DeviceGuru

Videos of Spykee, a new WiFi-enabled spy robot powered by open source software, have begun to surface on the web. The easily constructed robot reportedly can move, watch, speak, hear, send emails, and be controlled over the Internet.

“With a built-in video camera and microphone, the robot takes real-time pictures with video and with sound effects,” says Spykee manufacturer Meccano. “When motion is detected, Spykee activates an alarm or sends a picture by email.”

Spykee can also function as an MP3 player, VoIP phone, and web camera.

“Best of all,” enthuses Moccano, “this motorized robot is equipped with a WiFi card, which means kids can access and control Spykee via the Internet from anywhere in the world.”

When Spykee detects movement, it can either set off an alarm alarm on the user’s computer, or send a picture via email, adds Moccano.

Various views of Spykee
(Click each image to enlarge)

Touted Spykee features include:

• Quick and easy construction
• Provides VoIP phone and web cam functions
• Takes still pictures and creates videos
• Functions as an MP3 media player
• Provides video surveillance, with lighting and sound effects
• Recharges itself automatically, by finding and plugging into its docking station
• Dimensions — 11.8 x 11.8 x 11.8 inches
• Weight — 4.5 pounds
• PC requirements — Windows 2000/XP with .NET framework 2.0; MAC OS X.

Robert Oschler, of RobotsRule.com, sent us a link to the YouTube video below. He writes: “In the video below the open source Spykee WiFi robot made by Meccano is put through its paces by biker blogger Sven. He shows the robot in unassembled form, then cuts to it in fully assembled form and ready for use. He zips the little robot around his house and shows you the video feed through the Spykee software interface. He also shows you the different parts of the interface and what they do including playing music, sound effects, and video effects, and gives his opinion on the new WiFi spy robot.”

Spykee’s open source software reportedly is based on Microsoft’s .NET Framework.

Further information about Spykee is available from Moccano’s Spykee website. It can be ordered for about $300 from Amazon, here. Also check out the unofficial Spykee site, here.

We recently called your attention to another wireless mobile robot with a built-in web cam that can be accessed and controlled over the Internet: Rovio. Like Spykee, Rovio also has open source software inside. From what we see in the videos, Rovio seems a lot more solid and less like a toy.