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‘Robot’ Stories

12.5ft tall mecha partially controlled by Kinect

, May 10th 2012 Discuss [0]

Everyone is trying to find all sorts of creative uses for Kinect: 3D mapping, motion controls... but what about as a glorified remote control? Suidobashi Heavy Industry is building a 12.5 foot tall robot weighing 4.9 tons that partially relies on Microsoft’s Kinect system. The robot itself utlizes the V-SIDO system for controls, but the Kinect is used in the cockpit, detecting the pilot’s head movements and turning the body accordingly. Read The Full Story

Robot butt is creepy and terrifying and no

, May 10th 2012 Discuss [7]

Japan, we need to talk. It’s not me, it’s you. I love that you’re into this whole robot thing, but don’t you think you’re taking it a step too far? The latest development from the Land of the Rising Sun is a pair of robot buttocks called Shiri, designed to “represent emotions with visual and tactual transformation of the muscles.” The robot ass can detect when it’s been touched (or slapped) with the “muscles” responding accordingly. Read The Full Story

Panasonic testing Head Care Robot at salon

, May 1st 2012 Discuss [2]

Panasonic has begun testing a hair washing and scalp massaging robot in Japan. This so called Head Care Robot is currently being trialed at the Super Hair Seo salon in Nishinomiya, near Osaka, where customers can go try out the robot until June 10. Read The Full Story

Russia working to put a robot on the ISS

, Apr 24th 2012 Discuss [2]

General Motors and NASA collaborated to build the US robot called Robonaut 2 that is now aboard the international space station. The goal of that project was to develop a teleoperated humanoid robot that can be used for missions too hazardous for humans and general repairs aboard the space station. Interestingly, Russia has been at work on its own humanoid robot that will be sent to the ISS within the next two years. Read The Full Story

Barobo Mobot is a cheap modular robot kit

, Apr 19th 2012 Discuss [0]

Robots are cool but kits to build them can be very expensive. Some of the cool robotic kits we've seen in the past can run thousands of dollars. A company called Barobo has a new modular robotic kit that you can make all sorts of robotic constructs that is very cheap. The kit is called the Mobot and is up for pre-order right now. Read The Full Story

Qbo robot up for pre-order

, Apr 18th 2012 Discuss [3]

Open-source robot Qbo has gone up for pre-order, offering DIY robo hobbyists a straightforward way to experiment with artificial intelligence, telepresence and object/speech recognition. Initially billed as "the Model T of robotics" Qbo is the brainchild of European start-up TheCorpora. The basic Qbo kit starts at €499 ($652) - a promotional price for the first 1,000 units, after which it climbs to €623.75 - however it's also available in two full-assembled versions. Read The Full Story

Qbo robot up for pre-order on April 18th

, Apr 12th 2012 Discuss [0]

We know that you’ve all be waiting for the adorable little Qbo robot, and you could have one in your hands very soon. The open source robot will be available for pre-order on April 18th on the TheCorpora website (the store will go live on the same day). The robot is designed to be tinkering and experimented with, being powered by Linux and some x86 internals. Read The Full Story

Navy deploys robot helicopters to spot pirates

, Apr 9th 2012 Discuss [0]

The US Navy is planning to deploy robot helicopters to help scan the seas for pirates. The Office of Naval Research recently detailed the new system it calls Multi-Mode Sensor Seeker (MMSS), which involves high-definition cameras and sensors along with 3D imaging laser-radar, or LADAR, technology. Read The Full Story

Latest DARPA Grand Challenge is for humanoid robots

, Apr 6th 2012 Discuss [0]

DARPA has issued another Grand Challenge and this time it's for humanoid robots. The details aren't final just yet for the competition. However, unofficial details on the competition are available. These unofficial details come from Dr. Gill Pratt's talk at DTRA Industry Day. According to his details, the challenge is for preferably bipedal robots. Read The Full Story

MIT project envisions custom 3D-printed robots

, Apr 4th 2012 Discuss [0]

A new project led by MIT researchers envisions a future where you can three-dimensionally print your own custom robot at a "Robot Kinkos." These robots could help with household tasks or be great for keeping pets or children busy. And you don't need to be a robotics expert to make your own. A program with templates and task categories would help you design a robot to suit your needs. Read The Full Story

Qbo robot strips for open-source titillation

, Apr 4th 2012 Discuss [0]

The Qbo robot may be open-source, but open-casing is what creators TheCorpora have been showing recently, stripping the sensor-studded 'bot down and then reconstructing it in a new timelapse video. Intended to be straightforward for robotics tinkerers to put together themselves, the footage shows the 168 minute build from the basic Qbo frame up to the various ultrasonic sensors, PC mainboard, camera-toting head and more. Read The Full Story

2,100 piece LEGO R2-D2 yours for £150 this May

, Mar 16th 2012 Discuss [0]

If you’re a LEGO fan, this may very well be the droid you’re looking for. LEGO are set to release a version of R2-D2 as part of their Ultimate Collector’s Series. R2 is made from over 2,100 individual pieces, and the attention to detail the designers have displayed is admirable. Read The Full Story
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