BUDDY

Blue Frog Robotics (France) · 2015

Quote onlyIndiegogo 2015 perks started at $499 (super early bird Classic), with regular backer prices of $649 (Classic) and $749 (Developer Edition); now sold to institutions by quote.
AvailableVia SSH / web / bridgeAndroid SDKSchools/eldercareCrowdfunded
Weeks+Shipping: Quote / weeks. Sold to institutions via quote, primarily in Europe; US availability unclear. Get Buddy ↗
Remote control: Apps are built with the Android SDK and deployed to the robot; no plain Python API from a laptop.

Overview

A crowdfunded 2015 'family companion' that slipped for years before reappearing as a B2B robot for hospitalized students, nursing homes and reception desks, mainly in France. It now offers telepresence and ChatGPT-backed conversation on an animated face. One of the few Indiegogo-era companions still sold.

Specifications

CategoryCompanion robots · Small companion robots
Released2015
AvailabilityAvailable
ProgrammabilityFull SDK
Best forAges 8+ (estimated)
Vision sensorsCamera
ActuatorsDC / gear motors
AudioSpeaker, Microphone
Compute typeProprietary / undisclosed
Remote controlVia SSH / web / bridge
SizeAbout 56–60 cm tall (56 cm, 5 kg in the 2015 spec; Blue Frog now says 60 cm)
DriveTwo-wheel differential drive
ComputeAndroid-based tablet head (the 2015 design specified an Intel Atom tablet)
VisionFront camera
LidarNone
SensorsTouch sensors on the head, microphones, obstacle and cliff detection
Runtime8–10 h (2015 spec)
SpeedAbout 0.6 m/s (roughly 2 ft/s, 2015 spec)
SDKOfficial Android SDK (Unity-based tooling historically)

Ratings & reviews

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Image credits