Robot maker seeks local resellers

US company White Box Robotics is seeking local resellers for the model 914 “PC-BOT” it released in September 2006.

The robot (pictured) is based on Via’s EPIA processor running at 1.3GHz and also boasts a 40GB hard drive, eight 5.25in device bays and the same number of analog inputs and digital outputs.

The $US4995 machine does not ship with a monitor but can connect to one and function as a normal PC.

Things get interesting, however, when the robot engages its pair of 45V lead acid batteries to power a custom drive train that moves it around a room, thanks to a webcam that doubles as the robot’s eyes.

White Box Robotics believes the machine has applications in security, home entertainment and other areas that it hopes resellers can help it define.

“We're initially looking for resellers that work with the educational community, researchers, and PC or Robotics Enthusiasts,” says Richard Lepack, the company’s president.

“We believe that this community will help in the development of applications we have not even thought of yet. We believe this will be an R&D hot bed for us.”

“We're also interested in VARs that provide services around RFID, asset management, indoor environment monitoring, access monitoring and who wish to partner with a mobile robotics company to provide a mobile product offering.”

Lepack says traditional computer resellers should have no fear of a move into robotics, as the 914 “is based on the PC architecture and open standards, so IT people who already know how to integrate, maintain, fix and upgrade desktop computers will find doing the same with a PC-BOT will not be onerous.”

Australians, he adds, have already displayed considerable interest in the 914. “We see strong interest there,” Lepack says.

“We would love to here from Australian companies that want help build the ecosystem around PC-BOT with devices like adapters, peripherals, software and companion products.”

White Box Robotics’ website is at www.whiteboxrobotics.com.