Thought Nokia dealt solely in mobile phones? Think again. This delightful little creature is currently scuttling around its development labs as part of an experiment around video chat.
Dubbed Jeppe, he’s a tiny robot equipped with video cameras, a digital compass and microphones. He’s designed to encourage more relaxed “passive video conferencing” that feels natural and less formal than sitting in front of a laptop and web cam.
At the moment, the robot is controlled through a Nokia N800 Internet Tablet, and there are plans to let his movements be controlled via the web too. Inside is a brain box lifted from Lego’s NXT robot.
Jeppe’s video is served up using GoogleTalk, and as well as simple steering, he can be told to perform pre-recorded gesture movements.
In the future, he’ll map his environments, and remember where he is, so after a quick think he’ll be able to find his way to almost any destination.
What do you think? Is a smiling robot the key to encouraging video chat? Let us know in the comments section below.
TBC | £TBC | Nokia (via Nokia Conversations)
