As the world continues to battle the coronavirus,, many technology companies are finding innovative ways to combat the virus,, such as digital signage hand sanitizer dispensers or free virtual educational tools. One company called RoboAds is using a robot to help in this battle.

May 20, 2020 | by Bradley Cooper — Editor, ATM Marketplace

Editor's Note: An earlier version of this article ran on Digital Signage Today, a Kiosk Marketplace sister publication.

As the world continues to battle the coronavirus pandemic, many technology companies are finding innovative ways to combat the virus, such as digital signage hand sanitizer dispensers or free virtual educational tools. One company called RoboAds is using a robot to help in this battle.

This company has developed a robotic kiosk that can deliver digital signage messages while on-the-go. It comes with four 55-inch 4K displays to deliver the content and two lidar scanners for 360-degree obstacle avoidance while moving across a hospital, retailer or other business.

It also supports multiple add-ons such as thermal cameras to detect when someone has a high body temperature, which can be a life saver to ensure people with COVID-19 do not infect others in a building.

Digital Signage Today spoke with Faysal ElChamaa, CEO and founder of RoboAds, to learn more about this tool.

Q: How did you come up with the idea for this robot?

A: For the past 13 years, I have personally exhibited in over 100 trade shows for the purpose of promoting brands and services. 

Here are the top questions that haunted me every time:

I spent years applying all the creative ideas that I can think of. In 2017, I envisioned a B2B robot that not only attracts visitors, but can promote products and services. I spent a year and a half researching almost every robot on earth. The trend for humanoid robots started to pick up in trade shows and in retail. However, people focused on a dancing or humanoid shaped robot rather than the business itself. By the end of 2018, when I didn't find what I was looking for, I decided to build RoboAds. 

Q: What are its primary functions?

A: While autonomously navigating, it delivers:

Q: What are its primary benefits from a business standpoint?

A: There are four main benefits:

Q: How is it helping tackle COVID-19 safety?

A: The telepresence option can be used by hospital staff to deal with patients during the check-in period. This would reduce the risk for virus spread. The purpose is to eliminate physical contact without excluding human interaction. Telepresence can be also used by security staff when dealing with the public.   

Other options include educational videos to remind people to put on masks, wash their hands and stay home. 

We are currently testing thermal cameras to trigger alarms when human temperature variations are detected. However, we are monitoring new touchless technologies which will be more effective with virus diagnostics. 

Q: How does it handle audience analytics?

A: Multiple cameras are installed on the robot and connected to edge computing hardware which offer real time video analytics. The data records the number of visitors and emotional analysis based on the timing of each video displayed on the screens. 

There is also the option to display videos based on specific demographics. 

Q: Do you have any plans for new features for the robot?

A: One of the features under development is related to augmented reality. Originally, we developed this option for fashion brands. For example, adding clothing/glasses for visitors. 

Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, we have designed a mask that will fit on people's faces. If someone passes near the robot with no mask on, it will add the mask on the screen and a voice will be advising to take needed precautions. 

Another feature being developed is related to analytics. The robot will be able to capture fashion logos and detect the type of clothing. This data is vital to reflect current fashion trends.

There are several IoT hardware (features) that are being developed on RoboAds which we will reveal in upcoming stages. 

For an update on how the coronavirus pandemic is affecting the kiosk industry, click here.

Bradley Cooper is the editor of ATM Marketplace and was previously the editor of Digital Signage Today. His background is in information technology, advertising, and writing.

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