.More recently from Aviation Week, noting the Army's review of FCS which will be complete by the end of February:
...
“The context of all of this is we want to show as much velocity in delivery as we can,” Speakes said. “What the Army is going to be constantly evaluating is: What is the status of the technology? What are the needs of soldiers in the war, and how can we accelerate either the delivery or the spread of the capability? How can we get it across more of the formation faster?”
Clip:
The Army’s second-highest officer stressed survivability is an issue reframed by the current conflicts. “We have a 360-degree war,” he said. “Survivability is not just an issue for tanks and Bradleys. It’s an issue we’ve had to address with the entire force.”IMHO, having watched this for the past few years, iRobot's SUGV (Small Unmanned Ground Vehicle) is more ready to go compared to all of the other technologies out there (perhaps along with Micro Air Vehicle?) and could be deployed in very large numbers within a year or two. You can't say that about any of the larger FCS items with big pricetags and lots of manufacturing risk. Army guys need something to WORK and work NOW to justify the very large FCS pricetag. Why not a relatively cheap (for the Army) $1 billion investment in small robots for infantry soldiers? It's a slam dunk PR wise. Who will question having a robot take the place of a marine on the point?
The review encompasses numerous other aspects of Army modernization, including procurement. Chiarelli said he supports an acquisition approach with faster results: “As I look at the amount of time it takes us to move from requirements to a fielded system, does [the 1960s-era procurement system] really work in today’s world?”
Of course, there is plenty of risk here for IRBT. Just because something SHOULD happen doesn't mean the Army will do it (remember Jameel Ahed?). IRBT needs the SUGV contract, and needs it this year to counter what will almost certainly be weakening slackening demand for robotic appliances and the start of a pullout from Iraq. I think with an SUGV contract, iRobot could get to $20 a share THIS year. Without it, we'll be in yucky land until the economy gets better. Also noting that iRobot has SUGV competition from Foster-Miller, but it would be inconceivable to me for DOD to invest so much into iRobot's development of the SUGV and then drop them from the program. One could easily see Foster-Miller being given a portion of the overall SUGV orders to provide future competition, just as the two companies often have similar orders for Talon/PackBot.
Tags: iRobot, SUGV
Sunday, January 18, 2009
PackBot Gets "Zippermast" Retractable Periscope
This is really cool -- don't know if you've seen this yet, or if it has much real utility, but the technology is brilliant:
Geosystems Situational Awareness Mast (aka Zippermast) from Travis on Vimeo.
More pics, etc. at Hizook (Thanks, Travis)
Tags: iRobot, PackBot
Geosystems Situational Awareness Mast (aka Zippermast) from Travis on Vimeo.
More pics, etc. at Hizook (Thanks, Travis)
Tags: iRobot, PackBot
Friday, January 16, 2009
Batten down the hatches time
2009 certainly starts with storm clouds on the horizon for iRobot.
I don't think we'll see any major contracts until SUGV decision, which I now expect has a decent chance of being split with Foster-Miller. My guess is Foster-Miller got into the SUGV game with at least some encouragement from somebody in the Army so iRobot would have some competition, and with the year delay for testing gives plenty of time for competitors to tweak designs. And I'm still worried that some of the jerks who were part of the Jameel Ahed lamebrain decision are still around and have it in for iRobot. iRobot has generally had much better luck with the Navy, where Adm. Dyer has a long history.
At any rate, SUGV contracts may not come 'til 3rd or 4th quarter, and we've got a nasty recession coming in the meantime. Time to batten down the hatches at iRobot. From the layoffs and lack of major new product intros, I think they've gotten the message, at least I hope they do! I expect the company will announce at its 1st Quarter earnings call very pessimistic guidance and steps being taken to pare expenses and fat.
I *still* think that even with SUGV uncertainty, it's almost inconceivable that the company that the feds spent millions investing in to develop it (iRobot) would not get at least half of the contract, which seems likely to come in at hundreds of millions to start.
And I *still* think SUGV contract alone could be worth $10 a share to the company, or potentially much more in a takeover scenario.
But we may have a lot of pain before we get that possible payoff, and as Jameel Ahed showed us, just because you have a great plan, etc., etc., etc., you can not trust that the right thing will happen.
Tags: iRobot, SUGV
I don't think we'll see any major contracts until SUGV decision, which I now expect has a decent chance of being split with Foster-Miller. My guess is Foster-Miller got into the SUGV game with at least some encouragement from somebody in the Army so iRobot would have some competition, and with the year delay for testing gives plenty of time for competitors to tweak designs. And I'm still worried that some of the jerks who were part of the Jameel Ahed lamebrain decision are still around and have it in for iRobot. iRobot has generally had much better luck with the Navy, where Adm. Dyer has a long history.
At any rate, SUGV contracts may not come 'til 3rd or 4th quarter, and we've got a nasty recession coming in the meantime. Time to batten down the hatches at iRobot. From the layoffs and lack of major new product intros, I think they've gotten the message, at least I hope they do! I expect the company will announce at its 1st Quarter earnings call very pessimistic guidance and steps being taken to pare expenses and fat.
I *still* think that even with SUGV uncertainty, it's almost inconceivable that the company that the feds spent millions investing in to develop it (iRobot) would not get at least half of the contract, which seems likely to come in at hundreds of millions to start.
And I *still* think SUGV contract alone could be worth $10 a share to the company, or potentially much more in a takeover scenario.
But we may have a lot of pain before we get that possible payoff, and as Jameel Ahed showed us, just because you have a great plan, etc., etc., etc., you can not trust that the right thing will happen.
Tags: iRobot, SUGV
Thursday, January 15, 2009
iRobot's New YouTube Channel: Great idea, lots of videos, few views
Check out iRobot's new YouTube channel -- the company has now posted 17 videos, although they aren't getting very many views at this point -- I don't think any have 1,000 views yet.
I think it's a great idea, especially if they can find a video that generates the kind of megahits that the cat-driving-roomba video did (3 million and counting). (The company did post a cute video of a baby riding a Scooba but it's just not quite good enough to get mega popular).
The best is probably a behind-the-scenes video with CEO Colin Angle sporting shaggy facial hair (he really does look like Shaggy!).
Here's Baby Rides Scooba:
There are also Q&A videos answering customer questions about the Roomba, etc.
Tags: iRobot, robot
I think it's a great idea, especially if they can find a video that generates the kind of megahits that the cat-driving-roomba video did (3 million and counting). (The company did post a cute video of a baby riding a Scooba but it's just not quite good enough to get mega popular).
The best is probably a behind-the-scenes video with CEO Colin Angle sporting shaggy facial hair (he really does look like Shaggy!).
Here's Baby Rides Scooba:
There are also Q&A videos answering customer questions about the Roomba, etc.
Tags: iRobot, robot
Army testing longer-range radio remotes for iRobot's Packbot on city streets
Downtown Columbus, GA, is the unusual site for field testing of a new high-tech, long-range radio remote for the iRobot PackBot 510 with FasTac kit (aka the high-volume xBot), leading to this local news report.
According to the report, if all goes well, the radios could get shipped out in six months to a year.
Seems like an opportunity for much-needed add-on revenues to the large but low-margin contract iRobot won after the Jameel Ahed fiasco.
thx, Micro
Tags: iRobot, PackBot
According to the report, if all goes well, the radios could get shipped out in six months to a year.
Seems like an opportunity for much-needed add-on revenues to the large but low-margin contract iRobot won after the Jameel Ahed fiasco.
thx, Micro
Tags: iRobot, PackBot
Helen Greiner founding new company, wants chance to "execute" on her own plans
Sounds like former iRobot Chairman Helen Greiner wanted to be CEO, not Chairman. That's how I read a new web interview with BusinessWeek, where she also announced that she is starting her own company. She said the chairman role is better for somebody 50+ but she wanted the ability to strategically plan and "execute" on her plans. Almost sounds like the breakup was inevitable, as there can only be one CEO, and Colin Angle clearly was it. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a precipitating fight between the two where she wanted to push a riskier venture and he pulled her back.
(thx, Micro)
Tags: iRobot, Helen Greiner
(thx, Micro)
Tags: iRobot, Helen Greiner
Saturday, January 10, 2009
iRobot officially puts ConnectR on ice
iRobot has formally torched the ConnectR, although it pledges to keep working on the concept.Clip:
iRobot has no timetable as to when a virtual visiting robot will be available for purchase. We are currently looking at the ConnectR pilot program and are working to address the issues found there. iRobot will not put a virtual visiting robot up for sale until it is practical, easy to use and includes the necessary features that customers want.From Engadget via BotJunkie.
As I've written before, ConnectR needed some major changes -- taller, two-way video, cheaper price (not $500). A couple of killer software apps would be nice too (like robot sentry mode to alert you to break-ins, etc.).
Tags: iRobot, robot, ConnectR
Thursday, January 08, 2009
iRobot Announces Looj 2, ConnectR will need redesign, "more or less shelved"
So it looks like all of those fire sales of the original Looj were to clear the way for Looj 2, which features several improvements including an internal antenna (no more getting caught on gutter tabs), an anti-flipping auger, tool-less battery door and something called "smart-speed." And a new, higher price of $129.
Er, color me unimpressed. Yawn!
At least they are listening to customer feedback (which was pretty dismal on the original Looj).
Here's a YouTube video from our friends at BotJunkie:
So where is the ConnectR telepresence robot we were promised?
According to BotJunkie: "iRobot has decided that the ConnectR basically needs a total hardware and software redesign, and will likely reemerge on a non-Roomba based platform. It’s also been more or less shelved for the time being, primarily because iRobot wants to make something that operates like the Roomba or Looj: you push one button, and it just works. The ConnectR was too complicated, and they need to rethink it, but iRobot also said that they feel telepresence is going to be big, and they’re still planning on making something happen with that… They’re just not sure yet what it’s going to be."
Of course, I could have told them the original ConnectR design stunk and needed to be reworked (in fact, I DID!), but... well, who knows how much they spent on beta testing! Telepresence needs two-way video (think video Skype on the move) and the bot should be tall enough that you aren't going to trip over it. And that $500 pricetag they were talking about provoked belly laughter.
Also, they are happy with the Create and have no plans for hardware updates.
And they wouldn't talk lawnmowers.
Tags: iRobot, Looj
Er, color me unimpressed. Yawn!
At least they are listening to customer feedback (which was pretty dismal on the original Looj).
Here's a YouTube video from our friends at BotJunkie:
So where is the ConnectR telepresence robot we were promised?
According to BotJunkie: "iRobot has decided that the ConnectR basically needs a total hardware and software redesign, and will likely reemerge on a non-Roomba based platform. It’s also been more or less shelved for the time being, primarily because iRobot wants to make something that operates like the Roomba or Looj: you push one button, and it just works. The ConnectR was too complicated, and they need to rethink it, but iRobot also said that they feel telepresence is going to be big, and they’re still planning on making something happen with that… They’re just not sure yet what it’s going to be."
Of course, I could have told them the original ConnectR design stunk and needed to be reworked (in fact, I DID!), but... well, who knows how much they spent on beta testing! Telepresence needs two-way video (think video Skype on the move) and the bot should be tall enough that you aren't going to trip over it. And that $500 pricetag they were talking about provoked belly laughter.
Also, they are happy with the Create and have no plans for hardware updates.
And they wouldn't talk lawnmowers.
Tags: iRobot, Looj
Wednesday, January 07, 2009
Wowwee announces new robotic products
Wowwee has announced a trove of new robots for 2009. We'll have more on this later.
For now, here's Wowwee's press release, announcing new TV projectors for your iPod, a new robotic Spyball, and a "JoeBot" toy:
From Toys to Technologies: WowWee Expands and Diversifies Product Line in 2009
Advancements include micro projectors for iPods(R), a transforming spy-cam, and robots that beatbox
Tuesday January 6, 2009, 7:00 pm EST
Yahoo! Buzz Print
Related: Optimal Group Inc.
HONG KONG, CHINA--(MARKET WIRE)--Jan 6, 2009 --
Related Quotes
Symbol Price Change
OPMR 0.57 0.00
WowWee, an Optimal Group company (NasdaqGM:OPMR - News), announced its newest line of innovations scheduled for release in 2009, in advance of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, January 8-11. Consumers can expect to see items from four lines, including WowWee Technologies(TM), which now includes a new category of iPod® compatible multimedia pico projectors powered by Texas Instruments' DLP® Technology. The other key lines, focusing on cutting-edge entertainment robotics, plush, and flight, are WowWee Robotics(TM), WowWee Alive(TM), and WowWee FlyTech(TM). Highlights include:
WowWee Technologies
Taking projection out of boardrooms and movie theaters and into the palm of your hand is WowWee's Cinemin(TM) suite of ultra-portable multimedia micro projectors, powered by Texas Instruments' DLP Technology for ultra clear picture quality. Utilizing the same technology commonly found in high-definition TVs, classroom projectors and large-scale cinema houses, the Cinemin projectors have been designed to work with popular mobile devices, such as the Apple® iPod and iPhone®. With WowWee's Cinemin(TM) suite of projectors, a cafe becomes a boardroom, a camping tent becomes a theater, and Grandma's curtains become a life-size digital picture frame. The line features three products: The Cinemin Swivel(TM) pico projector, an affordable lightweight micro projector that is roughly the size of a candy bar and features an impressive 3-hour battery life for movie watching, full volume control, and a unique adjustable 90-degree hinge for ceiling projection. The Cinemin Stick(TM) pico projector is a compact micro projector with internal memory and an expandable SD card memory slot that puts your favorite web videos, digicam snapshots, ambient animations, and more on display. The Cinemin Station(TM) pico projector is an alarm clock-sized convenient media center and iPod docking station for big pictures with big audio.
The Spyball(TM) spy-cam is a remote controlled, Wi-Fi enabled, transforming robotic ball that introduces an element of play to telepresence functionality. Affordable, easy-to-use, and rechargeable, the Spyball spy-cam captures video and still images and is equipped with sleek wheels for fast, smooth mobility and 360-degree turns. Transforming from ball to camera and back again, the Spyball spy-cam moves with stealth and in disguise - perfect for spying on siblings or peeking into the kitchen. There is no need to access the Internet to see what the Spyball spycam sees - users can make an Ad hoc connection via any Wi-Fi-enabled device including a PC, laptop, video game console or even a cell phone. The included USB cable allows users to configure a simple home network setup process that will allow the Spyball spycam to be controlled from any remote location via the Internet.
WowWee Technologies also features Rovio(TM) a Wi-Fi enabled home and office mobile webcam which has been selected as an Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Award honoree by the Consumer Electronic Association in the Personal Electronics product category (Innovations Showcase Booth #72062). The Rovio mobile webcam can be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world using a web-enabled device including a PC, Mac, cell phone or smart phone, PDA or even a video game console, allowing you to view and interact with its environment through streaming video and audio. The device features TrueTrack(TM) Navigation System, a smart navigation and positioning system that works like a micro-GPS system, delivering tracking capabilities that have never before been available to the robotic mass market.
WowWee Robotics
The next generation of WowWee's award-winning Robotics line includes two playful companions - the Joebot(TM) and Roborover(TM) robots. The Joebot robot is a content-packed, walking, talking interactive buddy with a sense of humor and rhythm. Featuring voice command control, the Joebot robot is capable of responding to key phrases via sound sensors; he can also be controlled by his responsive hands or by the Robosapien(TM) robot's remote controller. The Joebot robot is not your average Joe - in fact, he can beatbox and dance - just tap out a beat and he will repeat it perfectly while grooving along. His movements are fast and fluid, and he is able to avoid obstacles via infrared sensors or detect if he falls over with tilt sensors. Various modes include Wandering, Patrol, Talk, Guard and Battle Modes. In Battle Mode, for example, he will wander freely while tracking and blasting objects with his hand LEDs; you can even challenge him to a "duel" using any TV (IR) remote controller.
The Roborover robot is a talking, tread-based, roving explorer with an inquisitive personality that grows to become more confident as users navigate and play with him. The Roborover robot is operated via remote-control and features poseable arms, head and waist. This shy little explorer features spoken content, various driving-based games, infrared sensors for obstacle avoidance, and tilt sensors allowing him to perceive when he has fallen over. The Roborover robot also features a "Follow Me" homing function that will trigger this exploratory companion to search for his user - even in the dark! Sensor-based LED headlights will automatically turn on in the dark to illuminate his path.
WowWee Alive
The critically acclaimed WowWee Alive(TM) Cubs, introduced in 2008, capture the technology of Hollywood-style animatronics in the form of huggable, life-like plush animal babies. New for 2009 are four new cuddly varieties that come "alive" with love and attention - the WowWee Alive Seal Pup, Husky Puppy, Koala Joey, and Leopard Cub. Each features animated facial and vocal expressions triggered by users' touch and comes with adoption papers and a family portrait. Other products included in the WowWee Alive line are adorable, 8-inch WowWee Alive(TM) Minis, complete with a feeding bottle the cubs can sense. These WowWee Alive Minis feature touch and tilt sensors triggering soft endearing sounds from snoring to gurgling that indicate the cubs' various moods.
WowWee has also unveiled a new line of pajama pals, the WowWee Alive(TM) Sleeping Cuties(TM) pets. These adorable sleepy pets are perfect to cuddle up with for a nap. Featuring lifelike fur, a poseable head, and their very own blankets, the WowWee Alive Sleeping Cuties pets make gentle slumbering sounds, have animated eyes, and curl up into a cozy, napping position when you pet them. The WowWee Alive Sleeping Cuties pets come in four varieties: Labradoodle Puppy, Beagle Puppy, Cinnamon Persian Kitten, and White Persian Kitten.
WowWee FlyTech
Taking to the skies in 2009 is the WowWee FlyTech Lightstar(TM) flyer; its propulsion-based design and built-in LED lights create a cool glow and halo-effect when flying. The FlyTech Lightstar flyer creates mesmerizing light patterns in the air that may have the neighbors calling in UFO sightings! Made from flexible, lightweight materials, the crash resistant FlyTech Lightstar flyer comes with an easy-to-use remote, controlling the flyer's altitude. The scroll-wheel remote controller enables three FlyTech Lightstar flyers to be flown at once and a quick 10-minute charge allows up to four minutes of flight.
Soon to be spotted zipping around households is the WowWee FlyTech(TM) Hoverpod(TM) racer. Featuring a two-channel remote control and a tail rudder for directional movement, the FlyTech Hoverpod racer can jet across most smooth surfaces and be controlled to maneuver around obstacles. Made from durable, lightweight materials, the racer is designed to be crash resistant. The dual-band infrared control allows for two FlyTech Hoverpod racers to compete at once - and you can even build an obstacle course to up the ante! A simple 10-minute charge will last for up to five minutes play.
WowWee's 2009 product line is being shown for the first time at the Consumer Electronics Show in the Kids@Play TechZone, Booth #72205, Sands Expo & Convention Center.
WowWee's recently established Think Wow Toys(TM) division will remain focused on producing third-party licensed characters, plush toys and novelty items.
Tags: iRobot, robot
For now, here's Wowwee's press release, announcing new TV projectors for your iPod, a new robotic Spyball, and a "JoeBot" toy:
From Toys to Technologies: WowWee Expands and Diversifies Product Line in 2009
Advancements include micro projectors for iPods(R), a transforming spy-cam, and robots that beatbox
Tuesday January 6, 2009, 7:00 pm EST
Yahoo! Buzz Print
Related: Optimal Group Inc.
HONG KONG, CHINA--(MARKET WIRE)--Jan 6, 2009 --
Related Quotes
Symbol Price Change
OPMR 0.57 0.00
WowWee, an Optimal Group company (NasdaqGM:OPMR - News), announced its newest line of innovations scheduled for release in 2009, in advance of the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, January 8-11. Consumers can expect to see items from four lines, including WowWee Technologies(TM), which now includes a new category of iPod® compatible multimedia pico projectors powered by Texas Instruments' DLP® Technology. The other key lines, focusing on cutting-edge entertainment robotics, plush, and flight, are WowWee Robotics(TM), WowWee Alive(TM), and WowWee FlyTech(TM). Highlights include:
WowWee Technologies
Taking projection out of boardrooms and movie theaters and into the palm of your hand is WowWee's Cinemin(TM) suite of ultra-portable multimedia micro projectors, powered by Texas Instruments' DLP Technology for ultra clear picture quality. Utilizing the same technology commonly found in high-definition TVs, classroom projectors and large-scale cinema houses, the Cinemin projectors have been designed to work with popular mobile devices, such as the Apple® iPod and iPhone®. With WowWee's Cinemin(TM) suite of projectors, a cafe becomes a boardroom, a camping tent becomes a theater, and Grandma's curtains become a life-size digital picture frame. The line features three products: The Cinemin Swivel(TM) pico projector, an affordable lightweight micro projector that is roughly the size of a candy bar and features an impressive 3-hour battery life for movie watching, full volume control, and a unique adjustable 90-degree hinge for ceiling projection. The Cinemin Stick(TM) pico projector is a compact micro projector with internal memory and an expandable SD card memory slot that puts your favorite web videos, digicam snapshots, ambient animations, and more on display. The Cinemin Station(TM) pico projector is an alarm clock-sized convenient media center and iPod docking station for big pictures with big audio.
The Spyball(TM) spy-cam is a remote controlled, Wi-Fi enabled, transforming robotic ball that introduces an element of play to telepresence functionality. Affordable, easy-to-use, and rechargeable, the Spyball spy-cam captures video and still images and is equipped with sleek wheels for fast, smooth mobility and 360-degree turns. Transforming from ball to camera and back again, the Spyball spy-cam moves with stealth and in disguise - perfect for spying on siblings or peeking into the kitchen. There is no need to access the Internet to see what the Spyball spycam sees - users can make an Ad hoc connection via any Wi-Fi-enabled device including a PC, laptop, video game console or even a cell phone. The included USB cable allows users to configure a simple home network setup process that will allow the Spyball spycam to be controlled from any remote location via the Internet.
WowWee Technologies also features Rovio(TM) a Wi-Fi enabled home and office mobile webcam which has been selected as an Innovations 2009 Design and Engineering Award honoree by the Consumer Electronic Association in the Personal Electronics product category (Innovations Showcase Booth #72062). The Rovio mobile webcam can be controlled remotely from anywhere in the world using a web-enabled device including a PC, Mac, cell phone or smart phone, PDA or even a video game console, allowing you to view and interact with its environment through streaming video and audio. The device features TrueTrack(TM) Navigation System, a smart navigation and positioning system that works like a micro-GPS system, delivering tracking capabilities that have never before been available to the robotic mass market.
WowWee Robotics
The next generation of WowWee's award-winning Robotics line includes two playful companions - the Joebot(TM) and Roborover(TM) robots. The Joebot robot is a content-packed, walking, talking interactive buddy with a sense of humor and rhythm. Featuring voice command control, the Joebot robot is capable of responding to key phrases via sound sensors; he can also be controlled by his responsive hands or by the Robosapien(TM) robot's remote controller. The Joebot robot is not your average Joe - in fact, he can beatbox and dance - just tap out a beat and he will repeat it perfectly while grooving along. His movements are fast and fluid, and he is able to avoid obstacles via infrared sensors or detect if he falls over with tilt sensors. Various modes include Wandering, Patrol, Talk, Guard and Battle Modes. In Battle Mode, for example, he will wander freely while tracking and blasting objects with his hand LEDs; you can even challenge him to a "duel" using any TV (IR) remote controller.
The Roborover robot is a talking, tread-based, roving explorer with an inquisitive personality that grows to become more confident as users navigate and play with him. The Roborover robot is operated via remote-control and features poseable arms, head and waist. This shy little explorer features spoken content, various driving-based games, infrared sensors for obstacle avoidance, and tilt sensors allowing him to perceive when he has fallen over. The Roborover robot also features a "Follow Me" homing function that will trigger this exploratory companion to search for his user - even in the dark! Sensor-based LED headlights will automatically turn on in the dark to illuminate his path.
WowWee Alive
The critically acclaimed WowWee Alive(TM) Cubs, introduced in 2008, capture the technology of Hollywood-style animatronics in the form of huggable, life-like plush animal babies. New for 2009 are four new cuddly varieties that come "alive" with love and attention - the WowWee Alive Seal Pup, Husky Puppy, Koala Joey, and Leopard Cub. Each features animated facial and vocal expressions triggered by users' touch and comes with adoption papers and a family portrait. Other products included in the WowWee Alive line are adorable, 8-inch WowWee Alive(TM) Minis, complete with a feeding bottle the cubs can sense. These WowWee Alive Minis feature touch and tilt sensors triggering soft endearing sounds from snoring to gurgling that indicate the cubs' various moods.
WowWee has also unveiled a new line of pajama pals, the WowWee Alive(TM) Sleeping Cuties(TM) pets. These adorable sleepy pets are perfect to cuddle up with for a nap. Featuring lifelike fur, a poseable head, and their very own blankets, the WowWee Alive Sleeping Cuties pets make gentle slumbering sounds, have animated eyes, and curl up into a cozy, napping position when you pet them. The WowWee Alive Sleeping Cuties pets come in four varieties: Labradoodle Puppy, Beagle Puppy, Cinnamon Persian Kitten, and White Persian Kitten.
WowWee FlyTech
Taking to the skies in 2009 is the WowWee FlyTech Lightstar(TM) flyer; its propulsion-based design and built-in LED lights create a cool glow and halo-effect when flying. The FlyTech Lightstar flyer creates mesmerizing light patterns in the air that may have the neighbors calling in UFO sightings! Made from flexible, lightweight materials, the crash resistant FlyTech Lightstar flyer comes with an easy-to-use remote, controlling the flyer's altitude. The scroll-wheel remote controller enables three FlyTech Lightstar flyers to be flown at once and a quick 10-minute charge allows up to four minutes of flight.
Soon to be spotted zipping around households is the WowWee FlyTech(TM) Hoverpod(TM) racer. Featuring a two-channel remote control and a tail rudder for directional movement, the FlyTech Hoverpod racer can jet across most smooth surfaces and be controlled to maneuver around obstacles. Made from durable, lightweight materials, the racer is designed to be crash resistant. The dual-band infrared control allows for two FlyTech Hoverpod racers to compete at once - and you can even build an obstacle course to up the ante! A simple 10-minute charge will last for up to five minutes play.
WowWee's 2009 product line is being shown for the first time at the Consumer Electronics Show in the Kids@Play TechZone, Booth #72205, Sands Expo & Convention Center.
WowWee's recently established Think Wow Toys(TM) division will remain focused on producing third-party licensed characters, plush toys and novelty items.
Tags: iRobot, robot
Saturday, January 03, 2009
iRobot to introduce mystery product at CES!
iRobot CEO Colin Angle told the Boston Globe's Hiawatha Bray that the company will introduce a new product at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas, despite spending less money on the show than in previous years. Anybody got a best guess? Let's hope it's better than the Looj! I'm still not expecting a lawn mower. My best guess is a redesigned, ready-for-sale ConnectR (old design at right).
Thanks, byronangel
Tags: iRobot, robot, CES
Looj $45 shipped at Woot
That's half price with shipping. At Woot.com.
Best price I've seen by $25, after iRobot slashed its own price by $30. This looks to be iRobot's way of clearing out inventory -- they probably shipped a few thousand robots to Woot by Dec. 31st so they could count it as 2008 revenue. Of course, there is no way iRobot made any real money on these sales. At this rate I wouldn't be surprised if Looj is either discontinued or redesigned -- with a better rechargeable battery, better anti-flip-over design or other upgrades.
Tags: Woot
Best price I've seen by $25, after iRobot slashed its own price by $30. This looks to be iRobot's way of clearing out inventory -- they probably shipped a few thousand robots to Woot by Dec. 31st so they could count it as 2008 revenue. Of course, there is no way iRobot made any real money on these sales. At this rate I wouldn't be surprised if Looj is either discontinued or redesigned -- with a better rechargeable battery, better anti-flip-over design or other upgrades.
Tags: Woot
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