<p>Created by French firm Gostai, “Jazz” is a shiny white humanoid robot that its makers believe could transform business meetings and reduce the need for long-distance travel.<br /><br />Controllable by anyone with access to the Internet via a laptop or even smartphone, “Jazz” projects its user’s presence, showing his or her face on its own “face” and speaking in its user’s voice.<br /><br />Launched only two months ago, “Jazz” could easily deputise for a manager in a business meeting, or tour a factory or shop floor, both recording and beaming back what it sees to its user, said Gostai employee Segolene Roche.<br /><br />“The main advantage over teleconferencing is its mobility,” she said.<br /><br />It can run for five straight hours—at around four kilometres per hour—without needing to be recharged and returns to its charging station when it runs out of juice.<br /><br />A sleeker, slightly more sinister, black version is also available to serve as a robot security guard.<br /><br />This robot, quiet and faceless, can be programmed to prowl around a factory or warehouse and alert the authorities if it detects people up to no good.<br /><br />“Jazz”, which is making its debut at an international tech fair, is yours for €7,900. Its beefier security counterpart will set you back €1,000 more.</p>
<p>Created by French firm Gostai, “Jazz” is a shiny white humanoid robot that its makers believe could transform business meetings and reduce the need for long-distance travel.<br /><br />Controllable by anyone with access to the Internet via a laptop or even smartphone, “Jazz” projects its user’s presence, showing his or her face on its own “face” and speaking in its user’s voice.<br /><br />Launched only two months ago, “Jazz” could easily deputise for a manager in a business meeting, or tour a factory or shop floor, both recording and beaming back what it sees to its user, said Gostai employee Segolene Roche.<br /><br />“The main advantage over teleconferencing is its mobility,” she said.<br /><br />It can run for five straight hours—at around four kilometres per hour—without needing to be recharged and returns to its charging station when it runs out of juice.<br /><br />A sleeker, slightly more sinister, black version is also available to serve as a robot security guard.<br /><br />This robot, quiet and faceless, can be programmed to prowl around a factory or warehouse and alert the authorities if it detects people up to no good.<br /><br />“Jazz”, which is making its debut at an international tech fair, is yours for €7,900. Its beefier security counterpart will set you back €1,000 more.</p>
