New personal robot could become next family member

A new robotics company in China has produced what it's touting as the world's first personal robot, a roaming, bilingual device known as BIG-i. Nathan Frandino from Reuters reports. Reporter, Reuters, Nathan Frandino <<< Meet BIG-i. This self-navigating, roaming robot produced by Chenzhen-based NXROBO could be coming to a home near you. And when it does, NXROBO CEO Dr. Tin Lun Lam hopes BIG-i will fit right in with the family. >>> NXROBO CEO, DR. TIN LUN LAM <<< "We know that in every family the environment and also the family member is different. So we developed a robot with very high face visibility and every function or action of the robot is decided by the user so it is highly personalized."

Developers programmed BIG-i to recognize its family and follow their commands. With just a WiFi connection, users can even link BIG-i to appliances, allowing it to adjust and change their settings, like an air conditioner or a TV. Lam says BIG-i can even help out with the kids. NXROBO CEO, DR. TIN LUN LAM <<< "And also you can let the robot (know) by saying that; 'if you see my son in the kitchen, please remind him to wash his hands before eating something'. So it can do lots of things." 

Lots of things that NXROBO hopes will make BIG-i a big seller in the future.