Erector Spykee: Kit Spy Robot
Erector's new "Spykee" is a remote-controlled robot kit with built-in Wi-Fi, camera and microphone, which pairs with a set of included software to allow it to be controlled from anywhere on the net. (Of course, if someone where to gain unauthorized access, you'd be allowing unfettered access to a motorized spy unit that could case your house from the inside, like the evil, punk rock Johnny Five.)
While the Spykee set can be built into three different robot models and is compatible with other Erector sets, the most intriguing aspect of the $280 kit for me is the telepresence capability: Spykee serves as a fully functional webcam and VOIP speakerphone; it's even Skype compatible. I could easily see giving a friend access to a Spykee in your home via the internet, letting them wander around the house, snooping under your couch, while you sat around chatting.
Spykee isn't officially out until late October, but Amazon is already taking pre-orders.
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Haha, I want one of these so I can fuck with my dog when I'm at work!
I love stuff like this.
Stuff like this is already available. I think it was ThinkGeek that has one -- webcam + bot remotely controllable through the web.
This one is a whole lot better looking, though.
They should also include a dial-up function, like a motion detector, smoke detector, etc, that will text message you if it detects anything, so you can log on and look around.
This is the sort of remote control voyeurbot that I've dreamed of ever since reading Danny Dunn, Invisible Boy when I was a kid. No house with a catflap is safe! (I kid, I kid.)
(maybe.)
If Erector wanted they could pull a heck of a publicity stunt. Imagine: 50 Erector waldos, 200 Erector sets, an empty room, and a website to log into. Pure gold.
~Jacob