Robotics - SlashGear

‘Robotics’ Stories

Australia to test ‘tour guide robot’

Mark Raby, May 24th 2012 Discuss [0]

If you thought navigating through crowded museums was a hassle right now, just wait until you have to watch out for speeding robots that people are able to control from anywhere in the world. Okay, so that's kind of a sign of where the future may lead, but for now, the idea of bringing in a robotic creature into an Australian museum will have a tepid presence, and its accessibility will be limited to school children. Read The Full Story

Robot fish released to the sea to clear pollution

Mark Raby, May 22nd 2012 Discuss [0]

If you happen to be in the area of the Spanish port of Gijon in the near future and you notice some awkward fish in the water, don't be alarmed. What you're seeing might be robotic creatures that are designed to test the water for pollutants, reducing the amount of time it takes to survey large bodies of water from weeks to just seconds. British consultancy group BMT Group, which is at the helm of the project, hopes to sell the fish to local port authorities. Read The Full Story

BrainGate robotic arm is a huge scientific advancement

Mark Raby, May 16th 2012 Discuss [0]

Have you ever wished that you could move things with the power of your mind? Yeah, that isn't just a thing for science fiction writers anymore. An emerging technology company called BrainGate has revealed a robotic arm that can actually be controlled by brain waves. It requires the use of a sensor that contains 96 electrodes. The sensor is implanted into the motor cortex of the brain. Read The Full Story

Canon moves towards robotic assembly lines

Michael Crider, May 15th 2012 Discuss [0]

Those of you who recently picked up a Canon 5D Mark III have the comfort of knowing that your super-expensive DSLR was lovingly assembled by hand in Japan. That may not be the case for much longer: today a Canon spokesperson announced that the company would be moving towards completely automated production starting immediately. There's no definite date on when the transition will be complete, but Canon hopes to finish by 2015. Read The Full Story

12.5ft tall mecha partially controlled by Kinect

Ben Kersey, 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

Ben Kersey, May 10th 2012 Discuss [0]

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

Google driverless cars still require double drivers

Chris Davies, May 8th 2012 Discuss [0]

Google's driverless cars may have got the green light to roam the roads of Nevada under their own direction, but don't think you'll be able to summon your robot chauffeur to pick you up from afar. Although Nevada has allowed the autonomous Prius fleet to pilot themselves, they're only allowed to do so if two people are in the car at all times: one of whom must be behind the wheel to seize it in the case of an emergency. Read The Full Story

Panasonic testing Head Care Robot at salon

Rue Liu, May 1st 2012 Discuss [0]

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

Robotic legs to help woman run London Marathon

Mark Raby, Apr 21st 2012 Discuss [0]

After a freak horse riding accident six years ago, equestrian Claire Lomas was told she would never walk again. But she was determined to go against the odds, and thanks to her determination - and some help with incredible advancements in medical technology since 2006 - Lomas is prepared to walk in the London Marathon tomorrow. She'll be an inspiration for paralyzed medical patients everywhere. Read The Full Story

Qbo robot up for pre-order

Chris Davies, Apr 18th 2012 Discuss [0]

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

Scientists build robot with muscles and joints

Mark Raby, Apr 14th 2012 Discuss [0]

The next time you see someone doing the dance "The robot," it might not be accurate in the world of modern robotics. Scientists at the University of Sussex, the University of Belgrade, and the Artificial Intelligence Lab of the University of Zurich have been working on a new humanoid robot that has muscles and joints, just like real humans. This means their movements won't be as rigid as everyone has come to expect from robots. Read The Full Story

Robo Octopus research refines tentacle tech

Ben Kersey, Apr 10th 2012 Discuss [0]

Good morning! Ready to see something creepy cool to start off your day? Happy to oblige. The European Octopus Project is designed to better understand the fine motor controls of an octopus and applying them to robotics. They seem to be making progress, with a new prototype having eight soft tentacles. Read The Full Story