iRobot introduces the ConnectR home robot.

The iRobot ConnectR connects to your wireless network and provides VOIP-quality video and two way audio communications with a remote person.

Similar in scale to the Roomba, the ConnectR features a top-mounted, full tilt-and-zoom video camera, speaker, microphone and headlight to enable users to see, hear and interact with people in the home as if there in person. The iRobot ConnectR is remote controlled via an included ConnectR software, enabling you to "call" and drive the ConnectR around your home using a computer keyboard, mouse or joystick.

Like other iRobot home robots, the ConnectR has a charging base located in the home. When the ConnectR's battery runs low, the unit automatically returns to the home base to charge.

iRobot will offer a ConnectR Pilot Program starting later this year. If you are lucky you can test the ConnectR for $199.

The ConnectR will not be available this holiday season. The new iRobot will become broadly available in early 2008 through iRobot and select retail partners with a starting price of under $500.
Via the iRobot site.

If you want a similar communication robot to roam your digs in time for the holidays than check out the Erector Spyke. Spyke sells for $293.97 and will ship in October from Amazon.com.