Company’s Segway-like stand turns iPads into robots

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The iPad is about to become a two-way video chat telepresence robot, thanks to a company called Double Robotics.

Video of what’s being called “the Double” shows an iPad placed atop a tiny Segway-like device on two wheels, with a user controlling the robot’s movement through physical space. Touch-screen controls should enable users to manuever through tight hallways and offices, and even adjust the height of the camera-equipped display.

The application that comes packed in with the device supports multiple Doubles in different locations, in theory enabling business or project managers to keep track of workers or conference with colleagues from afar. The company says it works on iOS devices and through a web-based interface, making just about any Internet-connected device with a webcam a possible broadcast station.

The Double is currently available for the pre-order price of just $1,999 — a big savings over its competition in the mobile telepresence sub-industry. The company says it should be available at retail in December for $2,499.

This video was published to Vimeo by Double Robotics.