Queuing at Apple Stores versus ordering online is one of those great divides. Those who queue describe it as an unmissable social experience, while those who order online see queueing as a way to get cold and wet while not getting your iPhone any earlier. But one enterprising woman in Sydney, Australia, has found a way to combine the two: fourth in the queue is her iPad-based telepresence robot …
Mashable reports that media agency exec Lucy Kelly is using a robot comprising an iPad attached to a Segway-type device. She has named the robot Lucy, after herself.
She will wait in line for one night, in a special tent that comes complete with a charger to keep her juiced up and gives shelter from the rain. Kelly will be her face and voice for the duration. “I am staying here the whole time,” she said. If all goes to plan, the robot will then purchase the iPhone without any human interaction.
While you might expect the human beings standing in line behind the robot to feel a little peeved, Kelly says this isn’t the case – and supports this with photos of happy-looking people being photographed with her robotic presence.
Everyone thinks it is pretty cool, they were happy to let a robot go ahead.
The piece doesn’t reveal how Kelly intends the robot to complete the purchase, but I hope they figure it out.
Those who took the more conventional approach to staying warm and dry while awaiting their phone should receive them on Friday. Early indications are that the iPhone 6s/Plus is likely to prove popular.
FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.
There’s a free iPad and Segway in Sydney!
And a shiny new iPhone, if you let Lucy make the purchase first.
so she stole her idea from that one episode of the big bang theory where sheldon does the same thing?
Not a robot. See https://overcast.fm/+Ep2UO0Hx8
It’s Lucy Cooper, Sheldon’s sister.
That’s the “robot” from the last episode of Modern Family, season 6
My mate works at the Sydney store and they won’t be selling her a device unless she appears in person.
That’s true. They won’t be able to sell her a phone. They might let the robot get a reservation pass and she could come by later that day and get it.
I was wondering about this too. Certainly we’re on the verge of some new laws. What right do owners of remote equipment have when on private property? Could I just as easily abandon a book bag or motorcycle?What are laws regarding intentionally “left behind” property?
I wonder if I could roam around in America that way, when I live all the way in The Netherlands.
Someone should just turn the iPad off.
And rob her of the experience? Spoil sport!
AWESOME!!!! :) :) :)