Hit crowdfunded robot acts as home companion

UBTECH has launched a crowdfunding campaign for its second humanoid robot, the Alpha 2, and has surpassed 300 percent of the company’s $100,000 goal within a few days. According to the company, Alpha 2 has 20 joints to replicate human motion. The robot can give notifications, including keeping track of when medications should be taken, control smart appliances and help with tutoring. The robot’s voice recognition is shown in a promotional video helping a girl with her Spanish homework. As of now, the Alpha 2 can be had for $599. The $499 option has already sold out.

The Shenzhen-based company launched the first Alpha earlier this year when the company used its more cumbersome name Union Brother Technology Co. That robot retailed for $890. This new offering from the company is both cheaper and more capable. The Indiegogo campaign allows people to buy a nondeveloper edition for as much as $699. The other options are more limited in volume. Commercial product launches are usually priced higher after receiving crowdfunding, so the retail price may be pushed up. Either way, this is a significantly less expensive option than previous similarly capable humanoid robot offerings. The Alpha 2 is very aesthetically similar to the Aldebaran NAO, but the price of that robot started at nearly $8,000 when it was announced last year.

Thanks to cloud computing and ubiquitous Internet access, home robots are more capable and useful than ever before. They are also now increasingly reaching price points that many consumers will find compelling. A robot such as the Alpha 2, if it fulfills all its promises, is a smart home hub and a home helper rolled into one. This is useful for parents and children alike, and such a robust feature set could make robots a common family device.