Toronto-based Unified Computer Intelligence Corp. launched its Project Ubi Odyssey recently. Ubi, also referred to as The Ubiquitous Computer – is a device made to usher in the era of ubiquitous computing, when humans will be able to interact with computers without requiring the use of screens or handheld devices.
Developed by Toronto engineers Leor Grebler, Mahyar Fotoohi and Amin Abdossalami, Ubi is a WiFi-connected, voice-operated computer that plugs into a power outlet and makes the environment around it Internet enabled. Reminiscent of voice controlled computers depicted in science fiction, early uses of the Ubi include Internet search, messaging, and communications without the use of hands or screens. The Ubi also includes sensors that allow for remote monitoring of the environment around it.
The Ubi relies on powerful server technology that processes natural language to infer requests from the user and then pulls data from various Internet sources. Users can easily build voice-driven interactions and connect devices and services through the Ubi Portal. The device is equipped with temperature, humidity, air pressure and ambient light sensors to provide feedback on the environment around it. Also onboard the Ubi are stereo speakers, two microphones, and bright multi-colored LED indicator lights. Ubi’s trigger technology is powered by Sensory’s TrulyHandsfree software.
The Ubi creative team of Grebler, Fotoohi and Abdossalami are all developers, each bringing experience in human computer interaction, voice recognition and robotics. Their firm is a privately-held Canadian concern.
