Texai Overview

The Texai is a remote presence robot under development at Willow Garage.

The Texai Project began as a solution to a problem. Two Willow Garage engineers, Dallas Goecker and Curt Meyers, working 2000 miles apart, needed a more efficient method of interacting and collaborating throughout the day. Skype and conference calls hindered the casual conversations more representative of day-to-day, in-person interactions around the office. Seeking a better solution, Dallas and Curt applied their knowledge of building battle bots and the PR2 to create Texas One.

Dallas now spends the majority of his time working for Willow Garage in Indiana, while using the Texai to work and engage with co-workers here at Willow Garage in Menlo Park, California.

Texas Alpha version

Based on our own excitement around this new platform, we commissioned the build of 25 Texai robots for alpha testing and general experimentation.

The Texai is designed to support rapid design and development iterations. The Bosch frame and USB-based components make it easy to modify.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Are you planning to sell Texai any time soon?
    We are first focused on using the Texai platform to gain experience with telepresence, and explore any related issues or concerns. We are not currently selling Texai, but if you are interested in discussing potential business opportunities, please send an email to texai-bizdev@willowgarage.com. Stay tuned to the website for more details!
  2. Are you doing any field tests with the Texai? Can we be a test site?
    We currently have a number of alpha test sites that are going to be part of our first field tests. If you would like to be part of the next round of field study sites, please send an email to texai-bizdev@willowgarage.com.
  3. How much does it cost to make each Texai?
    We are not currently providing details on cost, but if you are interested in comparing similar products, please investigate the RoboDynamics TiLR system or the SuperDroid Robotics RP2W system.
  4. Can I build one myself?
    Certainly. You can find more information on the Hardware Systems page. However, if you are interested in being part of our team, please contact us at texai-info@willowgarage.com. In particular, we are looking for:

    • Python programmers
    • Communication engineering programmers with experience in Wifi, OOB systems and GSM/LTE
    • Solutions for audio and video offerings for mobile platforms

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