UBTECH Robotics recently launched a crowdfunding campaign for the Alpha 2 robot, a humanoid companion that is fully programmable and runs on an open-source OS, according to Engadget. Furthermore, it offers ultrasonic, touch and pressure sensors in order to provide a responsive, intuitive platform in the same way that today's smartphones do.
"We are looking forward to launching the Alpha 2 and fulfilling our dream of enabling every family to have its own intelligent robot," said James Chow, CEO of UBTECH. "We hope our crowdfunding effort will drive both excitement and support for this new technology."
The Alpha 2 robot features a brain that is connected to a cloud that gives it access to a great deal of audio and visual processing power, more so than could ever fit into its physical design. Using this information, the Alpha 2 can perform tasks such as entertaining pets, taking pictures and managing weekly calendars, according to IEEE Spectrum.
In terms of battery life, the Alpha 2 is expected to run for approximately one hour under standard usage before it needs to be charged via a wall plug for approximately two hours.
Customers who purchase the Alpha 2 from the Indiegogo campaign can nab it for $500, which is $200 less than its expected retail price when it begins to ship on Feb. 16.
