The Robot App Store is a digital
application distribution platform for applications for
robot
A robot is a machine—especially one Computer program, programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions Automation, automatically. A robot can be guided by an external control device, or the robot control, co ...
s opened to the public on late 2011. The service allows users to browse and download applications that were developed for robots, and published through the RobotAppStore.com website.
Depending on the developer, applications are available either for free or at a cost. The applications can be downloaded directly to a robot, (like
Nao) or downloaded onto a
personal computer
A personal computer, commonly referred to as PC or computer, is a computer designed for individual use. It is typically used for tasks such as Word processor, word processing, web browser, internet browsing, email, multimedia playback, and PC ...
(PC) or a
smartphone
A smartphone is a mobile phone with advanced computing capabilities. It typically has a touchscreen interface, allowing users to access a wide range of applications and services, such as web browsing, email, and social media, as well as multi ...
. 70% of the sale price goes to the developer of the app.
History
The Robot App Store opened on Aug. 28, 2011. for developers. In early 2012, the website was opened for consumers.
The Robot App Store is available for developers and robot-owners from around the world.
The portal offers a centralized encyclopedia for robotics topics called Robopedia.
A comprehensive knowledge-base for developers covering development lessons for popular robotics platforms such as
Roomba,
Parrot AR.Drone,
Lego Mindstorms NXT and even robotics operating systems such as
Robot Operating System
Robot Operating System (ROS or ros) is an Open-source software, open-source robotics middleware suite. Although ROS is not an operating system (OS) but a set of software frameworks for robot software software development, development, it provide ...
(ROS).
Supported platforms
The Robot App Store supports all commercially available robots, and all operating systems available for robots. A typical application will run autonomously on the
robot
A robot is a machine—especially one Computer program, programmable by a computer—capable of carrying out a complex series of actions Automation, automatically. A robot can be guided by an external control device, or the robot control, co ...
’s processor and internal resources. However, applications can be executed on platforms such as a
laptop
A laptop computer or notebook computer, also known as a laptop or notebook, is a small, portable personal computer (PC). Laptops typically have a Clamshell design, clamshell form factor (design), form factor with a flat-panel computer scree ...
s,
desktops and
smartphone
A smartphone is a mobile phone with advanced computing capabilities. It typically has a touchscreen interface, allowing users to access a wide range of applications and services, such as web browsing, email, and social media, as well as multi ...
s.
A list of supported robots, and supported application formats:
Developer program
Individuals and companies can join the developer's program and submit their applications for approval and distribution. Once joined, identity verification is required to confirm the ownership of the account. Approved developers are getting access to pre-launched apps.
Robopedia
On August 17, 2012, the company launched Robopedia,
the first encyclopedia covering robotics topics. The resource was driven by customer service requests for more information about apps that people had downloaded for their home robot projects. RobotAppStore.com's founder, Elad Inbar, said that more than 70 percent of their calls from customers were for more information. The topics cover the present and future of robots, including their components and concepts. It enables beginners and seasoned developers to learn about robotics acronyms and terminology, and read step-by-step application-development for many robots, vacuum cleaners and humanoids alike.
Funding
The company was funded by its founders since its inception. On December 10, 2012, the company announced its first external investment of $250,000 from
Grishin Robotics, which was founded by
Dmitry Grishin, the CEO and Chairman of
Mail.ru Group. The company is the second company funded by Grishin Robotics following the investment into
Double Robotics earlier in 2012.
References
External links
{{Official website, www.RobotAppStore.com
Software distribution platforms