About this project
Ulo
€1,618,869
An interactive home monitoring owl.
Today more and more objects are connected, but none of them truly connects with you.
Ulo creates a unique bond, like no other device.
It redefines the way you interact with objects: an organic communication.
Evidence shows that a number of facial expressions are related to similar emotions across cultures. The language of our eyes is one of the most powerful and effective tools of non-verbal communication.
Eye expressions are an efficient, natural and universal way to connect instantly with Ulo.
Exclusive discounts are only available for Kickstarter backers.
- A - 2 Round 1,22“ LCD screen (originally used for smartwatches)
- B - 1 Hidden surveillance camera (1080p HD / 30 fps) & Motion Sensor under the two-way mirror beak
- C - 1 Mono Microphone
- D - 1 Capacitive button
- E - 1 Neodymium magnet under the rotative base
- F - 4 Adhesive neodymium magnets (⌀20mm/⌀0.8in)
- G - 1 Wifi 802.11ac module
- H - 1 Orientation sensor
- I - 1 Li-Po rechargeable battery
- J - 1 micro-USB to USB cable (65cm/25.6in)
- K - 1 Speaker
Every Ulo will be upgraded with unlocked new features (no extra charges).
Ulo needs a working wifi network to be fully functional.
Ulo communicates through eye expressions. A webpage and mobile apps allows you to customize eyes color, shape and size to match your interior and your taste. No logos or icons are displayed on the screens, but you instantly know what Ulo has in mind.
For instance, when the battery is low (under 10%) Ulo is tired,
Ulo blinks when you take a snapshot,
its eyes follow your movements and Ulo squints when someone is watching live video.
Random animations add that extra spark of life which makes Ulo unique.
Eye expressions are possible thanks to new round LCD screens originally manufactured for next-generation smartwatches.
This is an example of the default tap system. You can configure custom (and secret) sequences to trigger On/Off & Alert Mode functions.
A double tap on Ulo forehead will activate the Alert Mode.
Once your smartphone leaves your wifi network, every movement will be recorded in an animated gif and sent via email.
Eye expressions are not displayed.
When your smartphone (and thus yourself) reconnects to your wifi network, the alert mode is disengaged.
It is a very simple way to check what is going on in another room or when you’re away. Ulo streams directly (video & audio) on a secure webpage or mobile apps. This feature is perfect to use Ulo as a baby cam.
Ulo captures snapshots on demand and sends it on a secure webpage, your dropbox account or directly on your email.
Infrared night vision let Ulo see clearly in total darkness.
Ulo can "talk" to you with customizable sounds.
In Alert Mode, Ulo can last one week on a full charge. In everyday use, with eye expressions, Ulo needs to be recharged every 2 days. Of course you can also leave Ulo plugged in all the time on a USB port.
Ulo can lay on a flat surface or be hanged on a wall. A set of discrete adhesive neodymium magnet allows you to stick Ulo on every surface effortlessly.
Ulo is now waterproof!
This means you can place Ulo outside, within a reasonable temperature range (-10°C/14°F to 50°C/122°F)
- Ulo services are accessible on a webpage, so it is compatible with every device with an internet connection and a browser.
- Dedicated mobile apps for iOS & Android:
- Ulo is also compatible with IFTTT. It’s the best way to extend its purpose.
Ulo functionalities can trigger or be triggered by other connected devices or internet services.
For example, here's my favorite recipes:
But other connected devices or internet services can trigger emotions in Ulo.
For example, weather can affect Ulo's mood:
Different emotions will overlay Ulo's eye movements, here's the first list of animations available:
- Happy / Grumpy / Surprised / Upset / Agitated / Puzzled
- Blinks / Squint
- Change Eye color / Reflects / Size
Other recipe ideas:
- If there is a birthday on my calendar today, then Ulo is happy
- If the pollen count rises above 6, then change Ulo eyes color to red
- If you have an appointment, then Ulo is puzzled (You shouldn't be home)
Ulo only stores a few minutes of video locally. Nothing is sent over a distant third party server.
Think of Ulo as your own personal server, so there are no extra fees.
The owl only sends data to your secure devices when needed. Each device has its own password + a second step authentification.
The setup is easy, a QR code is generated when your device connects for the first time. You just have to show this code to Ulo.
You’ll have to renew this operation every 6 months.
A detailed user guide is included in the box and video tutorials will be available online.
I’ll add more random animation to the default settings and new kind of styles will be available.
Example:
- PixelArt
- Hand drawn
- Realistic
- 3D effects etc…
If you are interested in distributing Ulo, please fill-out the form at the top of this page:
http://vivien-muller.fr/ulo-infos
I’ll contact you as soon as the product is ready.
Risks and challenges
Creating a brand new product is a time consuming and very complex process.
I estimate delivery to be late 2016. Thanks to previous campaigns, I gained experience regarding manufacturing a product such as Ulo. I’d rather promise a late shipping, than delay it several times.
Once the campaign funded, lots of events will occur.
We will finalize electronics and I’ll perfect the CAD files to launch injection molds.
I’ll keep in touch with you for each step I take, such as creating the packaging & the user guide, visiting the different factories etc…
FAQ
-
Each Ulo is independent but you can easily switch between them (just like tabs in a browser)
-
There is a setting to adjust the screens brightness.
I’ll also add a Auto-Brightness option. -
Someone else can turn off the Alert Mode but Ulo will take a picture of this person before and send it to you.
If someone steals your Ulo and tries to reconnect it without your password:
Ulo will automatically send you his location (IP), take another picture and will be completely useless. -
The files are stored locally on a SD Card (you can easily access),
can be saved on a dropbox/google drive account,
or sent to email. -
Ulo is made of 100% recyclable ABS plastic.
-
Ulo will remain black.
I tried other colors and when the screens are turned off Ulo look really creepy with black eyes.
Rewards
Funding period
- (60 days)