Frequently Asked Questions

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Overview

1. What is the Giraffe?

A video conferencing robot - a way of moving around and interacting with people at a far away place.

The product page has far more details.

2. Why would I want one?

What gadget lover wouldn't want a human height robot? But maybe you were asking why it's useful. Here's why: To make people feel your presence in a place far away. The Giraffe is a whole new way to communicate - it really makes you feel like you're in the distant location. People in the far-away place relate to you like you're actually there! More specifically, here are some applications for the Giraffe.

3. How is this better than video Skype or video conferencing with a cell phone?

Video conferencing lets you see people and talk with them, but you can't interact with them like you were actually there. For example, have you ever been in a situation where it was critical to talk with someone but that person didn't return your call? With the Giraffe, you could just go over to their office or cube and chat with them -- just like if you were there in person. With the Giraffe, you have control. Read more about its advantages.

4. Why would anyone want to talk to a robot?

You're right, no one wants to talk to a robot! With the Giraffe, you're talking to another PERSON, not a robot. Just like you might use a cell phone to talk to people, now you can use a robotic stand-in to talk to people. Remember, you can actually see the far-side person's face on the robot's display, so you'll pick up on all their facial expressions just as if you were there in person.

5. What do I need to use the Giraffe?

Besides the supplied Giraffe device, you will need a wireless Internet connection. One option is to use an 802.11 wireless network at the desired location. Alternatively, a 3G wireless data card could be used to obtain access to the Internet through your cellular data provider. At the other end, you need a computer with a broadband Internet connection. Client software is available for Windows, Mac, and Unix operating systems. With your permission and this client program, anyone in the world can communicate using your Giraffe.

6. How much will it cost?

Depending on initial order volume, the price will range from $1800 to $3000. Expect more specific information in the coming months. Once pre-orders are available, you can expect a large discount for ordering in advance. Sign up for our announcement list to find out when we offer pre-orders.

7. I'd love one! When can I buy it?

Sometime in 2008. Once pre-orders are available, you can expect a hefty discount for ordering in advance. Sign up for our announcement list to find out the moment we offer pre-orders.

Technical

8. How long do the batteries last?

Expect at least two hours of battery life. Of course, the Giraffe may also be used while still in the docking station, enabling unlimited use while immobile.

9. Can it climb stairs?

No, but it's light enough to be easily carried up stairs.

10. Can it open doors?

It can push doors open.

11. How much does it weigh?

About 30 pounds.

12. I couldn't find anything about feature X. Will that feature be available?

Please stop by the forums and let us know what features you want, so we can prioritize them. By the way, if you're handy with software, maybe you could implement a feature yourself - all our code is open source.

13. How do you steer it?

Its surprisingly easy! Run the client software on your home computer, and then simply click the mouse on the real-time video image, and the robot will go to the place you clicked. If you want to turn in place, make a dragging motion with the mouse on the real-time video image. The Giraffe will automatically move until the camera is centered at the end point of the drag.

14. How well can you see stuff?

Pretty well - we use a 2MP camera, and the remote user can zoom in up to 8x. It's possible to read the text on a page if you get reasonably close.

15. How good is the video?

With a decent broadband connection it's very smooth with low latency. The codec is H.263+

16. How good is the audio?

With a decent broadband connection it's very good - as good as the best leading VoIP providers.

17. What happens when the batteries run out?

The Giraffe will issue a warning when the batteries get low. By driving the Giraffe back to its docking station, the remote user can charge the Giraffe without any outside help.

Safety and Privacy

18. Isn't this an invasion of privacy?

No, not at all. The Giraffe is no more invasive than a person would be if that person was in the Giraffe's place. Because people near the Giraffe can see the distant user on the monitor, no one feels like they're being spied on - it's just another way to communicate.

The Giraffe also has a number of privacy features so everyone can be sure it will only be used when appropriate. For example, a physical switch disconnects the camera and microphone when it is not appropriate for the Giraffe to accept calls automatically. This makes it impossible for the Giraffe to be used for spying.

19. Is it safe?

Yes! The collision detection sensors prevent you from doing more than lightly tapping anything, even if you actually wanted to hit something. Besides, it only weighs about 30 pounds, and it moves at a walking pace.

20. Can it fall over?

The Giraffe has a very low center of gravity, and accelerates smoothly, so it is virtually impossible for it to fall over on its own. In the event that it gets knocked over by some trouble-maker during use, simply say "I've fallen and I can't get up." You'll get laughs (you can thank us later), and we're sure someone will help you out.