Kokomo is the VR communication tool you’ve been waiting for @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Gadgets, Metaverse, Virtual Realitycanon, ces2023, communications, gadgets, virtual reality, VRPLUGHITZ Live

Canon Kokomo VP communication Ever since Facebook changed its corporate name to Meta, the word of the industry has been Metaverse. And, while many people don’t know exactly what that means, every company wants to be part of it. There have been a number of half-hearted attempts, including from Meta and Microsoft, but Canon has a different take on the concept that seems to show a lot of promise.

What is the Metaverse?

The metaverse is an ever-evolving digital universe that blends physical and virtual worlds. It is a place where diverse communities of people, companies, and governments interact with each other in a never seen way. In the metaverse, users are able to collaborate, create and explore new possibilities in a virtual world that feels alive. The boundary between the digital world and the real world continues to blur as technology advances, allowing people to engage with content on an unprecedented level.

By connecting people on an emotional level through interactive experiences, the metaverse helps build strong relationships and bonds that can be carried into our everyday lives. From virtual shops to virtual education centers with AI tutors, the opportunities for growth provided by the metaverse are limitless – providing us with infinite possibilities for exploration and creativity.

How is Kokomo different?

Kokomo, which is a project of Canon (yes, the camera company), is intended to be a communication platform first and foremost. The company decided that, rather than trying to be everything to everyone, they would focus on what people need and want the most – a solid way to communicate with their friends, families, and colleagues even when they are not together.

The company decided that Kokomo should be a video calling and conferencing platform that brings people together in an engaging way. The fully immersive environment allows you to see the people you are talking to in a virtual world, but in a way that looks and feels more real than other platforms.

This is accomplished by not just relying on the hardware of the virtual reality system, but by augmenting it using other equipment. This is where Canon’s camera background really comes into play. Using an external camera, the system is able to track full range of motion and replicate it within the environment.

If you’ve guessed that Kokomo uses full body avatars, then you’d be right. unlike so many of the other platforms, Kokomo shows a full person as the avatar, because motion tracking allows for greater control over a full body. You don’t have to worry about thinking about moving your avatar – you can just talk and enjoy your time with your friends while letting Canon makes the experience more real.

Summary

Kokomo is available soon from the Meta Quest App Lab as a free download in early access. The company intends to keep the platform free for users with in-app premium content available for those who want to expand their experience. To learn more about Kokomo and to get an alert when the platform goes live, you can head to the project’s website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Dusk Sport: Smart sunglasses with adjustable tint @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Entertainment, Gadgetsbluetooth, ces2023, gadgets, glasses, SpeakerPLUGHITZ Live

Ampere Dusk Sport One of the everyday items that the tech industry has become interested in is glasses. A lot of interesting ideas have come about surrounding glasses, such as adding Bluetooth speakers and headphones to the earpieces, or even guidance for visually impaired people, But, Amonpere has a new way of looking at glasses with their Dusk line of sunglasses.

What are Dusk sunglasses?

Dusk sunglasses are a new take on both the smart glasses concept and the transitional sunglass lens concept, all in a single product line. These glasses don’t use a photochromic lens film to transition from regular glasses to sunglasses. Instead, they use an electric lens film to make the change. This gives a number of interesting and unique benefits.

First, the glasses can be changed manually. This is accomplished either through a button on the frame or through your phone. On the frame, you can press a button and have it cycle through a couple of preset states. This can be regular glasses, full sunglasses, or several steps in between. From your phone, the same thing can be accomplished, but with a higher degree of granularity. You can also set the presets on some models from the app.

Another big difference is the ability to set a darkness level on a whim. Rather than being saddled by the sun and the rules created by the manufacturer, you get to respond to your environment as you please. Do you want to set the lenses to be full sunglasses inside in the dark? You can do it. Are you trying to look at something in detail outside and need clear lenses? You can do that, too.

However, if adjusting manually isn’t what you’re after, you can also activate the company’s InstaOptic feature. While this may sound like standard photochromic lenses, they respond differently. They use light sensors to tell the onboard computer that the light has changed. The user can then decide how to respond to these changes – they can be immediate, like other transition lenses, or they can wait for a period to ensure the change is permantent.

In addition to the lenses, the higher-end devices also integrate Bluetooth audio into the frames. Since you’re already connected to your phone, you might as well use the same devices to listen to music or podcasts while you walk or run.

The new Dusk Sport

The Dusk Sport model is the newest addition to the lineup. These glasses have all of the features of the regular Dusk sunglasses, but in a style that is designed for outdoor activities. It comes in two frame styles – Speed and Action. The lenses also come in a selection of colors, so you can make the glasses your own. These frame styles have become popular even outside of athletes, as they are fashion-forward and interesting looking.

Summary

The Dusk and Dusk Lite glasses are already available. The Dusk is available for $299 and the Dusk Lite is available for $199. The Dusk Sport is available through crowdfunding now with a retail price of $399, but a pre-order price of $279.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Shower Power Buddies make shower time fun for kids @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Entertainment, Homebathroom, bluetooth, ces2023, gadgets, kids, shower, SpeakerPLUGHITZ Live

Ampere Shower Power Buddies Do you remember bath time as a kid? You got to be mostly alone in the bathtub with bubbles and toys. It was a great time for pretend – instead of just holding a boat in the bath, you can pretend that you are the captain of the boat. But, as we grow up, that bath time ends and is replaced by a shower, because we need a better cleansing process. But, the fun gets lost along with bath time. However, Ampere wants to bring that fun from the bath to the shower with the Shower Power Buddies.

What is the Shower Power?

The Shower Power line is a line of products for the shower. These devices fit behind your showerhead and function as Bluetooth speakers. The speaker is powered entirely by the water flowing through the device, meaning that you’ll have full sound while taking a shower.

Some models improve on this concept in several ways. The Shower Power Pro, for example, adds lighting to the speaker. So, in addition to the music or podcasts, you can also get a light show as part of your shower experience. The company’s line of shower products is definitely intended to focus on bringing a fun atmosphere to a normal, boring shower.

What makes Shower Power Buddies different?

Shower Power Buddies are an evolution of the company’s previous Shower Power products. They expand on the concept of making a shower more fun while placing a bigger emphasis on kids. In addition to the lights and Bluetooth speaker, these new products add fun characters to the mix.

The goal, of course, is to try to bring some of the playtime fun from bath time into the shower. Trying to get kids to transition from baths to showers can be a real challenge, as kids prefer the simpler and more fun bath. But, it’s important to get kids to make the change, and have a way to continue the fun.

The Shower Power Buddies will launch with a selection of characters, including a narwhal, a fish, and a rubber ducky. There is an obvious theme here, as all of the launch characters are water themed. The connection is clear and purposeful since the product is supposed to be a transitional item from bath to shower. In the bath, the kids are used to toys, such as a rubber ducky.

In addition to the characters, the Shower Power Buddies also separate themselves from the rest of the line by being a completely integrated showerhead. This is so that the shower toy, which is the product, will be in the kid’s hands as they take their shower if they remove it from the wall. It’s a more fun experience and a better way to get clean.

Summary

The existing line of Shower Power products, including the Shower Power and Shower Power Pro are available now. The Shower Power is available for $99. The Shower Power Pro is available for $149. The newest entry in the line, the Shower Power Buddies, will be available in the second quarter of 2023 and will retail for around $149. To learn more about the company and its full product line, check out their website.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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Mashgin makes self-checkout a quick and simple process @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023AI, CES 2023ai, ces2023, gadgets, retailPLUGHITZ Live

Mashgin self checkout technology If you’ve ever worked in retail as a salesperson or clerk, you know that there are tricks to get the barcode scanners to read certain products. If you’ve ever used a self-checkout lane at a store, you likely don’t know those tips and tricks, making the experience less than ideal. However, self-checkout is here and not going anywhere, so how do we make the process easier? Mashgin has a new system that allows clerks and customers alike to checkout without any hassle.

What is Mashgin?

Mashgin is a technology company that has put its focus on making retail checkout an easier process. Traditionally, checkout has been done using later scanners and barcodes – at least over the past few decades. But, Mashgin has changed this paradigm, making it easier for anyone without any training to log their purchased items, get a total, and pay their bill.

The company’s Touchless Checkout System uses a series of cameras, object recognition, and artificial intelligence to scan products without a barcode. Simply place your items on the scanning platform, in any position, and in collections of more than one item, and the system does the rest. Using those cameras, the system is able to look at the platform and identify the items on the platform. It can then look up the price of the item and add it to your cart. Then, you can either replace the items or pay your bill and move on.

Why choose Mashgin?

First of all, the ease of use is fantastic. Even if a store wants to implement this for clerks to use and not for customers, this can reduce lines and improve customer experiences. However, for self-checkout, customers of any age and technical skill can easily operate the system.

In addition, it means that scanning barcodes would be a thing of the past. While some items don’t matter that much, some items can’t have barcodes at all. Trying to look up and log an apple, for example, can be a hard prospect even for technically inclined users. With this, that concept goes away.

Where can Mashgin be used?

Technically, Mashgin can be used anywhere where product sales happen. However, there are a few places where it will really stand out. Take, for example, a grocery store or cafeteria with a self-serve food bar. A customer can walk around the bar (or bars) and take whatever items they want. Then, they take their tray to the checkout and place their tray on the platform. Using the camera array, it is able to identify that you’ve got a burger, mac and cheese, and nachos. It then adds those to your bill and lets you check out with your card or phone.

Now imagine you’re at a movie theater and you want popcorn and a soda. The line at the theater can be incredibly long and you don’t want to be late for your film. Once again, the person behind the counter can get you your items, or the items can be made available outside of the counter, and you can easily pay by going to the kiosk, rather than waiting for someone to ring up the items and take your payment.

Summary

The Mashgin product offerings are all currently available for retailers. If you are interested in learning more about the Mashgin Touchless Checkout System or the company’s other products, you can check out their website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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TWT Audio: affordable, powerful and customizable headphones @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Entertainment, Homeaudio, ces2023, gadgets, gaming, headphonesPLUGHITZ Live

TWT Audio gaming headphones We all know that there are many choices out there when it comes to the headphone market, but few companies try to be as customizable as possible or try to balance affordability with high-quality audio. You’re usually going to get quality sound with a decent design and a high price tag, or an affordable price with stale audio and LED lights to distract you from its flaws. TWT Audio wants to change up the formula with their current line of headphones.

Modularized parts are one of the key focuses for this line. Detachable ear cups, not just the cousin mind you, are available across the board. They have different styles of earcups, different colors, and earcups made of materials designed to deal with moisture from working out. This can especially appeal to gamers and streamers who are also fitness buffs. You’d have the ability to move from your streaming rig right to your workout area and swap to your sweat-resistant ear cups for a worry-free workout stream.

The audio cable is also modularized. The input device is swappable: you can go from a USB-C connection to a USB-A connection to a 3.5mm connection or even a 1/4 inch connection into an amplifier if you wanted. Seems to be just a quick screw removal from under the ear cup, and simply swapping the part and you’re good to go. TWT Audio is making sure that the customization aspect is as easy as possible.

Audio Quality is an aspect they want to emphasize in their gaming model, the Victory 250XG model. Not seen in the interview, I got a good demonstration with a Fortnite match. Projectile paths, sounds of vehicles, and footsteps were all coming from their precise directions. Along with that, the proper volume of sounds depending on their proximity to your character. Sounds were crisp and clear and it’s hard to believe how close these headphones come to the higher-end, more expensive headphones on the market.

Comfort level is always important and these do not fall short of other quality headphones. The ear cups are cushioned as well as the band over your head. It’s adjustable enough to fit over my large head and hair. Many headphones in the affordability classes cut costs in these areas in particular, so I think it’s important to note that TWT Audio seems to have found a sweet spot with these products.

Notable aspects of each model: the Victory 250XG gaming headset has an omnidirectional “silicon flex” mic, come with mesh ear cups and the ear cups’ angle can be adjusted for comfort options. The Revo headset has the boom-lift activated mute feature and stealth release changeable cable and ear customization options. Ultra Durable Pro doesn’t have the customization options but it has the same functionality and audio quality that TWT Audio is becoming known for. Lastly, the Ultra Ergo is perfect for your work-at-home or office settings.

TWT Audio is taking the market by storm and with their plans for partnerships with educational programs and esports organizations, I’m sure this will be a brand for many to know and love. The 4 product names I mentioned above are all currently available on Amazon via the links below. Also, the Audiophile and Gaming Pro headsets should be available sometime in the near future.

The current line of headphones are available now: The Victory 250XG retail for $39.99, the Ultra Durable Pro retail for $31.99, and the Ultra Ergo retail for $20.99. There is also the REVO headsets run $36.99 and are available for volume purchase.

Interview by Allante Sparks of PLuGHiTz Live Special Events.

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Task Complete: Aiper keeps your pool clean without cords @ CES 2023

February 24, 2023CES 2023, Gadgets, Home, Roboticsces2023, gadgets, home, pool, robot, roboticsPLUGHITZ Live

Aiper Pool Cleaning Robot If you own a pool, you know that maintaining the pool can be a pain. Between keeping the pH balance correct, a garage full of various chemicals, a constant fight against leaves, plus keeping the bottom clean, there is always something to do. There have been machines to help with the process, like filters and vacuums, but even that isn’t perfect. However, Aiper has a line of underwater robots to make maintaining your pool easier.

What is Aiper?

Aiper is a robotics company that makes an entirely cordless robotic pool cleaner. This machine is able to maneuver itself around the bottom of your pool without any obstructions and keep the surface of the pool clean. Because of its design, it is also able to come out of the water slightly in order to clean the ring around the pool above the water surface and below the deck.

If you’ve had an indoor robotic vacuum, you generally understand the concept. The machine goes into the water and travels around the surface to keep it clean. The system maps out the surface of the pool ahead of time, which helps it to ensure that a complete cleaning is accomplished. The robot is also battery-powered and easily rechargeable. In fact, it only takes 90 minutes for a complete charge. To keep the robot itself clean, simply remove the filter, empty it out, and put it back in.

Why choose Aiper?

We’ve all seen pool cleaners that live under the water. Traditionally, these machines have a very long shop vac pipe that pulls behind them. Using that tube, the machine is able to essentially vacuum the bottom of the pool, with the suction coming from the other end of the tube. This design is functional, but also creates a lot of problems.

The tubes often get tied up in knots as the cleaner goes under them. This prevents the machine from completing its cleaning path and can also cause damage to the tube itself. If the cleaner doesn’t get under the tube, it might just get caught and stopped, once again ending the cleaning cycle whether or not the pool is clean. in either case, you’re going to have to get involved, often inside of the pool, and resolve the issue.

This is where the biggest win comes in for Aiper. Since the Aiper robotic cleaners are battery-powered with their vacuums built into the machine, there are no tubes. This means that there is no chance that it gets caught up in itself. All of this prevents interaction from the owner and significantly reduces the chances of damage to the machine or other items, including toys, in the pool.

Summary

Several models of the Aiper robotic pool vacuums are available now. The newest model, the Aiper Seagull Pro, will release on March 20, 2023. You can purchase the existing models or pre-order the new model at the company’s store. To learn more about the company and the full line of products, you can go to the company’s website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Smarter FridgeCam helps to prevent spoiled and wasted food @ CES 2023

February 3, 2023CES 2023, Gadgets, Homeces2023, connected device, connected home, gadgets, kitchenPLUGHITZ Live

Smarter FridgeCam prevent food waste No one likes to find spoiled food in the fridge, especially when you are expecting to prepare a meal. Food waste these days is not something that should happen, especially for families with several children, as the price of groceries seems to be increasing on a daily basis. However, it can be a challenge to remember when you bought certain items, and certain to know how long each item lasts. This is where the Smarter FridgeCam and Smarter FoodCam come in.

What is Smarter FridgeCam?

The Smarter FridgeCam is a camera that goes either on the fridge door or the door shelf. It takes pictures every time you open or close the fridge door. Using those photos, FridgeCam will tell you what’s in there and if it needs to be tossed.

The camera then pairs with the app that works with deep learning algorithms that detect what is there and when
it was added. Using that information, the system can determine the freshness of each item and whether or not it’s time to use it up or throw it away. This is great for managing easily spoiled items, such as yogurt and milk, but also veggies that get lost in the back of the fridge.

What is Smarter FoodCam?

The FoodCam is a smart item that goes in your cupboards to help keep track of non-perishable food items. The camera is the smaller sibling to the FridgeCam, but is designed to go into your cupboards, rather than the refrigerator. Because of the warmer environment, the camera uses a smaller battery, since rechargeable batteries lose power in cold environments.

The camera adds to your kitchen management, allowing you to keep track of items such as soups, bread, cereals, and more. These can often be the forgotten parts of our kitchens since they are more hidden away from us than even the items in the fridge. People try to use them well past their expiration date because they simply don’t know when they bought them or when they go bad.

How can you use the data?

One of the connected aspects of the system is Kitchen Sync. This feature allows you to connect various inputs, including the data from your cameras, but also smart speakers, like Alexa. In addition to knowing when it’s time to buy milk because of the expiration date, you can also enter data using Alexa, saying, “Alexa, I need milk” and she will add it to your shopping list.

This feature is great for when you are going to be using more than usual, such as around the holidays. It’s also helpful if you’re about to get into baking, where you would need more eggs, milk, etc.

In addition, the system integrates with Chefling, which Smarter recently acquired. Chefling is an app that helps you find and execute recipes. When integrated with Smarter and KitchenSync, it helps you to use up your food by suggesting recipes with what’s available so your food doesn’t spoil and go to waste.

Summary

It will be available for pre-order soon. The cost is $99.00 for the FridgeCam and $69.00 for the FoodCam. For more information go to the company’s website.

Interview by Scott Ertz of F5 Live: Refreshing Technology.

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STM Goods makes traveling in style and security a snap @ CES 2023

February 3, 2023Accessories, CES 2023, Photography, Travelbackpack, ces2023, charger, gadgets, portable power, power, qiPLUGHITZ Live

STM Goods Simple Travel Supplies For the regular traveler, trying to find the right travel supplies can be a priority. Limiting the number of items, and finding the right travel bag is important. Luckily, STM Goods (short for Smarter Than Most) makes a line of bags and accessories for any traveler.

STM Goods’ bags and backpacks

STM makes a line of backpacks and bags for any traveler and outdoorsman. The bags allow you to carry your gear safely and securely while giving you easy access to your stuff. Whether you are backpacking in the great outdoors or fighting your way through the boardroom, STMbags have you covered.

STM Goods Dux bags

We got a close look at the Dux line of backpacks and bags. The backpack line comes in two sizes: 30 liters and 16 liters, so there is an option no matter how much you’re carrying, while the messenger bag comes in 16 liters. For the avid traveler, all three sizes are able to fit under the seat on a plane, or of course overhead, so it is a great travel companion.

Our favorite feature of the bags was the ability to access your gear from several angles. If you’ve got your bag on the ground, you can access all of the contents from the top or back, giving you access to everything in the bag. However, if you’ve got the bag on your back or over your shoulder, you can access the items through smaller zippered openings on the sides.

For example, this is a great feature for photographers and videographers. Imagine holding a digital SLR in one hand, with the strap around your neck. On your back, you’ve got your STM Goods Dux backpack. You want to transition from closeup photos to long-distance photos, so it’s time to swap lenses. Without having to put down the camera or the backpack, you can open the side pouch exposing only the lens you need access to. You can remove the lens, swap them on the camera, and put the first one back in the bag.

The 30-liter backpack is available for $250. The 16-liter backpack is available for $230. The 16-liter messenger bag is available for $250. All three bags are available in 4 color options.

STM Goods’ mobile accessories

In addition to a full lineup of bags, STM Goods also makes mobile accessories to enhance your travel experience. From phone rings and holders to stands and selfie sticks, the product line really has a lot of options.

ChargeTree Go

If you’re deep in the Apple mobile ecosystem, you’ve got a lot of devices to charge while traveling. This can mean bringing 3 chargers, plus probably a power strip to plug them all in. The ChargeTree Go, however, combines all of the normal charge points into a single device.

On the front is a Qi charger for your iPhone. On the side is a pop-out charging surface for an Apple Watch. On the back is a platform for AirPods. Using the one device, you can charge all three. The best part is that you can flatten the device so that it fits easily into your bag without getting damaged. The ChargeTree Go is available now for $120.

MagSafe

The MagSafe line offers a number of products that connect to an iPhone using the magnetic connector on the back of the phone. The MagLoop is a small ring that connects to the phone and gives you an easy way to hold the device, especially on long uses. It can also be flipped down to be used as a stand. It’s more flexible than other phone holders because it is removable without ruining the product. The MagLoop is available in 2 colors for $30.

The MagPod is a magnetic tripod stand that can hold your iPhone in nearly any position. This is because the ball joint on the head, which gives a nearly 180-degree range of motion. The legs on the stand can also be pulled in to turn it into a short selfie stick. The MagPod is available in two colors for $50.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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ADT pairs the power of Google Nest and monitored security @ CES 2023

February 3, 2023CES 2023, Home, Securityadt, ces2023, connected device, connected home, gadgets, google, nest, smarthomePLUGHITZ Live

ADT Smart Home Security Home security is a top focus for a lot of people. The problem is that creating a safe and secure home can be challenging. You can buy pre-fabbed kits with connected sensors, but you end up locked into their ecosystem, but you’re required to monitor and respond to the alerts yourself. The other option is to go with an installed and monitored system, but you’re usually locked into their proprietary hardware, so if you ever want to change, you’re pretty much out of luck. Luckily, ADT has found an excellent middle-ground for consumers.

Who is ADT?

ADT is one of the biggest names in monitored home security. The company helps people to protect their homes without having to worry about installation, monitoring, or managing a home security system. The biggest advantage of one of the company’s systems is that emergency response is 8 times faster when managed by ADT as opposed to other competitors or even self-monitoring.

For those who are interested in their own installation, either for privacy reasons or a DIY spirit, ADT offers self-setup systems. Even if you install a system yourself, you had the ability to use the company’s monitoring services to improve peace of mind.

ADT’s connected home

In the spirit of self-installation and expanded options, ADT has begun offering connected home options. The company’s monitoring system can now be integrated with Google’s Nest product line. This means that Nest Cams, Nest Doorbells, Nest Thermostats, and even Nest Wi-Fi can be connected to ADT monitoring. In fact, you can use these connected devices while also having professional setup from the company’s installers.

One of the benefits of using consumer smart devices as part of your professional security setup is that you get all of the benefits of a smarthome while also getting all of the benefits of an ADT system. Using the Nest product line means that you can connect to your cameras, thermostat, and more while you are away. So, if someone rings your doorbell, you can see who is at the door even if you are on vacation. But, if there is a problem, an agent is able to respond and call the authorities if needed.

In addition, by using regular consumer hardware, you have the ability to make a change to your setup if needed. A change in life circumstances might mean you need to discontinue active monitoring. In that event, you are able to still access your Nest devices on your own and maintain security for your home on your own. This gives some flexibility in the hardware you have installed, as opposed to being stuck installing hardware that only works with the service provider that installed it. This gives owners more choices and reduces electronic waste in the event of a change.

Summary

ADT’s traditional security hardware and Google Nest integration are available for professional and self installation now. For more information about the company’s product and service offerings, you can head to their website or call (800) 750-0372.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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Apollo brings full automation to ADT’s commercial offerings @ CES 2023

February 2, 2023CES 2023, Robotics, Securityadt, ces2023, gadgets, robot, robotics, securityPLUGHITZ Live

ADT Commercial Apollo security robot It seems like every day we hear about another industry that AI, robotics, and automation are coming to improve. Fast food service has gotten better with more automation in the kitchen. Manufacturing has been helped immensely by robotics and automation, making the jobs in factories safer and less physically intensive. However, one place that we didn’t expect to see robotics, at least not today, is security. However, ADT Commercial has a new robot security guard called Apollo.

What is Apollo?

Apollo is a humanoid robot that is intended to augment traditional security guards in an office, retail space, or any other commercial property. It is part of the company’s new EvoGuard initiative, which seeks to infuse high-tech capabilities into ADT’s commercial security offerings.

A large part of a human security guard’s job is to observe their surroundings and report on what they see. This can be done by walking the premises and looking for things that are out of place, or by sitting with a wall of screens watching an entire property at once. If something out of the ordinary is observed, the correct people are alerted. This could be another member of security, the property owner, or even the police.

Apollo is capable of doing all of this, without any of the restrictions of a person. The robot can travel around a property easily looking for changes in the environment, or even recognizable issues. Once an issue is recognized, it can report back to a security supervisor and a human can take over control of the robot to go and investigate further. If warranted, the agent can then notify someone on the grounds, the property owner, or the local police.

One of the interesting features of Apollo is the virtual reality option. Using a VR headset, the supervisor is able to essentially become the robot. They are able to see through the perspective of the robot and manipulate it as if they were there. This includes moving its hands, opening or closing doors, checking windows, etc. However, if the supervisor is unable or unwilling to use the VR experience, the entire thing can also be controlled from the system’s computer-based dashboard.

This is actually the reason why Apollo is humanoid. If the purpose was merely to observe and report, then it could have been designed to look like a trash can. However, because it is intended to be able to be used remotely to accomplish goals, the company let it was important to make it with a wider range of motion. But, since all of our environments are designed for humans, it was decided that Apollo should be humanoid, as well.

Summary

Apollo is currently in use through partnerships with three test partners. Using their feedback, the company and its design partner are able to make adjustments before it becomes available for a wider audience, hopefully during quarter 1 of 2023. To learn more about Apollo or ADT’s other commercial security offerings, you can check out their website.

Interview by Daniele Mendez of The New Product Launchpad.

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