Mondo Robotics introduced Beni this week as a compact robot on wheels meant to carry a camera and keep up with its owner during everyday activities and active pursuits. Standing 8.5 inches in length with a square-ish 7.1 inch profile and rising just 7.1 inches off the ground, it weighs 3.86 pounds and fits easily into a backpack for trips to the park or skate spot.
Designers gave it a friendly face that seems to change its expression based on the user’s mood or situation, as the eyes changed color and its ‘face’ lit up to maintain connection. Owners may add ears, hats, and stickers to make the design feel more like a buddy and less like a high-tech gadget, and each unit comes with two sets of wheels. The indoor wheels are so quiet on hardwood, tile, or carpet that you won’t even notice them moving. Outdoor wheels, on the other hand, may bite into grass, gravel, or tarmac while also dealing with obstacles and uneven sections. If stairs are in the way, Beni may hop from step to step and still follow you. Plus, it can jump 10 inches high to clear small gaps or obstructions and will even flip itself upright after a mishap.
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Sensors are scattered throughout its body, transmitting data to an avoidance system that prevents the robot from falling off the edge of the table or colliding with a wall, or even a person. It also has tracking built in to follow humans or dogs, allowing it to stay close behind, pull up alongside, or even do a lap to acquire a better camera perspective. All tracking is done with motion sensors and proprietary algorithms that follow moving subjects and does not require an internet connection to function.
The camera captures in 4K at 30 frames per second, but you can also shoot in 3K at 60 frames or 1080p at 100 frames to capture stunning slow-motion footage afterward. It incorporates electronic stabilisation, similar to your phone, to keep the footage stable even when going across uneven terrain. Because the lens is so low, it’s easy to get incredible angled shots looking up at the subject.
It has 32GB of internal storage, but you can expand it via the microSD card slot if necessary. The software uploads footage to your phone, allowing you to see what the robot sees in real time. It also includes an auto-editing tool that selects the best clips and combines them into a shareable movie. It also has a wristwatch-style controller. As you put it on, use the joystick to operate the robot, or flick your wrist to have it jump or take a picture. It might even react to basic actions like a nod or a head shake. The program also lets you unlock other modes, such one for exploration, as well as some simple games that can be played with several controllers.
Each battery lasts about 90 minutes, so if you have spares, you’ll be able to go for a long time without having to recharge. None of the primary functionalities require an internet connection, but if you want to store your film in the cloud, you can do so; however, keep in mind that it is also encrypted. People who commit now can acquire one of the early devices for $499, a significant discount from the intended retail price of $799. Production is slated to begin when the Kickstarter campaign concludes in early August, with delivery scheduled for October.
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