Probotics Cye Robot by James L. Kim Now that the Digital Age is firmly upon us, where are all the robots we envisioned twenty years ago? Will the likes of R2D2 merely live in the annals of sci-fi lore? Not if Cye, the household robot from Probotics, Inc., can help it. Looking more like a handleless vacuum cleaner, the 16 by 10 by 5 inch Cye is operated wirelessly by a PC and is programmable to handle a variety of tasks, from serving drinks to vacuuming the carpet. The PC, using the Windows-based Map-N-Zap software, communicates with the cog-wheeled droid via a small antenna that connects to the serial port. It Learns, Sort Of Now the nine-pound Cye doesn't have a mind of its own. It must learn, or map out, a space before it can navigate efficiently through it. Simply drag the Cye icon in whichever direction you like and Cye the robot will mimic the icon, both responsively and accurately. The robot doesn't have any sensors. Rather, it measures the resistance say, of a wall, in its sensitive wheels (Cye keeps track of how many wheel revolutions it makes). To ensure the robot doesn't slip off course, its patented wheels have jagged cogs that grip all types of carpet. Predictably, Cye has a more difficult time with hardwood and concrete floors. The orange robot (it comes in a variety of colors, including yellow and black) can reach a maximum speed of three feet per second. Inside Cye's brain is a 16 bit, 16-MHz microcontroller that handles serial communication to your PC, motion control, dead-reckoning (keeps track of X, Y, and heading info), obstacle detection, and sundry other tasks like beeping the beeper and charging the battery properly. A True Multitasker Once programmed with the help of Map-N-Zap's macro-based task utility, Cye can move from its recharger (home base) to any point on the user-specified map-- at any preprogrammed time or interval. Attach the optional wagon ($89), and you can have Cye bring you a soda and snack from the kitchen. Attach the $89 vacuum arm to your stand-up vacuum and have Cye vacuum your area rug (Probotics will soon be shipping a wireless vacuum. This will eliminate the use of tangly wires). The robot was a blast to program and work with. In fact, I became rather fond of the little guy. Onlookers marveled as he weaved his way around the sofas and chairs we set up in our mock ZDTV living room. However, the mapping process didn't always go smoothly. Cye had occasional trouble docking with its home base and would oftentimes choose an irrational path from point A to B. And although this robot can vacuum your carpet, it doesn't come close to what a human can do. Nevertheless, Cye and its remarkable (and easy to use) Map-N-Zap software are fully functional and entertaining team. Remember too, Cye's inventor Henry Thorne has kept his source code open, meaning a host of third-party accessories, as well as new program developers, will broaden Cye's robotic horizon. The $695 price tag may seem a bit high for such a little robot, but in an industry where robots cost in the thousands (see Sony's Aibo), this may seem like a bargain to some. Plus, Probotics has a robust support system. (Just look at its website.) We're giving Cye four stars. (How can you deny this little thing.) Yes, it's expensive and the robot honestly doesn't do that much, but the implementation of the technology coupled with Cye's potential warrants the rating. Reproduced from ZDTV 22 Oct 1999