If you’re looking for a little companionship, and aren’t too picky about it being an organic life form, check out the Synergy Swan by R.Bot ($450). The Synergy Swan is a telepresence or automated interaction robot that uses an Android based device as its face and camera. Telepresence simply means, the ability to interact with your environment as if you were actually present. Here is a [video_lightbox_youtube video_id=S5LKXO9aCTc width=640 height=480 anchor=clip] from the TV show “The Big Bang Theory” showing telepresence in action. Automated interaction simply means the Synergy Swan will complete an action based on your reaction. For example, playing a video or start talking. At $450 you can’t beat the price. R.Bot also has a smaller stationary version for $250.