One of the highlights of CES 2016 from a robotics point of view was Segway and Intel’s hoverboard, which swapped the handlebars for a fully-functioning robot.
As is the case with a normal Segway, used by those who want to get around quickly, the product is designed as a vehicle to get from A to B, but with a few added extras.
The robot pops up from the centre of the device, and recognises voice commands to help you navigate your way to your destination, plus has an internet-connected camera on its face to help you avoid objects that may pop up on your route.
Bridging the gap between an automated vehicle and a robot, Segway’s hoverboard can drive around by itself or with you aboard, if you wish.
During the demonstration at Intel’s keynote speech at the show, the Segway Robot answered the front door and guided a guest into the living room, ensuring they were comfortable and saving the host mingling time with his other guests. It also followed the speaker around the stage, using its onboard camera to intelligently avoid obstacles, such as the edge of the stage.
Another feature of the robot was ‘hands’ that can be used to pick up some objects and take them to the owner. Although it probably couldn’t pick up boxes or anything too bulky in its current iteration, it is useful for moving small objects from A to B.
Segway’s Robot was developed with Intel and Chinese smartphone manufacturer Xiaomi and although none of the companies involved in its development said whether the robot will ever come to market, or how much it will cost, it was announced this is the first invention the three companies will develop together for a connected world.
