We built a prototype telepresence robot to go up against AnyBots. We're using an iPad as the control system and for FaceTime video conferencing. It took us a couple weeks to make.
We demoed it this morning for the first time:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=2BXM9PYaXY0
The next version will be taller and thinner. What do you think? Do we stand a chance against AnyBots?
Thanks, David
Few tips/ideas, you need to add bulk to the bot because it looks and is flimsy. Go against your instinct for "thin", people will be interacting with it you want to use an anthropomorphic design. But you do want it to be able to go eye level or close to it. Also at first target a specific area: medical, manufacturing, office, and design to those specs.
Pro Tip: Think about mass production from day one, it will really save on the headaches, go as far as finding the type of manufacturer you are going to use and select the parts based on those criteria. Make EVERYTHING modular to make repairs and upgrades really easy, most engineers don't design this way because it's hard, but it makes everyone's life easier in the the long run, ie think total life cycle.
If you have questions or would like me to elaborate I'd be glad to answer them here or via email.
As always my guide: http://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=1840896 (should I update and expand on this?)
EDIT: Added guide
To me, it seems that video conferencing has to become literally 100 times more common than it is today before people start using telepresence robots.
At the very least maybe you can convince AnyBots to stick an iPad2 on the head of their bot.
I think we have a good shot, though, because our hardware engineers are experienced in shipping very high tech medical devices (and fighting robots!). Compared to complying with FDA regulations, a telepresence robot is relatively simple.