Technology startup Edison Junior Design Laboratory has created a doorbell that allows users to see who's at their door remotely on their smartphone or tablet.

The doorbell incorporates a camera that transmits live video and audio through an app, making it possible to communicate directly with whoever is outside.

"The biggest difference with DoorBot from any other doorbell system is that you will be able to see and talk to anyone who is at your front door from anywhere in the world," August Cziment, director of operations at Edison Junior Design Laboratory in Santa Monica, California, told Dezeen.

By notifying users when the doorbell rings and immediately streaming live video, they have the option of whether to respond or to ignore the visitor.

DoorBot can also combine with an automatic door lock called Lockitron to enable the door to be unlocked remotely if someone trusted needs access.

Cziment says DoorBot is designed "to be bulletproof against hacking, but even if something crazy happened and it was hacked, the reality is the only thing a hacker could see is the area in front of your house."

The project was launched on crowd funding website Christie Street and has surpassed its funding target of $250,000, raising $395,660 so far. The first units will be distributed in late July.

San Francisco designer Yves Behar has also recently designed a door lock operated by a smartphone app that unlocks the door when the phone is nearby, or grants access remotely through the app.

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Here's a detailed description of the project:

DoorBot

Your home is your most valuable asset, and now with DoorBot, you’re more connected to it than ever. DoorBot is a simple, yet powerful wireless doorbell that streams live video and audio of your front door directly to your smartphone or tablet. Simply install DoorBot, download the free app and you’re ready to go. Now, anytime you have a visitor you’ll not only be able to see them, but you’ll be able to talk with them as well. DoorBot is the perfect device because of the peace of mind you get while away from home, and the convenience you get while in it. DoorBot brings your front door to you – wherever you may be.

“Recent research shows that 91% of people keep their phone within 3 feet, 24 hours a Day,” (Morgan Stanley) making it the perfect device for monitoring your front door.

DoorBot is perfect for when you’re away…

Communicate with delivery people as though you were right there. Let them know it’s okay to leave the package at the front door. Or, tell the food delivery person to hold tight – you’ll be home in a minute.

Never miss another visitor. Whether it’s a neighbor stopping by to drop something off, or a friend who happened be in the area –– you’ll always know. Give the illusion you’re home; you might decide it’s best that an unknown visitor doesn’t realize that your home is vacant. Never again worry about who may, or may not be there. Leave your home with the peace of mind that your doorstep is right by your side.

And DoorBot is equally amazing for when you are home…

Never interrupt what you’re doing to find out who is at the door. Whether you’re lounging around or in the middle of something important, you don’t have to worry about dropping everything to answer the door.

See someone you don’t want to talk to? You don’t have to answer. With DoorBot you can check out the video stream before answering – if it’s someone you don’t want to deal with, simply ignore the notification. They’ll never even realize you were home. Lounging by the pool? Working in the garage? Playing with the kids in the backyard? DoorBot brings your front door to you –– wherever you may be.

Beautiful design. Easy to use.

DoorBot’s perforated brushed aluminum faceplate looks great on any front door. And it’s not just good looking; the internal and external components are carefully designed to endure the elements. DoorBot’s powerful camera captures amazing video in the daylight, and at nighttime. The adjustable camera lens allows you to position your DoorBot to your exact preference, so it always captures exactly what you need it to. DoorBot’s highly efficient Wi-Fi technology allows the device to run for a full year under normal use before needing to replace its 4 AA batteries.

Installing DoorBot couldn’t be easier. You can choose between mounting it using nothing more than 4 screws, or with our included bracket. Regardless, installation can be completed in a matter of minutes. Once the device is mounted simply download the free app, sync it to the DoorBot and you’re ready to go! You’ll never miss a visitor again. Think of it like having an extra set of eyes and ears.

Additional Features

Theft Prevention - We are looking at ways to improve the mounting bracket to prevent thieves from being able to take the device, or batteries. In addition, we’re guaranteeing that if your DoorBot is stolen, we’ll replace it – free of charge.

Legacy Doorbell Compatibility - We've gotten a lot of feedback around integrating DoorBot with your current doorbell. Well, we have worked with the engineers and we will be able to ding your doorbell if you currently have one in place. Now when a visitor rings the DoorBot not only will your smartphone and tablet be notified, but your home’s doorbell will chime as well. Also we are looking into being able to alternatively power DoorBot off of the doorbell wires, but as of right now we can not guarantee that.

DoorBot + Lockitron: The Perfect Marriage

Not only see who is at the door, but also let them in. Lockitron is an amazing wireless automatic door lock. Like Doorbot it is super easy to install. The team at Lockitron built their lock with an open design and because of that, we are going to add the Lockitron controls to the DoorBot app. Just enter your Lockitron credentials and you will see the door lock controls on the screen. So buy the Doorbot/Lockitron bundle and you will be able to see who’s at your front door and decide whether or not you want to grant them access – from anywhere, all from the palm of your hand.