Ugobe Pleo available for Pre-Order [Update]

Feb 23 2007, 9:40am CST | by Luigi Lugmayr

Last thing we heard from Ugobe, was that their baby dino robot Pleo is delayed until Summer. Today I received an email from Trossen Robotics saying that they started to take pre-orders for Pleo.

Update: Just received another email from Trossen, that they actually jumped the gun and Ugobe did not authorize the pre-order start for the Pleo. I already was suspicious, why Trossen Robotics would be able to offer it and no other retailer.
Here is a statement from Ugobe about the situation:
"My name is Julie Crabill and I work with UGOBE on the PR front. UGOBE has not officially begun any pre-orders for Pleo. The Trossen Robotics pre-order page was put up in response to unsanctioned communication from one of our partners. The page is in the process of being removed however there is likelihood that other sites may follow suit and you can be sure that we will ask for a similar response, ie. the removal of any pre-sell information. UGOBE has not confirmed retail channel partners, the official date we will begin taking pre-orders or the official date Pleo will ship. Once we have this information, we will share it openly with consumers, media and bloggers alike and issue press releases accordingly. Sorry for any confusion on this. Sit tight, Pleo is on the way this summer!"

Ugobe Pleo Technical Specification:

- 32 bit Atmel ARM 7 microprocessor - The main processor for Pleo
- 16 bit sub processor - The processor dedicated to the camera system
- (4) 8 bit processors that provide the low-level motor control for the servos
- (35) Sensors including a camera custom designed to fit into Pleo's very compact body.
- (4) foot-switches to detect footfalls and being picked up - assists with spatial orientation.
- (12) capacitive touch sensors (4) legs, (4) feet, back, shoulder, head, chin
- (2) microphones for directional sound detection
- (14) "Force" sensors, one per servo, to recognize abuse through force feedback joints.
- Orientation/tilt sensor
- IR transceiver for bidirectional data communication with other Pleos.
- IR interrupter for detection of objects in Pleo's mouth
- (14) motors. Standard low voltage DC motors
- (150) gears and clutches
- Rechargeable NiMH battery pack
- USB port with mini USB connector
- SD/MMC memory card slot

Ugobe Pleo available for Pre-order Technology News, Electronics Buy Guide and Gadget Review

where to buy

Buy from Amazon

What Others Say about This

How the PS Vita will compete for attention against the iPad 3 March release

The PlayStation Vita will release next week, with some users able to pick up there pre-orders as early as tomorrow. For Sony and many gamers, this marks a new beginning for the handheld console generation. With rear and front touchscreen controls, dual-a ...
Full article at: GameZone More like this 1 hour ago

BONG! It’s the news! Ramsey strikes again

It’s been a whopper of a week for the news. Fabio ditched England, Harry drew pictures, Aaron Ramsey assassinated, and LOADS OF OTHER STUFF HAPPENED. FABIO CAPELLO ISN’T THE ENGLAND MANAGER ANYMORE If people are being removed from their jobs for supporti ...
Full article at: FHM More like this 1 hour ago

The Coolest Action Figures You Can't Buy Yet [Video]

Toy Fair is full of lame jigsaw puzzles, toy horses, and other antique things nobody cares about anymore. But! There's also plenty of unreleased Star Wars, Spider Man, and other stuff that makes us feel like excited kids again. Lightsabers! Of all the fi ...
Full article at: Gizmodo More like this 1 hour ago

Don't miss ...

Luigi Lugmayr
Luigi is the founding chief Editor of I4U News and brings over 15 years experience in the technology field to the ever evolving and exciting world of gadgets. He started I4U News back in 2000 and evolved it into vibrant technology magazine.
Luigi can be contacted directly at ml@i4u.com. Luigi posts regularly on LuigiMe.com about his experience running I4U.