BOCCO is a robotic messenger that brings your loved ones closer

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Wherever you are, BOCCO can keep you connected to your family.

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It’s official. We’ve entered an era where it has gone from “Dad, can I get a dog?” to “Dad, can I have a robot?” Currently live on Kickstarter, Tokyo-based Yukai Engineering has launched a robotic messenger named BOCCO.

Unlike other bots on the market today that are designed to entertain or boost productivity, BOCCO is an easy-to-use messaging device geared towards children and those unable to use a conventional smartphone to help stay in touch while away from home. This makes it a viable option for a wide-range of users, including parents who work far from their children, the elderly, disabled family members living remotely, or even the visually-impaired.

The Wi-Fi-enabled robot, which is roughly the size of a bobble-head doll (90mm x 55mm x 195mm), securely sends and receives messages to and from smartphones via its accompanying iOS and Android app. Whenever a message is received, BOCCO’s eyes light up, its head shakes and it emits a sound. In the event the robot gets too loud, the volume can be controlled with a mere twist of its nose. Once a loved one plays the memo, they can record one of their own and transmit it back.

Created with simplicity in mind, the robot has two buttons: one for recording voice messages, the other for playing them. Although BOCCO can only send audio recordings, it can receive both audio and text messages, which it will translate and read aloud to a recipient.

What’s more, BOCCO also includes a motion sensor that can be installed on a door to receive notifications of when your child arrives home from school or when your grandparents head outside. In other words, when somebody closes the door, the motion sensors will immediately send an alert right to your device via the app.

The WALL·E-like gizmo is equipped with Bluetooth Low Energy and IEEE 802.11 b/g/n Wi-Fi, as well as an ATmega328P MCU tasked with driving its servos and LED controller. Meanwhile, the motion sensor is packed with a three-axis acceleration sensor to detect movement along with a BLE module and a par of AAA batteries.

Clearly, BOCCO isn’t meant to serve as a replacement to your smartphone and can’t be used to alert authorities. However, it does offer an easy and inexpensive way for kids to pass messages along to parents and other relatives from afar.

Sound like something you and your family would like? Then hurry over to its official Kickstater page, where the Yukai Engineering team is currently seeking $20,000. If the funding goal is met, shipment is expected to begin in August 2015 to early backers, with delivery slated for September 2015.

Woolet is a smart wallet that you can’t lose

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A next-generation, Bluetooth-enabled wallet that keeps your cash and cards safe.

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Amid all of today’s hustle-and-bustle, it’s easy to lose track of things. If you’ve ever misplaced your wallet at home or left it behind in a bar, you can take comfort in knowing that there’s now a smarter option out there to help prevent such occurrences from ever happening again. That’s because a Dover, Delaware startup has set out to create the ultimate money holder to keep men’s most essential belongings safe and secure.

Based on an ARM Cortex-M0 MCU, Woolet is an intelligent wallet that syncs to your smartphone and provides five different ways to locate it. The ultra-slim, leather-crafted accessory pairs with an accompanying mobile app via Bluetooth Low Energy, which will send you a reminder anytime you may become separated from your billfold  — a range that can be set between 20-85 feet. This, of course, makes losing your wallet and all of its valuable contents nearly impossible. Great news for the absent-minded!

Once an alert has been sent to the phone, a built-in distance tracker will help the owner accurately pinpoint the Woolet’s location. Meanwhile, clicking ‘Ring to Find’ will cause the wallet’s speakers to emit a customizable tone, like a dog’s bark or a wolf’s howl.

Don’t remember where you had your wallet last? No need to fret, as your phone automatically records Woolet’s most recent location. This means you already know the best place to begin looking — something that’ll surely come in handy after having no recollection from a night on the town. If truly lost, an owner can activate the crowd detection feature, which essentially sends out an APB to other Woolet users in the general vicinity to aid in its search efforts. As soon as someone comes in close proximity, its GPS location will be instantly updated to the phone.

The wallet is also self-charging, though the company is still experimenting as to whether these batteries will charge through body movement or heat. What’s more, Woolet is available in a pair of colors — black and suede — to fit anyone’s style.

“Woolet is just 9.9mm thin, yet ready for anything. Unlike other smart wallets, Woolet is a ‘full wallet.’ This means you don’t need to compromise on what you take. Woolet has four slots to accommodate all your cards. There is a large card slot for those bigger IDs and a hidden pocket. Woolet also comfortably fits larger banknotes, including euros and British pounds, so you’re ready for any country,” the team writes.

Are you prone to losing things? You may want to check out the project’s Kickstarter campaign, where the team is currently seeking $15,000.

Switchmate makes any light smart in seconds

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Smart lighting with a snap!

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From startups to major brands, it seems like just about everyone has embarked on the smart lighting train. In fact, we’ve seen everything from lights that can set the mood, to lights that can sync up with TV shows, to lights that can give off the impression of a lived-in home. And while smart bulbs continue to proliferate, they all possess one of the same two options when it comes to installation. Homeowners could either use a plug-in module or remove and replace a ‘dumb’ light switch entirely.

That was until Switchmate came along. The Palo Alto-based startup — which recently launched on Indiegogo — is hoping to change the game with its solution that easily fits over an existing switch by magnetically securing to the screws. This means no wires, no tools, no headache! As you can imagine, not only for homes, the market for the Switchmate includes renters and those who lack handyman skills.

Once affixed to the wall, you can simply pair it with a mobile device over Bluetooth and automate your switch in a matter of seconds. This allows you to turn the lights on with a tap of your phone, a press of its button, or at scheduled pre-set times. In other words, you’ll never have to get out of bed or come home to a dark house again. What’s more, Switchmate can be used to control any appliance, as long as it features an on/off toggle.

As seen back at CES 2015, Switchmate is comprised of a plastic faceplate, a servo motor and a Bluetooth Low Energy module, along with a few magnets and a button. On its own, the solution can be operated from an iOS or Android phone via BLE. However, for those instances beyond its 200-foot range, the startup says it is currently working on developing its own hub and expanding its lineup of products. This will enable users to control their lights (or other in-home devices) anywhere that there is Internet access.

Recently launched on Indiegogo, the team has already doubled its initial goal in a matter of days. Want a Switchmate of your own? Hurry over to its official campaign page here.

AmbyGear is the coolest and smartest watch for kids

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Ambit Networks launches the world’s first smartwatch for kids that teaches life lessons while keeping them safe. 

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If only there was a device that not only would children love to wear, but would provide parents with a peace of mind as well. That may soon change thanks to Bay Area startup Ambit Networks, who has just launched their own take on a wearable targeted at kids.

The aptly-named AmbyGear is more than just a smartwatch, it’s an entire ecosystem that enables children to be more independent, encourages them to be physically active, and helps them learn life lessons while creating a safe environment — something parents will surely appreciate. The new watch is equipped with built-in GPS and couples tracking, text messaging and mobile gaming all in a single package. Most importantly, the device informs parents of how far a child has strayed and their current whereabouts right from the convenience of their smartphone.

Specifically, AmbyGear’s watch is aimed at children, who may be a bit too young for a smartphone of their own yet are old enough to begin wandering off. What’s more, not only can parents monitor their children’s activity in real-time, the wearer can use a “finder” app to locate their parents in the event they become lost or find themselves in unsafe situation. Parents can also configure boundary alerts, which let them be notified if their child moves outside a specific geo-fenced area.

The watch itself comes in a variety of vibrant colors, including blue, red, green and white — in other words, colors that kids would love to adorn on their wrists. AmbyGear boasts a Sharp ultra low-power display, a long-range Bluetooth module and Wi-Fi connectivity, GPS with 33 tracking channels, a 3-axis accelerometer, a magnetometer, four colored LEDs, a Qi wireless charger and USB cord, and a 20dBm RF power amp. The display is easy to read in sunlight and boasts super low power consumption, enabling the watch’s battery to last nearly a week in between charges. Should a child go beyond a 250-yard radius, AmbyGear switches from Bluetooth to Wi-Fi automatically.

In addition, AmbyGear also comes with a calendar app (which reminds after-school activities or dinner) as well as a built-in reward system, letting parents to encourage good behavior and achievements. These points can be traded in for rewards set by parents, whether that’s extra allowance money or a new toy. Kids can enjoy the watch too, by accessing a range of educational games and using geo caching to explore the outdoors in a much safer, more engaging manner.

In the near future, Ambit Networks says it will be releasing an AmbyGear SDK and a kid’s SDK to allow third party developers and young Makers create their own apps and games. Sound like a wearable device that’s perfect for your three to 11 year old? Head over to its official Indiegogo page, where the team is currently seeking $50,000. Pending all goes to plan, shipment to early backers is expected to begin in August 2015 with full delivery set for September.

Quell is a wearable device that promises to relieve chronic pain

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Medicine? What medicine? You may want to try the world’s first pain-relieving wearable instead.

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As anticipated, wearables were all the rage back at CES 2015. However, one that truly captivated our attention was Quell, a device that promises to provide pain relief through wearable technology. The gadget works by attaching to a user’s calf and stimulating the body’s opiate production to relieve discomfort associated with various ailments.

When most people think of pain relief, they think of some sort of over-the-counter pill, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, and in some more severe instances, prescription medicines that available. However, Quell — which recently debuted on Indiegogo — is the only 100% drug free, FDA cleared device clinically proven to relieve chronic pain at the touch of a button.

How it works is relatively simple. Quell is placed in a breathable, comfortable sport band, and an electrode is snapped onto the back of the unit. The band itself, which its creators describe as a ‘virtual USB port,’ is then wrapped around a user’s upper calf with the electrode in direct contact with the skin. The sensory nerves it stimulates sends neural pulses to the brain that trigger the release of endogenous opioids, hence blocking pain signals throughout the body.

“Quell’s OptiTherapy calibrates to your optimal stimulation level ensuring you receive maximum relief. It knows what level of stimulation to deliver during the day and adjusts to the appropriate level at night. It senses when you are lying down and automatically switches to night therapy to ensure a restful sleep.”

As the team explains, pain relief isn’t an occasional need, it’s an all-the-time must-have. Subsequently, Quell was designed for 24-hour wear and is capable of lasting over 40 hours on a single charge. Beyond that, the wearable is packed with an accelerometer that automatically adjusts to sleep mode when at rest, thereby reducing its power to 80% during these hours. A built-in Bluetooth module also connects the device to an iOS app, enabling wearers to track therapy and sleep quality.

Do you suffer from chronic pain? Are you looking for a new solution? Then, you may want to head over to Quell’s official Indiegogo page, where the team is currently seeking $100,000.

Keyboardio looks to make keyboards better and brighter

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This next-gen keyboard will give your pinkies a rest and eliminate mice. 

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The arrangement of characters on a QWERTY keyboard was first designed back in 1868 by Christopher Sholes, who happened to also be the inventor of the typewriter. According to popular myth, Sholes arranged the keys in their odd fashion to prevent jamming on mechanical typewriters by separating commonly used letter combinations. Other than adding a few function and arrow keys, the text entry device has remained relatively unchanged for nearly 150 years. 

Have you ever thought about how you might improve the standard QWERTY layout? Well, Jesse Vincent and Kaia Dekker have with their butterfly-shaped keyboard that places a greater emphasis on the thumb, lessens the stress on your pinkies, and offers a more natural position for the hand and wrist — something that may prove to be a lifesaver for those suffering from carpal tunnel or arthritis.

“The traditional keyboard was designed for typewriters, not hands. Staggered columns made room for mechanical components, without concern for wrist angles or finger lengths. Shift keys were placed under the weakest fingers,” Vincent explains.

Instead, the aptly named Keyboardio puts keys such as control, alt, delete, shift and a new ‘function’ button under the typists’ palms, all within easy reach of the thumbs. Vincent says that the team has also been experimenting with ways to eliminate the mouse altogether by using the W, A, S and D keys for general cursor movements and other keys to tell the mouse where to go on the screen.

And, unlike its predecessors, this next-gen keyboard is Bluetooth-enabled allowing users to switch between devices and carry it from one meeting to the next. Not only does Keyboardio ship with the source code and a screwdriver, it can even be programmed to create your own shortcuts.

The modular keyboard is built around an ATmega32U4 and a pair of Semtech SX1509 IO expanders, along with some battery charging circuitry, World Semi WS2812Bs LEDs and a Bluetooth module — all housed inside a CNC-milled anodized aluminum enclosure with wood-grain hand rests. Beyond that, the keyswitches are Matias Quiet Click switches with ultra-bright, colorful LEDs located under each one.

After quite a bit of prototyping, the team has finally revealed what they’re calling the Keyboardio Model 01 — 20 of which will begin shipping in the coming weeks. Until then, Vincent and Kaia are working intensively on preparing a Kickstarter campaign that is expected to launch sometime this spring. In addition to that, the team is currently planning a “startup kit” with a set of keyboards geared towards the Maker crowd.

While Keyboardio may initially appeal to the enthusiast crowd, the open-source nature of the gadget will certainly entice a number of hardware and software fans to offer their own set of modifications as well. Interested? You can click over to its official page here.

10 smart crowdfunding campaigns you may want to back this week

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Every Friday, we’re taking a look at some of the smartest, most innovative projects that have caught our attention on Kickstarter and Indiegogo over the last seven days. 

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Qduino Mini

This Arduino-compatible board features a built-in battery charger and fuel gauge. Qtechknow is currently seeking $12,500 on Kickstarter.

Ringo

This palm-sized, Arduino-based digital pet robot is packed with an accelerometer, gyrosocope, 6x RGB LED lights, sound, and communication sensors. Plum Geek is currently seeking $12,000 on Kickstarter.

Sesame

This smart device will let you enter your home with a secret knock on either the door or phone, thereby replacing your keys in a matter of seconds. Sesame is currently seeking $100,000 on Kickstarter.

FlexCharger

This all-in-one charging station allows simultaneous charging for multiple smart devices. FlexCharger is currently seeking $10,000 on Indiegogo.

Woolet

This next-generation, Bluetooth-enabled wallet keeps your cash and cards safe. Woolet is currently seeking $15,000 on Kickstarter.

Smart Rope

This LED-embedded jump rope connects to your smartphone and creates an “anywhere, anytime” fitness experience. Tangram Factory is currently seeking $60,000 on Kickstarter.

STACKER

This inexpensive, commercial-grade 3D printer offers high speed, a large build volume, and is specially-designed for composite filaments. STACKER is currently seeking $100,000 on Kickstarter.

MIDIWidget

This widget makes it easy to control real-world things using MIDI messages from your computer or controller. MIDIWidget is currently seeking $6,000 on Kickstarter.

FOGO Adventure Gadget

This device boasts a flashlight, GPS, Bluetooth, a backup battery and a digital walkie-talkie, making for the ultimate adventure gadget. FOGO is currently seeking $125,000 on Kickstarter.

SPARK Electron

This tiny Arduino-like cellular development kit comes with a SIM card and an affordable data plan for low-bandwidth things. Spark.IO is currently seeking $30,000 on Kickstarter.

Did you happen to miss last week’s notable campaigns? If so, you can check them out here.

Android Wear app lets you unlock doors by actually saying “open sesame”

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“OK Google, open sesame.”

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MIT grad Dheera Venkatraman has developed a new way for users to wirelessly unlock their doors with simple Google Now-like commands.

The Maker had created a Google Now app that lets those with an Android Wear on their wrist utter the words “OK Google, Open Sesame” to open a door. Of course, the door itself needs a few “simple yet trivial” modifications in order to make it smartwatch-compatible.

To bring the idea to life, Venkatramann rigged his door with an Arduino Uno (ATmega328), an HC-05 Bluetooth module and a servo, which allows the lock to be activated via its accompanying “barebones” app. The servo is attached to the door latch. Meanwhile, the HC-05 awaits a trigger signal and communicates with the Arduino to actuate the servo to open the door.

Tired of being unable to open your door because your hands are full? Then you’ll want to head over to the project’s page here.

10 smart crowdfunding campaigns you may want to back this week

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Every Friday, we’re taking a look at some of the smartest, most innovative projects that have caught our attention on Kickstarter and Indiegogo in the last seven days. 

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ISS Above HD+

This Raspberry Pi gadget lights up whenever the International Space Station is nearby with live HD video and wearable LEDs. ISS-Above is currently seeking $10,000 on Kickstarter.

Radium

This next-generation, pocket-sized geiger counter enables data to be wirelessly recorded on a mobile device. Radium is currently seeking €100,000 on Kickstarter.

Neo

The world’s first smart jar is equipped to provide users with real-time nutrition, healthy recipes and zero touch shopping. Neo is currently seeking $50,000 on Indiegogo.

ZRRO

This system is comprised of a standalone Android-based console that connects to any TV to make it smart, along with a touchpad used to play games right from the couch. ZRRO is currently seeking $200,000 on Kickstarter.

UnaliWear Kanega Watch

The so-called “wearable OnStar for seniors,” this watch offers discreet support for falls, medication reminders and a safeguard against wandering. UnaliWear is currently seeking $100,000 on Kickstarter.

iTraq

This geolocation device allows for tracking anywhere that there is cellular service, determining its position and location in the world using cell towers. iTraq is currently seeking $35,000 on Indiegogo.

Beam

This smart projector assists users in their daily activities, simply controlled by a smartphone or tablet. Beam Labs is currently seeking $200,000 on Kickstarter.

CogniToys

These Internet-connected toys are capable of listening, speaking and simultaneously evolving with children, bringing a new element of personalized, education to playtime. Elemental Path is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Where’s Wallet

These connected wallets are embedded with thin, unobtrusive sensors that let owners track their belongings using an accompanying app. Mijlo is currently seeking $30,000 on Kickstarter.

Pigeon

This Wi-Fi-enabled digital frame is designed to make it easier for parents to share kid photos and videos with loved ones. TimeWyse is currently seeking $50,000 on Kickstarter.

Atmel to showcase smart and securely connected solutions at Embedded World 2015

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Demonstrations to showcase Atmel | SMART and Atmel AVR MCUs and MPUs highlighted in a variety of technology zones.

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In a matter of days, Atmel will be showcasing a number of smart and securely connected solutions that will power next-generation Internet of Things (IoT) applications at Embedded World 2015 held in Nuremberg, Germany, February 24-27. These demos will be available in the company’s booth located in Hall 4A / Booth 4-230.

To better illustrate Atmel’s broad portfolio of IoT solutions, the demonstrations will be highlighted in several technology zones.

AUTOMOTIVE: As a leader in local interconnect networking (LIN) and automotive touch, Atmel is enabling smart, connected vehicles.

Atmel’s automotive technology pod will showcase the company’s broad automotive product portfolio for car access systems, networking, drivers, Ethernet Audio/Video Bridging (AVB), and the future of human machine interface (HMI) in next-generation center consoles. By popular demand, Atmel will also be showcasing its next-generation AvantCar concept demo, a host of passive entry car access solutions using Atmel’s latest and highly secure products, including AES encryption 125kHz LF and and RF technologies, along with its popular maXTouch and QTouch capacitive touch solutions. The Atmel | SMART SAM V71 ARM Cortex-M7-based MCU will also be highlighted in an automotive application to deliver the world’s highest performance Cortex-M-based Flash MCU, along with an automotive touch application powered by Atmel’s recently launched Touch Controller solution. And, a demonstration running Audioweaver from DSPConcepts showcasing the SAM V71 ARM Cortex-M7 processor-based MCU will also be exhibited in this zone.

INDUSTRIAL: Atmel provides leading-edge MCU- and MPU-based solutions for the smart, industrial market.

In the industrial technology pod, Atmel will showcase a variety of smart, secure and connected solutions for the industrial market powered by Atmel | SMART solutions including an Ultra home automation and smart fridge application running on the SAMA5D4 Xplained, and Atmel | SMART ARM Cortex-A5 processor-based boards displaying HDMI video. Other industrial applications on display include a power supply temperature monitoring and cooling using an Atmel temperature sensor and an treadmill application featuring an Atmel | SMART SAMA5D4.

SMART LIVING: As a leading provider of smart and securely connected solutions, this technology zone showcases next-generation applications of modern living.

Highlighting the latest innovations for your living room, the Smart Living technology zone will highlight a number of applications ranging from a low-power Bluetooth beacon to a digital temperature sensor, a ZigBee-based smart lighting with cryptographic security (ATSHA204), and a secure IoT camera system featuring Atmel’s newly announced elliptic curve network security chip, the ATECC508A. See Atmel’s recently launched SIGFOX IoT solution, powered by Atmel’s ATA8520, communicating to the cloud while transmitting metering values, alarm signals and more. The company will also be showcasing the Atmel SmartConnect family, leveraging ultra-low power secure, wireless connectivity. A number of applications will be demoed including a weight scale, door bell with camera, Wi-Fi connected speaker, motion sensors on the window, smart plug, light bulb and gateway connected via ZigBee technologies—all controllable through a smart, mobile device. A QTouch-based water level sensing application showcasing advanced HMI and sensing capability will also be exhibited, along with a display demonstrating the world’s lowest power capacitive touch surface. Other demonstrations powered by Atmel’s maXTouch technologies and Atmel AVR MCU solutions showcasing ultra-low power smart, connected devices will be available in this zone.

CLOUD PARTNERS: Highlighting cloud platform partner solutions.

IoT requires a system-level solution encompassing the whole system, from the smallest edge/sensing node devices to the cloud. The company has partnered with best-in-class cloud partners that can support a variety of applications for both Tier-1 OEMs and smaller companies. Atmel has integrated the partners’ technology into the company’s cloud solutions framework adding the cloud platform functionality seamlessly to all of Atmel’s wireless MCU offerings, regardless of standards or transport technology. Come meet some of the cloud platform partner solutions from companies like PubNub, Proximetry and Arrayent that are available on Atmel wireless MCUs today.

POWERED BY ATMEL. Showcasing the latest gadgets and devices powered by Atmel technologies.

Highlighting the latest smartphones, tablets and wearables available today, everything from a wireless drive and narrative life logging camera to record your every step, to fitness bands, to Atmel’s latest MCU and touch technologies, will be on display. See ‘wear’ the market is headed next!

MAKERS: From Maker space to market place, this technology pod highlights Atmel enabling unlimited possibilities.

The Maker space showcases the well-received Arduino Wi-Fi Shield which enables rapid prototyping of Internet of Things (IoT) applications on the Arduino platform, and will be featured to highlight its simplicity for the professional and Maker communities. The company will also display a number of Maker demonstrations including a remote-controlled Maker Robot powered by the Atmel | SMART SAM D21 will be displayed. “Mr. Abot” is controlled through an Android app and the communications driven through Atmel’s recently announced WINC1500 Wi-Fi solution.

Additionally, Atmel’s resident security expert Kerry Maletsky will be presenting “Making IoT a Reality – Leveraging Hardware Security Devices” on February 25 from 12-12:30 pm CET (Session 09/I).

And for those of you waiting to see the one-and-only AVR Man, you’re in luck. The embedded community’s favorite superhero will be in attendance!