The Ava 500 Collaboration Robot, produced by iRobot and Cisco, is designed to provide an executive remote meeting experience far more advanced than the standard Skype affair. Cisco and iRobot have signed a joint marketing agreement and are working together to bring this TelePresence video conferencing technology to the market, expected to be available in early 2014.
The Ava 500 can be used to tour factories, labs, customer service centers and other locations. The more work, collaboration and relationships built make a difference for global business. It boasts top-grade security protection and interoperability that protects businesses from unwanted interference while allowing easy interaction with other video collaboration tools.
By using a simple tablet interface, the all-in-one PC, with a 21.5 inch high definition display atop a moving platform, can drive to a location using the shortest and safest path. It does so in a natural and human manner then returns to the charging dock to get ready for its next mission.
Its excellent high definition video and audio capabilities, coupled with the ability to adjust the height of the robot to a standing or seated position, enhances the executive’s natural presence regardless of his or her true location.
Vice President and General Manager of iRobot’s Remote Presence Business Unit Youssef Saleh said, “iRobot is excited to work with Cisco to bring this next generation of telepresence to businesses worldwide. iRobot has been successful in introducing autonomous remote presence platforms to hospitals. Ava 500 will unlock new markets and applications for telepresence in the workplace.”
As of now, prices are yet to be confirmed and a working model of the robot was demoed at the recent InfoComm 2013 Conference and Expo in Orlando, Florida.
