The Double 3 telepresence device includes 3D sensors. Source: Double Robotics
BURLINGAME, Calif. — Double Robotics today unveiled Double 3, its newest robot intended to increase productivity of remote workers and distance learners. The telepresence robot can move autonomously, and it has a new mixed-reality driver’s interface.
Unlike its predecessors, Double 3 does not use an Apple iPad, replacing it with a fully-integrated solution using the latest GPU technology in the Nvidia Jetson TX2, two Intel RealSense depth sensors, two high-resolution cameras, and a beam-forming microphone array.
The new hardware is combined with a new click-to-drive interface, obstacle avoidance, and pan/tilt/zoom video to provide a fully-immersive remote experience to seasoned users as well as complete beginners, said the company on its blog.
“Double 3 represents a massive leap in technology for offices and schools, and it finally incorporates all of the top requests from our customers into one seamless, elegant solution,” stated David Cann, co-founder and CEO of Double Robotics.
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Self-driving and click-to-drive interface
An array of 3D sensors enables Double 3 to understand its environment, where it’s safe to drive, and how to divert around obstacles to reach the destination. Obstacle avoidance enables completely untrained drivers to drive the telepresence robot without fear of bumping into walls or people, said Double Robotics.
Dots are drawn on the floor where Double 3 can safely drive. The driver can click anywhere on the floor, and the robot will go there, avoiding obstacles along the way.
Double 3 uses mixed reality, unified cameras
Double 3 includes mixed-reality video. Source: Double Robotics
Mixed reality is similar to augmented reality, except that when virtual 3D objects are added into the video stream, they look like they are placed in the real world. This feature is intended to help users understand what the Double 3 can see, and they can then highlight important waypoints and objects of interest, such as the charging dock.
Two 13-megapixel cameras provide an ultra-wide field of view and multiple levels of zoom. The cameras can physically tilt up and down, which is helpful for reading papers on a desk or zooming into a specific point.
Improvements, pricing
In addition to its fully integrated hardware replacing the iPad used in Double 2 and other previous generations, the Double 3 includes an array of six microphones to help the driver hear people from farther away. It also has user-replaceable silicone rubber trim pieces that are available in five colors.
The robot includes user-replaceable trim in five colors. Source: Double Robotics
Double Robotics is also offering an application programming interface (API) for developers to write custom applications for Double 3.
Double 3 is available for order worldwide today, and the first batch of units will begin shipping late September. A package including the robot and the charging dock is priced at $3,999 (U.S.). The robot will be available in the U.S. and through the company’s twelve authorized distributors worldwide.
The new Double 3 head is backward-compatible with Double 2 robot bases, and existing customers can purchase just the head for $1,999.
About Double Robotics
Double Robotics is the creator of Double, which it claims is the world’s leading telepresence robot. The two-wheeled, self-driving robot that gives people a physical presence at work or in school when they can’t be there in person.
Founded in 2012 and a graduate of the startup accelerator Y Combinator, Double Robotics is a privately-held technology company.
The Robot Report has launched the Healthcare Robotics Engineering Forum, which will be on Dec. 9-10 in Santa Clara, Calif. The conference and expo focuses on improving the design, development and manufacture of next-generation healthcare robots. Learn more about the Healthcare Robotics Engineering Forum.
Filed Under: The Robot Report, Robotics • robotic grippers • end effectors