New MantaroBot Low-Cost TelePresence Robot Does Skype

Since telepresence solutions are becoming more and more evolved and cost-effective, we're seeing some pretty interesting implementations of such products making their way onto the market, the latest we've come across being the MantaroBot TelePresence Robot, that enables low-cost video communications via Skype.

Mantaro, a products and embedded product development services firm, announced today the launch of the MantaroBot, an affordable, flexible option among telepresence solutions.

The high-definition, wireless, compact robotic telepresence system works with Skype via a plug-in and operates on a mobile platform that allows a user to be virtually present wherever the MantaroBot is located and move around and interact with people.

As with other telepresence solutions, the MantaroBot frees the user from the traditional fixed location of video conferencing equipment and unleashes them into a higher level of interaction and feeling of presence.

However, with the Skype plug-in, the advantages of mobile, wireless video conferencing are uniquely accessible, cost-effective, and user-friendly.

Control of the MantaroBot is managed with an intuitive software application on the user’s PC, sending speed and direction instructions to the MantaroBot.

The MantaroBot is also equipped with a user controlled 180 degree pan and 180 degree tilt high definition camera that allows a full survey of the surroundings without moving the MantaroBot.

“Mantaro has leveraged our multi-disciplined engineering experience to produce a very useable and cost effective telepresence robot,” says Jeremy Parsons, CEO of Mantaro.

“MantaroBot remote conferencing can be used for various applications. We plan to use the MantaroBot to enhance our own customer experience during conference calls,” continued Mr. Parsons, also adding that “at $3,500, the MantaroBot introduces a new level of accessibility for mobile, wireless remote conferencing”, thus also revealing the relative low price of this communications solution.

And if you're really interested in getting the MantaroBot for yourselves, you should know that it's available for pre-order as we speak, with the first deliveries being scheduled for February 2011.