Reality Robots Launches Be The Robot (BERO) – Animated Mobile Robot Controlled by an Open Source App
Toronto, Sept. 10, 2012 – Reality Robotics is excited to announce the Be The Robot (BERO) campaign now live on Kickstarter. BERO is the ultimate smartphone companion that uses an Android (iOS coming soon) open source app to wirelessly control the robot. Depending on the BERO model, robots react to smartphone notifications and are fully programmable, customizable and voice activated. BERO is packed with up to six motors for realistic dance moves with head turns, arm waves, and side to side poses all while playing the user’s favorite music.
All 4” Google Bug Droid inspired BERO robots utilize a unique tank style caterpillar track design providing an unmatched range of motion. The USB recharged and onboard battery powered BERO has 2 LED lights for eyes and light up headphones flash to the beat of music. The onboard speaker and amplifier allow users play WAV audio files from an included SD card.
BERO utilizes two infrared transmitters for navigation which allow the robot to detect obstacles up to 3-5 inches to the left, right and front. Users can interact with BERO and have the robot interact back with the user for countless hours of enjoyment.
BERO is offering a number of different pledge levels including a limited (only 2 available) “see how it’s made” package ($7,850) which includes a trip to Hong Kong for a firsthand look at how BERO is made. Contributors to this limited pledge offer will also receive a BERO factory tour, learn about top-secret future development plans and star in an exclusive BERO video.
Contributors can also choose from a number of other pledge options and BERO models including:
- $35 or more – BERO Basic – desk accessory with matte white plastic shell of the BERO with no motors or electronics.
- $79 or more – BERO Bluetooth – matte and transparent blue finish motorized, fully functioning BERO with 2 micro gearbox motors.
- $109 or more – BERO Backer – matte white and red finish motorized, fully functioning BERO with an additional 3 micro gearbox motors (five in total) with left and right arm position sensors to high five and wave and head can turn left and right.
- $129 or more – BERO Basshead – matte black and red finish motorized, fully functioning BERO with an additional 3 micro gearbox motors (five in total) with left and right arm position sensors to high five and wave and head can turn left and right and 2 LED lights in the headphones that light up to music.
- $159 or more (limited – 500) – BERO Bling (silver) – shiny silver chrome finish with six total micro gearboxes, waist motor for side to side motion, left and right arm position sensors to high five and wave and head can turn left and right, 2 LED lights in the headphones that light up to music and 2 infrared transmitters to navigate through obstacles.
- $189 or more (limited – 250) – BERO Bling (gold plated) – shiny real gold plated finish with six total micro gearboxes, waist motor for side to side motion, left and right arm position sensors to high five and wave and head can turn left and right, 2 LED lights in the headphones that light up to music and 2 infrared transmitters to navigate through obstacles.
BERO is expected to be shipped in late November 2012 and will be releasing new updates such as iOS compatibility, Twitter enabling and MP3 player functionalities in the near future.
For more information on Reality Robotics and BERO, visit Kickstarter, BeTheRobot.com or follow @BeTheRobot.
*Android® is a registered trademark of Google, Inc.
About Reality Robotics:
Canadian educated Michael Trzecieski brings with him over 8 years of robotic toy design and overseas manufacturing experience. Michael is the technical mastermind behind Desk Pets (www.mydeskpets.com) products which is also a MaRS client. Jonathan Levin is a graduate of Stanford University. Now based in NYC, Jonathan runs a successful event management company and continues to consult with companies in production, sourcing and business development.
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Media Contact:
Valerie Guerra
Senior Account Manager
Max Borges Agency for Reality Robotics
305-374-4404 x120
valerieguerra@maxborgesagency.com