Topo (robot)

Topo is a series of robots designed in the 1980s by Androbot Inc., for the consumer and education markets. It is wirelessly programmable via an Apple II with a modified version of Apple BASIC called TopoBASIC (and later Forth with TopoFORTH). The program allows the robot to perform a set of geometric movements, to move about a room and perform tasks. It is like a servant robot, although it does not truly meet the requirements of a robot, as it had no sensors to use to receive input and then make decisions accordingly. It also cannot communicate back with the Apple II any information, nor calibrate its own motors to ensure an accurate task is being performed[14][15][16][17]

Topo
Topo I
DeveloperWilliam H.T. La[1][2]
ManufacturerAndrobot Inc.[3][4][5][6][7]
Typerobot
Release dateMay 1983 (May 1983)[8][9]
Introductory priceUS$495 (equivalent to $1,454 in 2022)[9]
DiscontinuedTOPO I - April 1984 (1984-04)[10]
Units sold120[9]
Units shipped650[9]
SuccessorTOPO II, TOPO III, BOB, BOB/XA, FRED, ANDROMAN[11][12][13]

The robots were sold commercially starting in May of 1983, and were intended to be inexpensive, lacking a complicated manipulating device. By 1984 Topo II (also known as Topo w/ Sound) would release, having updated software and the ability to use Text-to-speech. Later in 1984 Topo III would begin production to a limited quantity. This last iteration removed the detachable arms, instead going for swappable trays, alongside consolidating the ABS plastic shell into just two pieces. A final Topo IV was planned during the final days of the company, but only its sensor belt was built before the company shut down. Topo IV's spec sheet was closer to Androbot's Brains On Board line of robots.

Units are beige molded plastic with two drive wheels as feet and stand 36½ inches tall. The series could be equipped with additional plastic accessories, such as the AndroWagon and AndroFridge, for carrying objects. Communication is via a radio or infrared transmitter attached to a personal computer. Topo II and III use an infrared transmitter, and can be controlled by a four way pad on the top of their head that also serves as the infrared receiver.

See also
  • HERO, a programmable robot series for home computers from 1982-1995

References
  1. TOPO II OWNER'S MANUAL, Acknowledgements: ...The original product concept and the name "TOPO" were developed by William H.T. La
  2. Fetal I Robot, , Fetal I Robot - Fetal-I an omnidirectional base designed by William H T La. Fetal I is a TOPO at heart with a new wood exteriour and new wheels., The Old Robots Web Site
  3. Androbot Topo and BOB Robots The Old Robot's Web Site
  4. Meet the Androbots (TOPO I, TOPO II, TOPO III, BOB, BOB/XA, FRED, Androman, and the Axlon robots), www.robotgallery.com
  5. Will The Robot Be Father To The Industry?, Published on: Mar 1, 1983, Inc.com
  6. When The Magic Goes, Published on: Oct 1, 1984, Inc.com
  7. Merrill Lynch Bullish on Robot, By Michael Schrage, 1983-07-06, The Washington Post
  8. Review: Androbot's Topo, By Michael A. Tyborski, COMPUTE! ISSUE 42 / NOVEMBER 1983 / PAGE 156
  9. Robot-maker Androbot pulls stock offering, By Kathy Chin, InfoWorld, 14 Nov 1983
  10. TOPO Gets new lease on life: Robot now operates with Commodore, IBM computers, By Peggy Watt, InfoWorld 14 May 1984, Page 12-13
  11. A Small World: Smart Houses and the Dream of the Perfect Day, By Davin Heckman, Page 53, ...Throughout the early 1980s, Androbot Incorporated released a number of personal robots, including, TOPO I, TOPO II, TOPO III, BOB, BOB/XA, FRED, ANDROMAN...
  12. BOB, PC Mag 21 Aug 1984, Page 142-143
  13. People:Nolan Bushnell, By Denise Caruso, InfoWorld, 30 Apr 1984, Page 16, Nolan Bushnell desires a robot with a more shapely configuration. ... BOB/XA (Brains on Board/Expandable Androbot), the latest personal robot from Androbot
  14. Androbot Inc. (1983). Androbot Manuals.
  15. Topo: The world's first personal robots, from Androbot.
  16. Picture, Tom Frisina, president of Androbot Inc., holds a Topos model personal robot. He sits in front of a background showing the surface of the moon, with the earth hanging in the sky above. The robot is designed to perform everyday tasks around the house., March 05, 1983, Credit: Corbis, Getty Images
  17. Picture, Tom Frisina, president of Androbot Inc., holds a sensor for a Topos model personal robot. The robot is designed to perform everyday tasks around the house., March 05, 1983, Credit: Corbis, Getty Images
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