pcl (09/02/82)
We just received the latest issue of the catalogue from Hammacher Schlemmer (147 East 57th St., NY NY 10022), a general-merchandise mail-order company. (Their front cover proclaims SINCE 1848 "New York's most famous store since before the Civil War".) I thought the net might be interested in one of the items pictured on their front cover, and described as follows: "JENUS - THE HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER HOME ROBOT." Combines the functions of security sentinel, house cleaner and personal butler into one dependable unit - including its own on-board computer. Jenus can be easily programmed to monitor activities inside and outside the home. Built-in sensors will detect the presence of heat, smoke, fire or carbon gas [sic - PCL], as well as detect the presence of an intruder or an attempted forced entry. In either emergency situation, Jenus will approach the danger, emit a high decibel warning siren and transmit a pre-recorded message to local policy or fire departments (provided you have a home computer or a compatible telephone dialing device with an established connection to the police or fire departments) or to any other pre-arranged number. Comes equipped with built-in vacuum cleaner and is maneuverable completely under its own power. A built-sensing [sic - PCL] device guides Jenus around children, furniture and moving pets. Will perform a variety of additional household chores at the push of a button - even greet guests at the door and offer them drinks. Can be programmed with an unlimited vocabulary. Its face is depicted in a cathode ray tube screen that simulates facial movements. Operates on two re-chargeable 12-volt, 33 amp gel cell batteries. Automatically senses when batteries are running low and plugs into its personal electric wall outlet to re-energize. The on-board computer integrates with and expands the capability of, any home computer. Jenus is totally self-sufficient; operates without human supervision. Jenus is 48" high. EXCLUSIVELY OURS. F8239Y.(Exp.)....................................................7995.00 Allow 10 to 12 weeks for delivery. For further information on all functions performed by JENUS write to us or call (212) 421-8817. --------------- The picture on the front shows a cylindrical robot, with one arm. There is a control panel just below the "face", with ~20 labeled keys. The arm ends in a clamp, which appears shaped to fit the vacuum cleaner attachment protruding from the base. Be the first on your block! Paul Lustgarten Bell Labs - Indian Hill South
mark (09/03/82)
"... plugs into its personal electric wall outlet to recharge ..." Translation: it's too stupid to find an ordinary outlet, so it needs one specially marked for it. (Or it has to be taught where it is and the outlet kept empty.) Reminds me of the famous "pet robot" at (what university was it?) that plugged in whenever it ran low - apparently its whole purpose in life was "to find a plug".