Camping outside of an Apple Store ahead of an iPhone launch requires real dedication.
One Australian woman opted for a workaround however, and used a robot to queue for a new iPhone 6S in her place.
Lucy Kelly, a 22-year-old media agency employee, secured third spot in the queue outside of Sydney’s Apple Store using a telepresence robot.
The droid in question was actually just an iPad attached to a scooter than could be controlled remotely.
Instead of having stand outside in the rain like many in the queue, Kelly was able to sit back and relax at home.
“I’m having a lovely morning,” said Kelly, speaking to Australia’s Channel nine. “
Kelly added: “The people in line were so fabulous,” having spoken to others in the queue using the iPad.
Kelly was able to pay using the robot, and rolled her contraption out of the store with brand new iPhone 6S handsets.
The Apple staff “just put my iPhones in a bag for me and hung it on my microphone,” she explains.
Related: iPhone 6S vs iPhone 6: What’s new?
It’s worth noting that the robot was actually part of a media stunt by Kelly’s agency, Atomic 212.
However, it’s the first time we’re aware of that a robot has queued and purchased a new iPhone for a customer.
Genius ploy, or unfair on fellow queue-goers? Let us know your thoughts in the comments.
Check out our iOS 9 features video below:
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Editorial independence
Editorial independence means being able to give an unbiased verdict about a product or company, with the avoidance of conflicts of interest. To ensure this is possible, every member of the editorial staff follows a clear code of conduct.
Professional conduct
We also expect our journalists to follow clear ethical standards in their work. Our staff members must strive for honesty and accuracy in everything they do. We follow the IPSO Editors’ code of practice to underpin these standards.