Limibit, a technology startup situated in Ontario, Canada, has unveiled an endearing desktop robot named Doly, which has proven to be popular among technology enthusiasts. The founder of the company, Levent Erenler, characterizes Doly as a convergence of companionship, education, and technological advancement, with the goal of offering a distinctive experience for users of various ages and expertise levels.
Doly is outfitted with a set of expressive googly eyes capable of exhibiting emoji-like animations, providing weather reports, or functioning as a digital clock. It is specifically designed to cultivate a personality that transforms as users interact with it, thereby creating a more individualized experience. The robot is equipped with tank treads for mobility, as well as interactive arms that can be raised for a fist bump or celebration, ending in multi-color LEDs and a magnetic mount for entertaining accessories.
Operated by Raspberry Pi CM4 processing capabilities and a Linux-based operating system, Doly has been conceptualized as an open-source platform that can be personalized by users. It includes a speech recognition system for voice commands, 2-Watt stereo speakers for audible responses, and an 8-megapixel camera for capturing moments and offering a user’s perspective.
Furthermore, the robot incorporates capacitive touch sensors, I/O ports for expansion and experimentation, and the ability to be customized with 3D-printed add-ons. For educational purposes, Doly is furnished with a Blockly-based interface for coding, support for advanced programming languages like C++ and Python, as well as a Software Development Kit for users to access sensor data, controls, and more.
Doly is endowed with Bluetooth 5.0, dual-band Wi-Fi, and a 2,600-mAh battery with a charging unit. To ensure safety, it is equipped with proximity sensors to prevent falls and Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors for obstacle avoidance. Additionally, the company pledges lifetime over-the-air updates without the need for subscription fees, and is actively developing ChatGPT integration for interactive and stimulating experiences.
Originally launched on Kickstarter in 2022, Doly has been restructured based on feedback from supporters and has since been reintroduced to the platform. The current pledge levels commence at US$289, and the company anticipates shipping to commence from August, contingent upon the success of the campaign.
In summary, Doly embodies a new era of robotic companions, offering a combination of entertainment and educational prospects. With its innovative features and open-source nature, Doly is primed to establish itself in the realm of robotics and technology.
+ There are no comments
Add yours