Introducing K.I.R.K.
Knowledgeable Interactive Robotic Kiosk
Florida Robotics is proud to present Kirk, a fully autonomous robot designed to function as a greeter, product demonstrator or information booth attendant. Kirk can interact with observers, offer directions and information, point to locations on a map or diagram, and pick-up an item (such as a soda can) to demonstrate and promote a sponsored product. Unlike most preprogrammed animatronic characters, Kirk has a unique adaptive personality which allows him to be spontaneous while accurately presenting the required information. In short, you never know what he will do or say next!
This one of a kind robot is designed for continuous duty and has a full one year limited warranty. In addition to his friendly personality, Kirk does not require a paycheck, coffee breaks, vacation time or workman's comp insurance. And, he doesn't even complain when he works 24 hours a day, seven days a week!
Kirk utilizes an all electric actuator system (120 volt / 20 amp circuit) with our proprietary pneumatic dampening system which provides the most reliable, smooth, simple and cost effective animation without the need for costly external compressors and related support equipment. All of Kirk's control components can be located in 2' X 2' X 2' space which makes him ideal for a standalone kiosk or booth.
KIRK is a bit different in that he has a proprietary hybrid control system that not only allows manual (live) operation but also can be "user" programmed for repetitive presentations or greetings. For example, virtually all of the animatronic characters on the market today use a standard DMX control system which requires quite a bit of practice to program the audio and synchronize the movements. Actually, most of the vendors do not provide for user programming and they charge a substantial fee for changing a program or even a simple update or adjustment. KIRK has 4 individual on-board computers that are pre-programmed with various movements and expressions. With just 8 simple buttons mounted on the proprietary remote control/ wireless mic housed in a coffee mug, the operator can speak live and interact with observers while simultaneously activating various movement routines as desired. If KIRK were a simple remote controlled robot with a knob or switch for each movement, it would require 3 or more people to operate his various servos and motors.
The first Kirk robot was delivered to Troutville, Virginia based Separation Technologies LLC and was promptly nicknamed R.A.L.F. Robotic Artificial Life Form.
“We love RALF….he is beautiful.” says Pat Borders, President of Separation Technologies LLC. “RALF has been extremely well received and is fairly widely traveled now. We are very proud of him and happy to have him!” The company uses the robot for community awareness events at schools, in order to teach children about eco-friendly concrete and the environment. www.visitralf.com/node/38 . Video courtesy of Separation Technologies LLC.
At the price of approximately $50,000.00 US, KIRK is affordable compared to some of the six figure machines available with similar features and functions. Mobility and assorted upgrades are available for an additional fee.
We anticipate building 2-3 units per year, each one being unique.
|
