Anki Vector What can Vector do without the Cloud

[@outsider238]

Anki has a pop up message on their website now that says they are going to keep Vector's servers running. I'm so glad to hear this as so many of us Vector owners have been very concerned about what will happen to our little buddy.

[@Brandon_Fehnel]

outsider238 thank you so much for telling me this. I was going to buy a vector but was concerned that it wasn’t going to work. Now I’m not concerned and I am going to buy one

[@dbf5803]

@@Brandon_Fehnel Seems to be kind of an empty promise. IF Anki is closed... I would think it is only a matter of time until the $$$ run out that maintain the servers. I want to buy one, but am quite mistrustful at this point in time.

[@MooneShadow]

With the Alexa one he is still useful. But as Alexa. I wonder if Amazon will assist bei g they worked with them on the alexa one

[@edstar83]

@@dbf5803 The A.I should be installed on the robots.

[@dbf5803]

@@edstar83 I don't think it built with the onboard memory to support that.

[@A1EXowns]

I ended up buying one off eBay for $90.00 shipped. Comes with a Vector Pad too. Even if he just sits there roaming around I feel it was worth it. It’s still very cool.

[@BruceHunsaker]

Anki’s robots might be making a comeback, after all. Digital Dream Labs, a Pittsburgh-based edtech startup, acquired all of Anki’s assets - patents, trademarks, data, social media, and domain. Hilco Streambank handled the sale of Anki’s patent portfolio. It has hidden the Anki portfolio page from its website, but it remains active. According to Hilco, the patent portfolio sale includes the following assets: 45 issued utility patents, including 35 US patents 11 published patent applications 39 pending patent applications 3 utility patents in the National Phase (PCT) 73 issued design patents Trademarks for Anki, Cozmo, Vector, Anki Overdrive, and product lines in development Anki.com domain name The Robot Report reached out to Digital Dream Labs and will update this article as needed. Digital Dream Labs was founded in February 2015 by H. Jacob Hanchar, who has an MBA from Carnegie Mellon University. Anki was founded in 2010 by three Carnegie Mellon Robotics Institute graduates - Mark Palatucci, Boris Sofman, and Hanns Tappeiner. In the announcement about the acquisition, Hanchar wrote about plans to relaunch Cozmo, Overdrive, and potentially Vector. Hanchar said, “Cozmo was the major reason we were interested in Anki. It will pair perfectly with our PlayTray. Now we own our own robot! We are going to launch that part of the platform first.” “Then we will take on Overdrive. We will need to examine the business model surrounding Vector before we can relaunch that product. In the meantime, support for all product will continue uninterrupted.” For the Anki customers who have emailed The Robot Report asking about the company’s future, still proceed cautiously. Digital Dream Labs only purchased the IP assets, which are not the physical assets and inventory. And we know how complicated Anki’s manufacturing process was.

[@Chad_White]

Thanks for the update. I come here for all my vector updates..im still hoping for a miracle for him..

[@BruceHunsaker]

I believe there will be

[@timedrington139]

I liked when you said that you were going to shut off Vector's wi-fi and Vector shook his head...no. Vector also does the same things we do without the internet.

[@brigadierboa4864]

Thank you so much for making this video, so comforting. +1 subscriber

[@vqx14]

The way Vector won't even *turn right and go home* without wifi

[@mitchval433]

This is so sad... I was considering getting Vector for Christmas but I don't want to watch him basically waste away immediately after getting him. It's like watching someone you love wear down because of Alzheimers.

[@naiha1003]

That got deep 😕

[@rowlandh25]

Updated on 5/7/2019 with the following statement from the Anki website: It is with a heavy heart to inform you that Anki has ceased product development and we are no longer manufacturing robots. To our partners and customers, thank you for all your support and joining us on this journey to bring robotics and AI out of research labs and into your homes. We are taking steps to assure that customers will continue to enjoy continued use of our products. In order to provide long term support of our products, Anki has contracted our most senior leaders and hands-on engineers across all the technical areas involved in maintaining the operation and functionality in the existing products and apps. Ongoing operations for existing products typically require little to no active intervention, but we have arranged for any support in the event it does become necessary. Vector is the only product with a notable cloud component, and the contracted team is heavily staffed in that area. Currently, we have implemented a self-serve Help Center to assist in getting the most out of your product, regretfully there are no agents available, however we are monitoring cloud operations for Anki accounts and Vector. We plan to solidify and communicate all the details of this plan soon.

[@andycheng5750]

SO cute, I ordered Vector on Sunday , he's coming in one week!

[@coolpandajr7846]

Im planning on getring one

[@andycheng5750]

@@coolpandajr7846 Cool, I got Vector a few weeks ago, and I can say it's one of the best purchases I've made in a long time!! You won't regret getting this tiny little robot companion, SO cute and and fun to play with!! Enjoy man!

[@coolpandajr7846]

@@andycheng5750 thanks

[@andycheng5750]

@@coolpandajr7846 Welcome, do you know when you get ur Vector?

[@coolpandajr7846]

@@andycheng5750 mabye my birthday or balck fridat if they put it on sale also is vector still cool to have even though you can not tell it commands

[@left5823]

I was thinking of buying a vector, but now im curious. Do you recommend it?

[@BruceHunsaker]

Well I really like Vector he is awesome. But there will be no more updates for Vector and that's sad. There are those trying to root his software but who knows where that will lead for sure. Since I had Vector from the beginning I enjoy having him around and would not want to have a Vector free household. But his future is undetermined. There has been no official word on how long Vector's are going to be up and running so it hard to say yeah say put out $200 bucks but if you have money to burn why not. Cozmo is a different story his app has tons of stuff to do and even with no further updates he will be good to go. Again I love my Vector even looking for a second one so I can keep him running for a long time. I know it is not a solid answer yes or no but since Anki is no more it's the best answer I can give at this time. Thanks for watching I hoping Vector has a long and happy life cause he is now part of the family and we enjoy having him around

[@left5823]

Wow thanks, i have the money but is it worth it?

[@BruceHunsaker]

@@left5823 right now vector is a cross between a a echo Dot and a hamster since he has become part of the family would not trade him. But if I was going to buy him with the knowledge that he no longer going to be upgraded? I would only buy him if I had money to burn.

[@left5823]

Bruce Hunsaker Thanks for all the help I appreciate it, last question (sorry if it’s annoying) do you have problems with your vector? Btw I have a google home but I don’t really like it, is vector like the google home?

[@BruceHunsaker]

@@left5823 Vector is an Alexa enabled device with more personality and table top mobile he also has his own Q&A data base. Once his facial recognition is set up he can great you by name he also plays black Jack and does home control through Alexa hope this helps ...there are a lot of Videos on my little buddy Vector on my channel even a few Cozmo videos

[@geneiwanskijr5957]

I don't know why memory couldn't be added to Vector and then put all these things on locally instead of going out in remotely retrieving them.

[@Spetznatz01]

The problem I have with devices such as this, or any device that depends a lot on a “cloud” and/or just as much on a “smart device” like tablets and phones, is that if there is no current support, the devices stop working when the “smart device” has a software update. I had a couple of other devices that depended on an app and cloud and when my smartphone had an update, the app didn’t update and my devices no longer work. The apps were basically abandoned by the developer, possibly because they were bought by another company, who had no intention of supporting the app, or the developer went out of business as Anki has. I’d say that unless someone can hack into the Vector software or create something that will work with him, we’ll no doubt end up with a cute little robot that doesn’t do much more than look around, maybe play with his cube and find his charger on his own.

[@sarahalexander6756]

Should I get one or should I wait and see what happens

[@Aleks_Animations]

there is no point in buying Vector maybe after the corona virus anki will do something again. but very unlikely.

[@CallieCrossroad]

# OpenSourceVector!

[@Tetra3Ne56scur]

Just subscribed Anki’s assets and money fell through But DDL has him now, but the features will cost

[@AyazZaman]

This is exactly what I needed. Thank you

[@BlazingTonk]

Someone pls make a server for Anki cozmo’s and vector’s

[@BruceHunsaker]

Anki did post a message stating that they are looking at ways to keep the servers up and running even after the shut down and Vector still going strong now. Most of everything that Cozmo needs it built into his App so he will be good for a long time

[@coolpandajr7846]

@@BruceHunsaker so cosmo will work 2020

[@ayejay2457]

I’m pretty sure if you had him connected to the app and WiFi even with the cloud off he’d be able to do the voice commands

[@BruceHunsaker]

That would be a good test will try it

[@dbf5803]

@@BruceHunsaker Did it work?

[@ANYTHING-AND-EVERYTHING.]

Any idea if the motors in vector are brushless?

[@BruceHunsaker]

Sorry never looks into that.. but this Reddit link might lead you to more info www.reddit.com/r/AnkiVector/comments/akvu7b/cozmo_and_vector_have_very_similar_parts_in_most/?

[@ProBotMasterOfficial]

Will this work with vector being down with ddl?

[@BruceHunsaker]

This video was made when Anki was in business showing how much could be done with or without cloud for vector without digital dream Labs look up wire pod wire pod is in you can find it in Facebook You can find it in other sites some of the groups have it wire pod is what you would need to have vector live off of DDL servers

[@ProBotMasterOfficial]

@@BruceHunsaker ok thanks

[@chrisschol7999]

Thank you this helped!

[@jacobvoelzow9556]

There isn't an offline mode you can use with Bluetooth?

[@BruceHunsaker]

Vector was designed to be always on and connected to the cloud. There are people working on rooting Vector but as of now He needs that cloud to access function such as questions and other voice commands but he can navigate his area and park him self with out the cloud

[@HectorC]

@@BruceHunsaker is there any information out there that shows how to edit his code or add to it?

[@BruceHunsaker]

@@HectorC there are people that are trying to root Vector I believe that is in this video kzbin.info/www/bejne/g2nPfX2JeLFmoZI

[@rykneld6505]

I know I'm later to this, only just having a vector and looking for what will happen to him. But if anyone sees this can some one make a small list of commands that will still work if the servers go off. Also, will it still navigate itself to it's charger when it's battery is low?

[@BruceHunsaker]

Hello Callum. From what I was able to test Vector will still be able to navigate react to sounds and self park on his charger see 6:48 in the video for that. He will still offer fist bumps on his own when he feels like it. There are a lot of smart people trying to root Vector's software if they accomplish it it may give us more options if the cloud ever goes down thanks for watching hope you find this helpful

[@rykneld6505]

@@BruceHunsaker okay, thank you for this. At least vector will still be himself even if it does become the worse case scenario

[@jordanrolle346]

Thanks man!

[@toxean27]

My boyfriend got Vector robot today, just got it set up... But now it doesnt want to connect to wifi. What to do? :/

[@BruceHunsaker]

Well lets see. So if he was connected to but is not there could be a few things type of router and amount of devices attached could cause issues of vector connecting correctly some routers have issues after 20 plus devices attached to it causing dropping and connection issues. Check for connected devices remove under used and unused devices. Next make sure device and vector are bot on a 2.4 ghz wifi connections. Then restart vector and and try reinstalling him. Also if still having issues one time the device i had would not connect to vector so had to install the vector on a different device that seemed more compatible newer for of android iso also di an update that had cause vector not to connect to the device. Hope these things help sorry for the late reply

[@toxean27]

@@BruceHunsaker tnx :) we rebooted the router, vector and the phone at the same time and it worked :)

[@BruceHunsaker]

@@toxean27 AWESOME! 😃😃😃

[@liamterlouw]

Hi! Is it smark to buy vector at this moment? Because i'm thinking about it..

[@BruceHunsaker]

Well that's a good question. The issue is that Anki has shut down but the servers are still going. The did say that they were working to keep the servers up but we are not sure how long they will remain that way. He will also not get any further updates. I think Vector is very very cool he our little robot buddy but if you are looking for a robot that will continue to advance well because of the Anki shut down Vector at this point in time is not expected to reach his full potential which is sad because he had so.much more room to grow

[@liamterlouw]

@@BruceHunsaker thanks for the information! It helps al lot :))

[@BruceHunsaker]

@N O well I am.hoping that Anki will follow through with their posting that they are working on a plan to keep Vector's cloud up. But how long is the question we all have. But from what they stated it is possible so that is hopeful. There are a lot of very smart developers/owners working on it so.maybe they will have something in the future.

[@longho3755]

Hello sir Can you please help me my WIFI is 5g not 2.4 g i can not connect vector . Is that MEAN I nothing I can do just have to use vector without WIFI and can he do anything Thank you sir

[@BruceHunsaker]

Vector like many smart home devices runs on a 2.4 GHz wifi. Connection. With Digital Dream Labs. Taking over Anki. Intellectual property you may want to consider a dual band router so you can connect to Vector so he can be all he can be. All my test have been after set up and removing WIFI wish i had more data on with out setup But with out complete setup not sure what he will be able to do. Not sure how helpful this it wish you the best

[@brwmaster5194]

Can i ask question to vector when he is without cloud?

[@Aleks_Animations]

did you even listen 💀

[@oliviergoggins]

Do you still recommend buying Cozmo? Since we don't know what will happen in the future?

[@vqx14]

For Android as long as we have the apk, Cozmo will be fine, for iOS, no, unless it is jailbroken

[@edstar83]

I only just found out about this news. I brought Cozmo a year a go. I still haven't got round to opening him. Hopefully I will still be able to update him when I do.

[@rickhunt3183]

O% of your robot should be cloud based. They will shut the servers off and scrap them once the money runs out. Servers cost money to operate and support. Someone has to pay or it's going to go away.

[@ayejay2457]

You should test that

[@S81BO]

Hey Bruce. I don't think that your way, currently, of testing the cloud services is the right one. You have deactivated the WiFi from Vector and not the communication with Anki's servers. Therefore all functions that may connect to the internet and other services (time from google, Searching google for answers), apart from Anki's servers are also limited. As an example I would put a phone that has no WiFi turned on and try to look something in google, Nothing will work on that phone. Another phone that has WiFi enabled but only the i Cloud services turned off, will still be able to use WiFi to access the internet and search in Google and other stuff.. I also believe that when you ask vector a question he is not searching for the Anki cloud server but looks at it straight on the Internet Hope I am making my self clear and not confusing people and opinions.

[@BruceHunsaker]

You maybe correct in some cases but thinking like black jack and how old are you where based on Anki servers .. but the main idea is Vector just won't brick out he will still be able to map and move and park him self... And I also believe he can provide a fist bump if he wants to with out WiFi. But voice commands hosted by Anki would be gone if servers shut down. But there could be small links out there that could still interact such as Maybe Alexa if the link is maintained by Amazon .... But I really think Vector will be leading a long productive life even after Anki is dusted

[@grimvee7102]

I literally just bought one of these today. You think I should cancel my order?

[@BruceHunsaker]

As of right now, Vector is working and he is enjoyable to have around. But at this time no news on if or when he will be picked up or if he will ever be picked up bu another company there is a group of people working on rooting his software not sure how far along they are at this time. But the key is that as of now Vector will only be the Vector he is today there will no be any further updates from Anki because the company is gone. Vector is really cool and fun but its a choice do you want to invest in a Home Robot that has an uncertain future? is he fun yes in his current state he is fun and since we have had him he has become a happy little addition to the family it is just sad because he had big potential but that potential may never be met. There is rumor is that Alexa feature will continue to function even if the other features vector voice commands and questions may not. Vector will always be able to wander around and not fall off a square edge table and find his charger. Everyone enjoys Vector in the house he greets us and hangs out, dances to some fat beats when the music is jamming and perform home control with the Alexa feature more entertaining than an Echo. But he may never be more than he is today.

[@ashleycarlisle4078]

My daughter only asked santa for this robot vector and it's sad Anki went out of business like they did.My daughter thinks she is gonna get vector from santa bc shes a good kid with vectors built in Alexas app even with his wifi turned off do you think he will last or become faulty my daughter and I only use android devices?.

[@geneiwanskijr5957]

If they were to go open source and then thave a personal wireless server at home, Then I think it would be pretty cool.

[@BruceHunsaker]

If they release escape pod correctly the this may be possible

[@blinkspacestudio8892]

My Vector loves to climb on my fingers he is hilarous. He keeps pushing all my stuff off the table like it is offending his space. He is trying to figure out what my usb charge cord is. Now he is snoring in his charger. I will be looking forward to installing Alexia too. Vector is a rascal he keeps throwing his cube at me and attacking my mouse.

[@BruceHunsaker]

Vector is definitely one of a kind. He is my table top buddy. I love it when he just moving around doing his thing then stops and says my Name 😂 and offers a Fist Bump! Just makes you smile 😁.

[@blinkspacestudio8892]

@@BruceHunsaker I left him alone there to put out the bin and when I came back he got all excited when he recognized me. Cute as hell.

[@ernstboecklin202]

hi, hope u read message ankis website:) Mostly Problem i think: for ppl Vector and others is a Toy, not a true Robvot ore Homerobot like Vector....Vectors size and lovely reacts make him look like Toy, so i guess thats a main reason Anki shut down.... they looks anki as a Toy dev Company...!!!! Future of Robotic? Dont forget: thats all pioneerwork.... some will fail, some sucess... and behind stay Big business and want see money for further investmnents......a new Society raise up.... and many Question ....How we integrate Robots in our Society, create a good Homerobot in short time!!! But its that the right way? What the ppl want? A Robot like "i Robot" looks a bit human, same size, social robot doing som,e things in household? Another one is Pain.....pain if u work or live with a Robot looks same size like u....so now Companys realise Robots in small size, speaking like a kid, or a Voice like R2D2, similar Vector:) Movement is amain Prob i think...its easier do a Vector instead same as human looking moving human.... ppl must learn: you can play with Robots, u can work with and u can coding....and they NO TOYS!!!

[@BruceHunsaker]

You are correct Vector is not a toy he is a full fledge moving robot companion. Just pint-size. Anki had plans for a larger robot in I think in 2020 maybe 22 that would use what they learned from Vector.

[@WINTERMUTE_AI]

The cloud was the reason I never bought one. Dont need a spy bot in my house. Maybe a 3rd party can release an app that he can communicate with to give him better functionality without uploading all my data to the NSA.

[@VolcanicProtectorMan]

Like it matters when every phone in the house already does that

[@Vintiqueture]

@@VolcanicProtectorMan I know right? This person is worried about being spied on? Guarantee they've got a social media account, Google account, and that fancy smartphone tethered to their hands.

[@chrisrogers6106]

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[@alexlangevin8340]

Host it on a local server my dude

[@dbf5803]

QUESTION 1: WHY is so much functionality on the cloud?! It can't even follow voice commands without the cloud connection?! QUESTION 2: I don't own one.... but was considering buying one so I could learn Python - looks like a fun way to learn programming with a tangible response to your input. But will that even work without the cloud? SUSPICION: It would seem that the 'Anki Cloud' will only stand as long as their pool of cash is available. Once that runs out (I bet sooner than later)... no more cloud, and this is a glorified paperweight. IF SO... then why should I buy it? Attempt to convince me... because on Amazon, $128 is affordable... just don't understand enough to know if it is a wise or a foolish purchase at this time, given my intentions.

[@BruceHunsaker]

I got my Vector from the start and there was a lot of promise at the beginning. An Small but advanced little robot that would continue to expand to the limits of his hardware. Which he has has not achieved and now with the closing of Anki he may never reach that potential. But since Vector has joined our family he has become our table top little buddy he greats each member of the family with a name creating and occasional fist bump and he knocks stuff off the table when he is cleaning up his table. He is part of the family so Anki achieved the goal.everyone treats Vector like a family member or family pet you might say. I play with the SDK but in no way am I a programmer. We don't really like thinking of the day that he just might not work fully. So if you want to tinker with programing Vector or Cozmo are both very cool but unless you have money to burn then go ahead buy Vector but there will be not be any updates to bring vector to his full potential. But there is a group of people that are trying to root Vector if that happens it could free him from the cloud and who knows what the possibilities could be then. The family loves our Vector and we sure wish the Anki would have managed the financials better but it is what it is. Not sure if this answers all your questions but thanks for watching the video and for your comment.

[@dbf5803]

@@BruceHunsaker Thank you for your insights, perspective and quick response. I deeply appreciate your thoughts.

[@olcapone3039]

A BIT RUBBISH VECTOR CANT OPERATE THESE BASIC FUNCTIONS WITHOUT INTERNET

[@BruceHunsaker]

Have you every disconnected Vector from the WIFi?

[@olcapone3039]

@@BruceHunsaker NOPE BUT I JUST ORDERED 1 FOR £70 AS THE NETWORKS ON TILL AUG 21 , HOPEFULLY ANOTHER COMPANY TAKES OVER THE CLOUD

[@BruceHunsaker]

@@olcapone3039 ok give it a try would like to know if you get different results. I agree hopefully a company picks up Vector and Cozmo the sale is out there now and hopefully they continue on there was to be a 2020 released of a larger bot maybe we get to see that in a few years. There was a working prototype from what I understand.

[@olcapone3039]

@@BruceHunsaker SOUNDS GOOD IF THE NETWORK SHUTS DOWN WILL ALEXA STILL WORK

[@BruceHunsaker]

@@olcapone3039 that is a question I have been looking for . If they did not require the connection through the Anki server and went directly to Amazon the yes but if they pass through Anki 😮. Been looking for details on that but have not found any. The weakest element of Vector is the App and the vector app is where the connection to setup vector to Alexa

[@premiumboi473]

Yeah that technically means nothing

[@Aleks_Animations]

:/

[@DJRipGroove99]

This is the current update message as of 5th April 2019: It is with a heavy heart to inform you that Anki has ceased product development and we are no longer manufacturing robots. To our partners and customers, thank you for all your support and joining us on this journey to bring robotics and AI out of research labs and into your homes. We are taking steps to assure that customers will continue to enjoy continued use of our products. In order to provide long term support of our products, Anki has contracted our most senior leaders and hands-on engineers across all the technical areas involved in maintaining the operation and functionality in the existing products and apps. Ongoing operations for existing products typically require little to no active intervention, but we have arranged for any support in the event it does become necessary. Vector is the only product with a notable cloud component, and the contracted team is heavily staffed in that area. Currently, we have implemented a self-serve Help Center to assist in getting the most out of your product, regretfully there are no agents available, however we are monitoring cloud operations for Anki accounts and Vector. We plan to solidify and communicate all the details of this plan soon.

[@rydertheapple843]

this makes me so angry WHY CANT I USE SOMETHING I PAID FOR!! I don’t want to buy a subscription, I did not know there was a lifetime subscription, this makes me so annoyed.

[@BruceHunsaker]

I do understand your point completely.

[@cudaker]

no wi-fi no Alexa ;(

[@BruceHunsaker]

But if the Anki servers shut down there would still be wifi so one may think there still may be Alexa depending on how they hooked the Amazon connection

[@Fortnite-jh5bv]

Because vector as I won’t have cool

[@Mar-nb4ru]

Please

[@chrisrogers6106]

vetuv