iRobot ConnectR

While the Looj takes care of your dirty business, the iRobot ConnectR (under $500; 2008) handles something much more personal: interactions with your family. With the ConnectR, you can enjoy VOIP-quality video and two way audio communications with anyone back at home, thanks to the robot's full tilt-and-zoom video camera, speaker, microphone and headlight, which are controlled remotely via included software. The idea? Never miss another moment just because you aren't there.