Reach-In
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Technology |
| Predecessor | Apriori Control |
| Founded | 2010 |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Remotely operated devices, webcams, iPet Companion platform |
| Website | www |
Reach-In, previously known as Apriori Control, is a tech firm focused on enabling real-time physical interactions via the internet. The company produces remotely operated devices and webcams, with its flagship offering being iPet Companion, a platform that permits users to observe and engage with animals remotely.
iPet Companion
Created by Reach-In (formerly Apriori, LLC) in collaboration with the Idaho and Oregon Humane Societies, iPet Companion features robotic arms equipped with cat toys that allow online visitors to interact with shelter kittens. This innovation has played a role in increasing adoption rates at the shelters involved.
The idea was sparked when an engineer found his own cat distracting him from developing robotic arm technology. Reach-In provided the first prototype to the Idaho Humane Society in June 2010. Initial models required reinforcement to withstand kitten interaction.
By October 2011, the system was installed at Bideawee in New York City, marking it as the sole East Coast shelter utilizing this technology. Additionally, the Michigan Humane Society’s Berman Center implemented the system.
In 2012, Reach-In collaborated with Kong Company to roll out iPet Companion across various humane societies throughout the United States under the “Pets Need to Play” initiative. Participating shelters host these interactive toys for six-week periods aimed at enhancing pet adoptions and sponsorship opportunities. Notable participants include Foothills Animal Shelter (Golden, Colorado), Arizona Animal Welfare League (Valley, Arizona), Wisconsin Humane Society (Milwaukee), and Best Friends Pet Adoption & Spay Neuter Center (Mission Hills, Los Angeles).
The platform’s web interface depends on Microsoft Silverlight.
Other applications
This technology has been adapted for multiple uses, such as submarine-themed gaming. The Dive Commander project offers an online interactive submarine game where one player pilots the sub to find underwater treasures, while another operates "Nuisance Buttons" designed to hinder the captain’s efforts.
Reach-In has also formed partnerships with academic institutions for medical research purposes. Its Thermal Mannequin Laboratory provides precise assessments of heat transfer in protective garments intended for hot climates, supporting better design of clothing for agricultural workers and athletes exposed to heat and wind conditions. This advancement facilitates global student involvement in ergonomics studies, improving both educational outcomes and research productivity.
In healthcare settings, Reach-In executed the Be@Hospital experiment, which allowed doctors worldwide to physically engage during a live tracheotomy demonstration.
The Live Band Interactive system serves the music industry by enabling fans to connect with performers in real time. In May 2012, Radio Boise rented Reach-In’s media equipment for a month-long fundraising event, giving online listeners control over cameras and studio objects during live shows.