Tech spotlight with Eitan Lavie, Co-Founder and CEO of Zeppi.
Blog

Tech spotlight with Eitan Lavie, Co-Founder and CEO of Zeppi.

Zeppi's Co-Founder and CEO, Eitan Lavie spoke with us about Zeppi's innovative hovering video-call balloon robot, and the future of how we connect.

By 
SOSA editorial team
January 2022

Our world is going hybrid; in the workplace, events, and even in medical care. Zeppi, a hovering video-call balloon robot, is helping make it an immersive experience by allowing remote participants to be part of the physical space. Instead of joining a standard video call on a static receiving end and missing out on happenings onsite, like an informal (yet vital) networking break - you can now be a part of it remotely as if you were there in person. Zeppi flys through the physical space and allows you to engage on the move.

We sat down with Zeppi's Co-Founder and CEO, Eitan Lavie, to learn more about this innovative robot and the future of how we connect.

"Today we are all zooming, but the experience is not always sufficient. The diversity of use cases with remote participants that need to better engage - like a business event, a wedding, a doctor visit - all require a natural and dynamic communication. Zeppi can get us there."

SOSA: Hey Eitan, thanks for joining us today. A flying robot with live video conferencing can sound to many like an invention out of a sci-fi movie. How did you land on this idea and start turning it into reality?

EL: It all started during my family’s relocation. I was trying to get my kids to spend time with their grandma from Israel and was chasing them around with a tablet. It just didn't work. The whole experience was broken. I knew I had to solve being able to feel connected when remote.

SOSA: Two years into a pandemic, it’s hard to imagine the world before video conferencing became the norm. How does this cultural shift affect the way you design your product and future products?

EL: Today we are all zooming, but the experience is not always sufficient. The diversity of use cases with remote participants that need to better engage - like a business event, a wedding, a doctor visit - all require a natural and dynamic communication. Zeppi can get us there.

"Zeppi’s ability to hover is a game changer as it not only enables eye level communication, but also enables free navigation in the most available space around us - the air."

SOSA: Speaking to someone at eye level is one of those things that is hard to achieve virtually. How did you tackle this with Zeppi? 

EL: Zeppi’s ability to hover is a game changer as it not only enables eye level communication, as the remote user controls its positioning, but also enables free navigation in the most available space around us - the air.

"We are about to launch our first pilots in hybrid corporate and private events, in parallel to upgrading Zeppi’s AI capabilities."

SOSA: In today's world, cat filters are making international headlines. So, humor us; what’s the funniest thing that has happened using Zeppi?

EL: In our first investor demo, a screw fell from Zeppi and landed loudly on the ground. It was hilarious…in retrospect.

SOSA: Can you share a sneak peek into what’s next for Zeppi amidst the hybrid model?

EL: We are about to launch our first pilots in hybrid corporate and private events, in parallel to upgrading Zeppi’s AI capabilities. Out of the many hybrid use cases Zeppi can bring value to, this is our focus right now.

Enjoyed the read?

Subscribe to our newsletter.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
Read more
Blog
The Dark Side of AI and Machine Learning: A Cybersecurity Overview
As cybercriminals exploit AI and ML, the resulting risks are affecting industries worldwide. Learn about the dangers they pose and the innovative solutions from leading providers that are tackling these critical challenges.
Polina Gohman
Research Analyst
September 1, 2024
Learn more
Case Study
The Hatch: A Year of Innovation
Find out how The Hatch. the Innovation Hub created by HTX and supported by Knovel Engineering and SOSA executed 11 proof-of-concept projects in collaboration with 170 startups in less than a year.
SOSA's Editorial Team
September 3, 2024
Learn more
Report
Introduction to the US Cyber Landscape
Dive into our new report, and explore the many shifts driven by technology adoption and evolving threats. Discover investment trends, partnerships, and solutions to navigate the evolving landscape of AI emerging threats and the expanding IoT attack surface.
SOSA's Editorial Team
August 29, 2024
Learn more
Blog
Reflecting on SOSA's Impactful Journey in 2023
As we welcome the new year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude and celebrate the accomplishments of our clients, who have broken new ground in driving business impact through innovation. We at SOSA are proud to stand tall amidst the challenges of a year that tested our perseverance and determination, driven by our firm commitment to innovation and impact.
Uzi Scheffer
CEO of SOSA
August 29, 2024
Learn more
Case Study
Fastdezine's Global Ascent: A Land to Launch Success Story
Discover how Fastdezine, a leading Brazilian startup, soared to international heights through SOSA's Land to Launch accelerator program. Uncover the challenges conquered, innovative solutions implemented, and the tangible results that transformed Fastdezine's journey into a testament of global success and strategic growth.
SOSA's Editorial Team
August 29, 2024
Learn more
Report
Managing Global Supply Chain Risk.
Explore a strategic blueprint for global supply chain resilience, integrating innovation and risk mitigation at the crossroads of today's challenges.
SOSA's Editorial Team
August 29, 2024
Learn more
Blog
SOSA Ventures: Crafting the Future of De-Risked Investments
Discover the imminent launch of SOSA Ventures in our latest blog. Join us as we unveil how SOSA Ventures is set to reshape the landscape of strategic investments, emphasizing de-risked opportunities and market insights.
Roni Kenet Harmelin
COO & Chief of Staff
August 29, 2024
Learn more
Case Study
SOSA x SEBRAE: Empowering Brazilian Startups Globally
Discover how the SOSA and SEBRAE collaboration fosters innovation, connectivity, and global recognition, amplifying opportunities for growth in the Brazilian Innovation ecosystem.
SOSA's Editorial Team
August 29, 2024
Learn more
Report
Brazilian Sustainability Tech.
Showcasing leading Brazilian sustainability focused technology companies.
SOSA's Editorial Team
August 29, 2024
Learn more