Robot 2009

Doing the Robot at Computex 2009

At the Computex 2009 technology show, Taiwan-based licensees are showcasing a variety of WiMAX CPE (customer premise equipment) products, including a WiMAX-based robot called the RoLA. The RoLA is displayed by VMAX Telecom, which just announced its new 4G WiMAX Internet access on June 2. VMAX, Tecom, and National Chiao Tung University are combining to develop the RoLA, designed for distance monitor and interactive video therapy via WiMAX technology.
The idea for a RoLA (Robot of Living Aid) was discussed in a report titled Development of the Robot of Living Aid: RoLA and presented at the 2008 IEEE International Conference on Automation and Logistics (ICAL) which took place in Qingdao, China. The abstract of the paper states that the RoLA’s purpose is primarily for aiding the elderly who live alone. According to the paper, the RoLA would be able to assist the elderly in emergency situations through its implemented functions which include visual tracking, video transmission, location awareness, navigation, body pose recognition and emergency call out. It can also avoid obstacles with a built-in laser scanner.
Other WiMAX developments at the ongoing 2009 Computex include Global Mobile’s display of WiMAX Mobile Internet Device (MID) and Integrated Access Device (IAD) products from Foxlink. Also on display were netbooks built through VIA Technologies’ Nano CPUs as Vee Telecom Multimedia is showcasing a WiMAX e-book rolled out by Invetec Appliances. Existing netbooks that offer WiMAX service include the Eee PC 1000HG by Asus, the Albatron Slimline netbook, the Gigabyte Booktop M1022 netbook, and the Samsung N310 netbook with HSDPA.
The Computex is the largest technology show in Asia and the leading ICT event worldwide, according to its official website. It began on June 2 and will continue until June 6 in Taipei, China.