There’s an app for that! Ooops – not an app, but a social network!
I kid you not. There is now a social network specifically targeted at robots, and it is the brainchild of RobotShop, which is supposed to be the world’s most popular e-commerce site that specializes in service robotics. What does MyRobots offer?
Basically, it is an online venue for all Internet-enabled robots. Owners and builders can connect their robots, monitor their status, and of course, control them as well. And for those robots which are not Internet-enabled, there is “MyRobots Connect”, which connects serially to the device, allowing the interaction online.
In a press release ((MyRobots PR)), Mario Tremblay, the CEO of RobotShop, says, “Soon, I will be able connect to the robots in my home, and MyRobots will provide me with their current status such as if all is well, they have a problem or even if they require maintenance. MyRobots will inform me in real-time of any action I need to take, thus facilitating the coexistence and communication between mankind and these increasingly intelligent machines.”
He also explains the rationale for setting up the platform: “MyRobots addresses the increasing need to have a central intelligence for monitoring, managing and controlling robots and smart objects. In doing so, MyRobots opens the door to a new era by promoting the development and experimentation of a variety of applications for domestic, professional, hobby, educational, and toy robots. The potential for innovation resulting from this platform is unbounded and our goal at RobotShop is to involve the entire robotics community, our customers, and our manufacturers in this innovative process.”
I can already see technophobes shaking their heads and repeating doomsday statements about machines taking over humankind. If you’re a robot enthusiast, though, this is nothing but good news. Check out the beta version of MyRobots, and see how much fun you can have with it!