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PC WORLD TO LAUNCH THE UK’S FIRST “ROBOT DEALERSHIP”

“ROBOSHOP”
PC WORLD TO LAUNCH THE UK’S FIRST “ROBOT DEALERSHIP”

PC World, the UK’s leading chain of computing superstores, today announces that it will open its first store within a store devoted exclusively to the sale of robots. The decision to open Roboshops follows several years of intensive research and development in the field of robotics by leading global manufacturers. The PC World robot range will include a range of models to suit every budget.

“This is our first step in an exciting new area of technological development,” said Keith Jones, managing director of PC World. “We are convinced that robotics will play an increasingly important role in the field of consumer technology in the years ahead and the time is right for us to enter this developing market. The robot will soon become a mass-market phenomenon.”

Initial robots in the PC World range will include:

Spykee – a new technologically advanced motorised robot. Once constructed, you can control Spykee wirelessly through your Wifi connection on your PC, turn him into a Spy Robot that can move around the house, listen to conversations, watch movements and speak to others on your behalf. You can also use Spykee to communicate with Skype users through the internet from the other side of the world. He can record and send snapshots of his surroundings back to your loved ones, allowing you to add sound effects, video filters and lighting effects. You can also turn Spykee into your very own personal MP3 player, playing your favourite tunes. Spykee is also a video surveillance monitor that activates an alarm on your computer or sends a picture by email when movement is detected. Finally, when he gets a little run down and his soul (battery) gets weak, he will make his own way back to his docking station to re-charge his batteries.

An R2D2 droid complete with image projection, sound, lights, movement and much, much more. This droid has the ability to project DVDs, digital images and PS1 and PS2 console games onto an 80” screen. He features an ipod dock and can play MP3, MP4 and CDs. Sound is released through integrated speakers that can be set to either stereo or surround sound mode. He features memory card slots that are compatible with USB, SD cards, Smart media

and multimedia cards. And if that’s not enough he also features realistic R2D2 sounds and lights and his head moves 270 degrees just like the real thing! As well as a rotating head this model can also lean back 65 degrees to allow image projection on the ceiling as well as the wall. Safety sensors are included on the front, rear and side of the model and you even get a remote control in the shape of the Millennium Falcon, which also includes realistic sound effects.

Other robots being examined for potential addition to the range include a model that moves on the ground and can fly and a “companion” robot for children.

ENDS

Notes to editors:

The field of robots has been the subject of science fiction novels for many years. One of the most famour science fiction authors was Isaac Asimov, who developed the following three laws of robotics:

1. A robot may not injure a human being or, through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.
2. A robot must obey orders given to it by human beings except where such orders would conflict with the First Law.
3. A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

A senior PC World buyer said: “Our buyers have been busily studying science fiction films to familiarise themselves with all visions of robotics. PC World’s product selection process will take Asimov’s laws fully into account.”

— Ends —

More information, interviews and photography:
Rob Forbes, PC World, 01727 204248
rob.forbes@dsgiplc.com
Hamish Thompson, Twelve Thirty Eight Ltd, 07702 684290
hamish.thompson@1238kmh.com

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