Ever feel lonely and too lazy to walk? Segway has a new product that may be able to help.
Meet Loomo, an artificial intelligence-powered rideable robot, which Segway just launched on Indiegogo with an estimated delivery date of May 2018. Early backers can snag Loomo on the crowdfunding site for the "super early bird" price of $1,299.
Loomo looks like the so-called "hoverboards" (aka self-balancing scooters) that caused a stir several years ago, but with a robot perched in the middle of the platform on which you stand. It promises to transport you 22 miles on a single charge, going as fast as 11mph, and offer a "smooth" ride on lots of different terrain, including "mud, grass, bumps, slopes, and other uneven surfaces" despite the fact that there are no handles to hold. To see Loomo in action, check out the video below.
But this thing isn't just a scooter. It features a 4.3-inch LCD screen, 1080p HD camera, and computer vision technology, so when you're not riding it, Loomo can follow you around autonomously and shoot video. Plus, the robot scooter's "lovable personality and expressions will cheer you up and entertain everyone around you," Segway promised.
It runs Android and stands just over 2 feet tall, from the bottom of its 11-inch anti-slip tires to the top of its "head," and can be controlled using touch, voice, and gesture-based commands. Other features include a 5-microphone array, which allows the device to recognize voice commands, and three sensors to help it detect and avoid obstacles.
"Loomo can learn to make new facial expressions, follow specific routes while capturing video, and even check your front door when someone swings by for a visit," the Indiegogo page reads. Plus, the device promises to get smarter over time via over-the-air software updates.
"Loomo will continuously update its software and app to include new features that impress and surprise you," Segway wrote.
When Loomo officially launches, its price will go up to $1,799, so if you're interested, you might want to secure yours now.