SlashGear » Robotics

Gaaglebot hacked Roomba indexes your house [Video]

Chris Davies — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:36:25 +0000

Google’s attempts to index the world are all well and good, but it still can’t tell you – no matter what The Onion would have you believe – where things are in your house. Some Swedish modders have attempted to fill that gap, however, with the Gaaglebot, a modified Roomba outfitted with a compact webserver and a webcam. The idea is that the robot roams about your house, shooting photos of any text it finds and converting that into a searchable database.

Video demo after the cut

So, if you’re wondering where you left your favorite book or CD, you can query the Gaaglebot’s server and – assuming it was able to spot it during its house-crawling – it’ll tell you whereabouts that text was found. The same principle should work for grocery labels or anything with text.

Of course, the robot is only as good as the text it can see, and so a low-level Roomba probably isn’t the best bet for reading countertop ingredients or scanning the various bookshelves you have running floor to ceiling. Lacking any sort of robot arm, meanwhile, means it can’t turn objects for a better angle, either. Still, throw in some image recognition (we’re so fed up of putting our phones down somewhere and then forgetting where that was) and we’ll take one.

[via BoingBoing]

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Robots to teach in Korean classrooms by 2012

Paul Fang — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 02:51:22 +0000

We’ve recently seen a massive project involving a robot-based theme park soon to be undertaken in Korea, but the Koreans apparently have decided to take it one step further. The country has planned a “R-Learning” program that in fact will place robot teaching assistants in 500 preschools in 2012, and expand to 8000 education centers (preschools and kindergartens) by 2013.

At the moment, the robots won’t be placed in complete charge of the class (yet?), but will take on supplementary tasks such as reciting original stories, and connecting to parents for message exchange and progress reports for their children.

The Korea Institute of Science and Technology believes that they may be an international market beyond their own country for the robotic education system, and are already talking plans with developing nations. There’s always been propositions (bordering on the extremes of feasibility) of robots educating our future generations, but this is the first tangible manifestation of that particular concept. I guess when Korean children have finished classes taught by robots, they can go to Robot land for fun and games, provided by the same kin.

[etnews via Engadget]

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Korea to erect world’s first robot-based theme park

Paul Fang — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 04:28:47 +0000

Korea has plans to construct what is purportedly the world’s first robot theme park, reported by the Korea Herald. It will be featured as an integral part of the designated Robot Land, a planned complex based in Incheon, a major South Korean city and transportation center.

Cnet describes the Robot Land website (via english version) envisioning the theme park to “feature all manner of robot entertainment, including exhibitions of robot characters from films and cartoons; reconstructions of robot-oriented movie sets like “Minority Report,” “I,Robot,” and “Matrix”; a robotic-arm ride; an aquarium where visitors can watch and manipulate robotic fish; and even droid cashiers and performers.”

Construction will be completed by 2013, but parts of the Incheon park will be open to public in 2012, according the the Korean government. Finally, we’re seeing robots employed on a much larger scale than we’re used to in the states.

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Wild Planet Spy Video TRAKR R/C programmable robot packs kid-friendly app store

Chris Davies — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 13:33:21 +0000

There’s been some talk recently of the Big Trak re-release, but if you’re looking for a truly modern reinterpretation of the programable robot then Wild Planet’s new Spy Video TRAKR may better fit the bill. The remote-control ‘bot comes with a child-friendly PC-based programming system, which allows users to create custom routines and load them onto the TRAKR. As for the robot itself, it uses 2.4GHz wireless and has an integrated camera, speaker and microphone, and comes preloaded with motion-sensing and night-vision apps.

The idea is that Wild Planet will set up a distribution and sharing site for Spy Video TRAKR apps, so that owners can upload there code and try out other peoples’. Alternatively they can directly control the TRAKR via the remote control, viewing what it sees on the remote’s LCD display. There’s also an SD card slot for saving photos.

Unfortunately we’ll have to wait a while to get our hands on the Spy Video TRAKR (what can we say, we’re big childish geeks here at SlashGear); it’s not set to arrive until October 2010. Still, at $120 it’ll be cheaper than a WowWee Rovio.

Press Release:

First App-Enabled Toy Debuts at American International Toy Fair

Spy Video TRAKR Puts Toy Technology into the Hands of Children

Toy Fair 2010
SAN FRANCISCO–(BUSINESS WIRE)–2010 will be the first year in which kids are given the tools to create and share custom apps that can be downloaded, at no cost, onto a toy. The first app-enabled toy, the Spy Video TRAKR from Wild Planet, will debut at Toy Fair in New York in February, eight months before its public release.

“With the Spy Video TRAKR, we’re teaching kids how to write their own applications and program their toys to do exactly what they want them to do.”

“Play should not be confined by the concepts and programs toy companies create,” says Daniel Grossman, CEO of Wild Planet Entertainment, Inc. “With the Spy Video TRAKR, we’re teaching kids how to write their own applications and program their toys to do exactly what they want them to do.”

The Spy Video TRAKR is a remote-controlled vehicle that digitally transmits color video, audio and data and allows users to create, download and share custom programs. Once kids create new programs, they have the option of posting them on a designated website for other kids to access, at no charge, from all over the world.

“We believe kids will fuel the spread of app-sharing in toys,” says Grossman. “It’s empowering when something you created becomes of interest to other people. Kids will take pride in having programs they designed downloaded by others.”

Like the iPhone, and other app-enabled consumer electronics, the Spy Video TRAKR will have the ability to perform its main function immediately upon purchase, right out of the box. It will come with three apps already installed, and a collection of free apps will be available online when the product launches, giving users instant access to a wide variety of programs.

Though the Spy Video TRAKR can be used without ever being hooked up to a computer, tech-minded kids will be quick to connect their toy and start the customization process. Beginners can access an online application modulator that will allow them to modify existing apps as they familiarize themselves with writing code. All the tools they need to write their own unique programs will be available online, for free.

“App-sharing will inspire kids to make more apps and better apps,” says Grossman. “They’ll come up with things toy industry executives would never think of. The apps that will be downloaded the most will likely be the ones created by kids.”

The Spy Video TRAKR will come pre-loaded with a night vision app. Kids can drive their Spy Video TRAKR in total darkness, yet see everything in the vehicle’s path on the color screen on their remote. If they’ve installed a motion alarm app, they can park the vehicle in front of a doorway and convert the camera into a sensor that will trigger a siren when someone enters the room. If they’ve created and downloaded a custom app, the vehicle can snap a picture of the person who crosses the threshold, call out “You’re busted little brother, I’ve got a picture of you sneaking into my room,” then squeal its tires and automatically navigate its way back to the driver.

The options for custom programs are as vast and varied as the imaginations of children. The Spy Video TRAKR’s 2.4GHz digital RF transmission, internal processor, full-color LCD, SD Card slot (for recording capabilities), integrated speaker and microphone, and development kit provide kids with the materials to make the toy of their dreams. The Spy Video TRAKR puts toy technology where it belongs, in the hands of children.

The Spy Video TRAKR will have a mass retail price of $120 when it hits store shelves in October 2010.

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Fujisoft Palro Atom-based hobby robot [Video]

Chris Davies — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 16:18:04 +0000

Fujisoft’s Palro isn’t the first robot we’ve seen packing an Intel Atom nettop as a brain, but he’s a little more handsome than Vstone’s rather industrial-looking Robovie-PC. Palro packs an Atom N270 1.6GHz processor, WiFi b/g/n and a 3-megapixel camera, but more interesting are the five microphones used for voice recognition.

Video demo after the cut

Elsewhere there’s a gyro-sensor, a 3-axis accelerometer, eight feet-mounted pressure sensors and a head-mounted distance sensor. Rounding out the hardware specs there’s 1GB of RAM and 4GB of flash storage, along with a USB port, a 2,800 mAh Li-Ion battery and a copy of Ubuntu.

Sales of the Palro robot will kick off on March 15th to research and educational buyers, but Fujisoft are promising a more general release after that so that home hobbyists will be able to pick up their own. You’ll need a reasonably healthy bank account, though; expect to pay the equivalent of around $3,300.

[via CrunchGear]

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Robotic arm for iRobot Create is cool

Shane McGlaun — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 14:00:03 +0000

Geeks and robots go together like peanut butter and jelly and anytime we see some cool DIY robotics, you know we have to point it out. The basis for this robotic project is the iRobot Create and the people behind the project have created a robotic arm that can pick stuff up from the floor and hand it to people without them having to bend down.

Inspirations for the project were a spatula and a dustpan. According to the people from the project, the robotic arm they created was able to pick various items off different floor types 95% of the time. It picked up things like the TV remote, a bottle of pills, and various other things we are apt to drop.

The robot arm was even able to pick up a single pill, which can be hard for some of us to do ourselves. Once the arm pushes the items into the tray, it lifts the items up to the height where a seated person can reach it. The point of the robot is to help the elderly or disabled pick things up from the floor, which can be a huge challenge.

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Plen Android-controlled robot [Video]

Chris Davies — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 12:10:14 +0000

When you’re an android that’s remotely controlled by Android, the puns practically write themselves; happily Plen, the dapper little chap shown here, isn’t quite at that level, as we’d all be out of jobs. Instead, he can be remotely-controlled via a Bluetooth connection with your Android smartphone, walking, dancing and skating.

Video demo after the cut

He’s the handiwork of Akazawa Japan, and has 18 degrees of freedom along with gyro sensors for balance. Standing 228mm tall, Akazawa include a specially-created Android app that allows you to program him.

If you’re feeling flush and you simply have to have Plen yourself, muster up $3,000 and head over to AudioCubes. You’ll have to be reasonably quick, though; only 50 are going to be made in this limited edition, with future Plen production plans based on how well these initial models sell.

[via Android Community]

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Music Bot can name any song

Keffan Dolly — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:35:33 +0000

A robot designed and built at the University of Malaga can tell you the name of any song at all. You can sing it, play it, whistle it or really convey it however you would like, and the robot can tell you the name of the song. Being able to tell you the name of the song is a pretty cool trick but that’s not all it can do: the bot can tell you the gender of a singer and how many participants of each are singing at any given point in the song, together with suggesting music you may also enjoy based on the music it “hears”.

The bot is one of many being developed to to make and manage musical content. In addition to the music bot Malaga researches have a developed a system that uses augmented reality to create a virtual piano or xylophone.

While all of this is pretty nifty it has one very important use, which is teaching children which may not have access to instruments of their own to play the piano. That instrument is usually used to teach children about notes and tempo in the class room, but can be an expensive piece of musical kit for a school to invest in.

[via crave]

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Omnitread Robot: Awesome!

Keffan Dolly — Thu, 31 Dec 2009 22:55:47 +0000

I’m not sure if you have ever woken up in the morning at thought to yourself “I’m going to make a robot that looks like a tapeworm”, I know I sure haven’t. Just because we haven’t had these visions doesn’t mean someone else hasn’t, and in fact they have: researchers at Michigan State University have developed a robotic caterpillar called OmniTread, which can climb, slither and squeeze through almost any obstacle. Just like the humming bird robot we covered earlier this week, this bot also has search and rescue in mind.

Not only does this bot look awesome it also functions incredibly well as you can see in the video below. It has tracks on all sides of its sections allowing it to climb up vertical pipes by making an S shape, can squeeze though 4 inch holes or even pick up half of its body to scale tall obstacles.

Right now the bots are still being tested and worked through before they can be declared “complete”. Most of the models shown have in fact been powered by an AC cord, which in a search an rescue situation could prove to be a major hindrance. There is is a battery powered model being tested with a battery life of about 75 minutes.

[via Coolest Gadgets]

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Hummingbird bot could fight crime or save lives

Keffan Dolly — Wed, 30 Dec 2009 03:12:21 +0000

Years ago if you were to tell a friend about micro humming bird bots I am quite certain you would be written off as a sci fi geek with an over active imagination. And perhaps that imagion is what spurred the research which led to the development of a tiny robotic hummingbird. At 4 inches long this micro air vehicle or MAV can be in the air for up to 6 minutes while beating its four tiny wings at an astonishing 30 times per second. Which is in the same range as a real hummingbird!

It is controlled by infrared sensors which give the tiny bot directions to move up, down or side to side.

Engineering professor Hiroshi Liu says the ornithopter was designed and developed using bio mechanical simulation models on a super computer, leading to better optimization of the wing shape resulting in overall better performance. There are plans to to equip it with a tiny video camera, which would put it in the same category as other micro air vehicles such as the DelFly Micro.

These bots have a huge number of applications. Everything from search and rescue in in collapsed buildings and urban areas, to tracking a person or animal through the city or over open terrain.

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ASUS EeeBot Android-based educational robot in development

Chris Davies — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 11:58:42 +0000

ASUS’ Eee range continues to proliferate, and the next addition to the line-up could be robotics. The company is involved in a scheme partly funded by the Taiwanese government that aims to promote Android, and will produce a so-called EeeBot affordable robot intended for children and families. ASUS will develop “content and services” surrounding the robot, which will apparently subsidize the initial hardware costs; that presumably means advertizing or a monthly subscription fee.

Full details of the EeeBot’s capabilities are unknown at present, but it’s expected to include elements of human-robot interaction, voice and visual technologies, positioning and navigation. We’re thinking Eee PC on wheels, perhaps a little like the RoBe:do modular ‘bot platform. ASUS apparently expect to launch the first EeeBot devices in two years time.

[via Engadget]

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E Ink remote control for Rovio demo’d [Video]

Chris Davies — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 10:06:20 +0000

The image isn’t especially clear, we know, but you’re looking at a WowWee Rovio robot webcam being remotely operated by a flexible E Ink controller. It’s the handiwork of the ASU Flexible Display Center, who took E Ink’s AM300 development kit and used it for two-way communication with the Rovio. Not only can the robot be navigated, its camera feed is shown on the E Ink panel.

Video demo after the cut

Considering e-paper’s inherent page refresh issues, we’re impressed by how smooth the webcam feed updates. It looks like the ASU team have picked E Ink’s Wacom pen-enabled version, which adds in an active digitizer – you can see the stylus in use in the video below – which is used to control general movement as well as the Rovio’s articulated “neck”

Is there a point to all this? Arguably no, but we’re hoping someone over at the nookDev team spots this and decides it would make an excellent next hack for Barnes & Noble’s Android-based nook ebook reader. There’s already a Rovio remote-control app for Android, and we reckon it would be pretty cool to whip out your nook – whether hooked up via AT&T 3G or WiFi – and get a sneaky view of what’s going on back at home.

[via E-Ink-Info]

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LG RoboKing and Neato XV-11 robo-vacuums take on Roomba

Chris Davies — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:37:44 +0000

It’s obviously the day for robotic vacuum cleaners, because along come two new models hoping to suck the crown from the Roomba’s head. On the left is the LG RoboKing while on the right is the Neato XV-11; both promise better navigation technology, with the RoboKing packing twin cameras to map out the area, while the XV-11 uses 360-degree laser mapping to build up a picture of what’s surrounding it.

The Neato can “see” up to 4m around itself, while the RoboKing uses its cameras to gauge whether it can shuffle underneath objects or if it needs to go around them. LG have also worked hard to bring the noise down: it puts out just 50dB.

LG reckon the RoboKing is 30-percent faster than its predecessor, while Neato aren’t quoting speed but do reckon their “true vacuum” system will – over time – leave your carpets cleaner than if you pushed a vacuum over them yourself. The Neato XV-11 will go on sale in February 2010, priced at $399, while the LG RoboKing hasn’t yet been priced.

[via UberGizmo and via Akihabara News]

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Giger DIY $10k walking robot [Video]

Chris Davies — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 14:14:30 +0000

Over at Let’s Make Robots! Tyberius is showing off Giger, his two-foot tall DIY humanoid ‘bot. A roughly 100 hour project so far, Giger runs embedded Linux and has both an integrated camera and WiFi, and apparently cost around $10,000 to build.

Now that might sound like an awful lot – probably because it is an awful lot – but you can blame the pro-quality servos. Tyberius used Dynamixels RX-64 and RX-28 units, which come in at $300 and $200 each, respectively; however unlike cheap servos they put out a whopping 1,000 ounces per inch of torque.

We’re not sure what we like most about Giger: his classic Cylon-style eye, mean looking pincers, or how easily he segues from a butch fighting stance to a reasonably camp wave. Tyberius’ next job is tightening up the dynamic balancing and getting the walking gait more natural; right now Giger looks a little drunk.

Video demo after the cut

[via MAKE]

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Robo Garage Ropid running, jumping ‘bot [Video]

Chris Davies — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 12:53:45 +0000

Japanese robot manufacturer Robo Garage have been demonstrating their latest ‘bot, and what distinguishes the endearing 38cm tall Ropid is its ability to not only run but jump 8cm into the air. Ropid is intended to demonstrate a new leg design, which uses a double-jointed “linkage belt” – each point of which can be independently locked for stability in different movements – paired with four gyro-sensors.

Inside Ropid’s head, meanwhile, there’s a microphone used for voice recognition, though right now it can only recognize around eight words or phrases. Still, it’s enough for basic remote control, and thanks to 29 joints there’s reasonable flexibility and smoothness of movement.

Robo Garage are describing Ropid as a prototype, with no word on a possible release. While robots that can jump up and claw at our faces aren’t good, we can’t imagine this cute little guy as being dangerous. At least, not until the first modder adds razor-sharp claws.

[via CrunchGear]

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Pleo robo-dino back on sale for $349

Chris Davies — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:43:16 +0000

Endearing robo-dino Pleo may have faced a second round of extinction earlier this year, but the autonomous robot has weathered the storm and gone on sale again this week. PleoWorld are offering the dinosaur for $349, with shipping to the US, Canada and the UK, together with those all-important accessories such as replacement battery packs and chargers.

Pleo’s fate was in question after Ugobe, the firm first responsible for the dino-bot, filed for bankruptcy. IP rights for the robot toy were among the assets auctioned off, and Jetta – who were already physically manufacturing Pleo units – acquired them, promising to relaunch the dinosaur together with its accessories.

Your money gets you an autonomously-learning robot packed with touch, infrared and sound sensors, together with a camera and orientation sensor, and which develops from a shy little baby dino to a rambunctious adult. PleoWorld are also offering a number of downloadable Pleo personalities, including games, which can be loaded to the robot via an SD card.

[via RobotsRule - thanks Robert!]

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WowWee RoboRover gets reviewed: cheap & cheerful [Video]

Chris Davies — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 09:27:08 +0000

While we’d love to say this is SlashGear’s new intern, in actual fact it’s a shot from the first review we’ve seen of WowWee’s RoboRover. Announced at the tail-end of September, the RoboRover is WowWee’s first robot to use tank-track style locomotion and, according to RoboCommunity member GWJax, they – together with the IR-based obstacle avoidance system – do a pretty decent job.

Unlike a proper tank, though, they’re not all that suited for clambering over bumps and the like; RoboRover will manage roughly 1-inch obstacles, but anything higher and he’ll likely topple over. Thankfully he’s also able to righten himself from most such incidents, as you can see in the video below.

There are still a few issues (and we’re not keen on the amount of crud the tracks seem to pick up, especially if you have pets or thick carpet) but generally this seems a decent toy ‘bot for the price ($69.99). More videos and photos – plus details of the game modes and other autonomous play – at the full review.

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MIT create autonomous intelligent robot helicopter [Video]

Chris Davies — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 13:27:11 +0000

Obviously blind to the threat of robotic attack from the skies, MIT have developed an indoor helicopter that can not only automatically hover but intelligently navigate through a changing environment. The quad-rotor ‘copter has a laser-scanner and dual-camera array, which can build up a real-time map of its environment and identify small openings such as windows.

Video demo after the cut

That map-creation is integrated with an autonomous exploration module, which allows the robotic helicopter to explore the map, fill in any blind-spots and identify objects or targets. This way, even with no GPS signal the robot can be used for search & observation, such as inside buildings or underground.

It can even do this while being jabbed at by someone with a big wooden stick, as you can see in the video below. The ‘copter was entered into the 2009 International Aerial Robotics Competition – in which vehicles must navigate an unknown environment, fly through a vehicle and then reach, and decipher, a color-coded control panel – and broke a nineteen year record by completing the fifth mission in the first year it was held.

[hat tip to Mike Elgan]

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Activelink Power Loader exoskeleton with force-feedback [Video]

Chris Davies — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 09:07:55 +0000

Perfect for the Sigourney Weaver cosplayers among you, Activelink have unveiled their “Power Loader” exoskeleton. The Japanese Panasonic subsidiary’s “dual-arm power amplification robot” has a full 18 electromagnetic motors which will allow the user to lift 100kg (220lbs) even while wearing a shirt and tie.

Video demo after the cut

There’s also force-feedback, just in case you need to tell exactly how much that Alien Queen is wriggling (or, more likely, how close to the lifting-limit those crates of manga comics are). The exoskeleton itself weighs 230kg and has an aluminum-alloy frame; as well as the motorized arms there are power-legs and feet, too, so you don’t actually have to carry all that weight around yourself.

Activelink expect the Power Loader – which they admit was named after the suit in the Aliens film – to be used in stock management, construction and disaster relief. It should reach the market in 2015.

[via Pink Tentacle]

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WowWee Roborover and Joebot robots revealed

Chris Davies — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 08:28:37 +0000

Earlier this month we were lamenting the dearth of consumer robotics in 2009, and it seems someone at WowWee has heard our cries. The company has released preview information of two upcoming ‘bots, the WowWee Roborover (left) and the WowWee Joebot (right), both with remote-control functionality as well as autonomous modes.

Roborover is the first ‘bot in WowWee’s range to use a tank-track style system, and that allows him to climb over small obstacles rather than falling flat on his face. Either direct remote-control is possible – including a number of preprogrammed games and verbal content – or you can set Roborover to follow you around. The arms and waist aren’t motorized, but are poseable, and the ‘bot’s “personality” develops the more you play with him.

As for Joebot, he’s a walking robot with control either by spoken commands or by tapping his arms as joysticks. Obstacle avoidance is built-in, together with various games and a sentry mode, and you can apparently “shoot” him with any IR remote control.

The Roborover is expected to arrive in October, priced at around $69.99, while the Joebot is $99.99.

[via RoboCommunity]

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OmniZero.9 robot storms to success in Japanese contest [Video]

Chris Davies — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 13:17:38 +0000

While at first glance the OmniZero.9 looks as though it’s rocking the robot equivalent of Joan Collins shoulder-pads, in actual fact they’re the ‘bot’s secret weapon for speedy transport. Capable of transforming from a walking upright robot to a wheeled truck, the OmniZero.9 can also lift and carry a person (as you can see in the video after the cut).

Video demo after the cut

OmniZero.9 is the handiwork of Takeshi Maeda, a notorious Japanese ‘bot builder. More details on the robot in the build-log here, complete with the previous incarnations of OmniZero.

All of that was good enough to win the annual ROBO-ONE competition in Tokyo over the weekend. The competition is for bipedal robots, judged by their ability first to walk and then differentiated by performing other tasks.

[via The Raw Feed]

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Vstone launch Robovi-nano entry level ‘bot [Video]

Lynnsie Nguyen — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 14:04:57 +0000

Compared to 2008, we’ve had something of a dry spell this year when it comes to consumer robotics. Japanese firm Vstone aren’t exactly attempting to remedy this – their target is the prosumer or education market – but we’re still embracing their Robovie-nano ‘bot with open arms.

Video demo after the cut

The 23cm tall robot has 15 moveable joints, including shoulders, elbows, knees and neck, and integrated speakers for audio feedback. There’s also a range of optional extras, including gripping claw-hands and colored body panels, but out of the box the Robovie-nano is capable of walking and being programmed for autonomous motions.

A motion-control app, RobovieMaker2, can be used to set up patterns and routines. On sale in Japan now, the Robovi-nano is priced at 49,350 yen (including tax; $541) putting him into the home enthusiast realm, certainly, though probably not much competition for WowWee’s robots.

[via DesignBoom]

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KDDI iida Polaris robot concept [Video]

Chris Davies — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 10:59:23 +0000

Firmly convincing us that the Japanese get not only the best toys but the best concepts too, this collaboration between carrier KDDI and Flower Robotics – the iida Polaris – has just drooling with envy. Currently just a prototype – with “commercialization yet to be determined” – the iida Polaris has at its core a touchscreen cellphone which docks into a mobile robot “suit”.

Video demo after the cut

The idea is that the robot works as a straightforward dock when it comes to watching media on a larger display, but can also help as your constant companion. For instance, iida Polaris can track your physical condition and make exercise suggestions and new recipes, building up a history of your routines and calling for help should you deviate too greatly from them (for instance if an elderly person collapses).

Unfortunately, as we said the iida Polaris is just a concept right now, and there’s no promise that this Rolly-with-a-conscience will ever trundle from shelves. Check out the video below for more details.

[via CrunchGear]

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Nokia N900 controls Meccano robot [Video]

Chris Davies — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 08:57:09 +0000

There’s a lot to like about the Nokia N900 already, but integration with Meccano’s robotics kits is the icing on the cake. Unfortunately this isn’t an official app, but the handiwork of one of the Maemo open-source advocates at Nokia, who can now be followed around his house with the robot and N900 playing music.

Video demo after the cut

There are no details as to how it was all put together, but we’re hoping that a tutorial will be forthcoming once the N900 hits shelves. That’s promised for October, so not long to wait.

You can find our hands-on video with the N900 here, together with more details about Maemo here.

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Dasarobot Genibo dog-bot gets new video demo

Chris Davies — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 09:04:26 +0000

The demise of Sony’s Aibo has left a big niche in the not-especially-useful robotic dog market, and that’s a niche that Korean firm Dasarobot intends to fill. Their Genibo dog is already available from mainstream retailers in the country, and judging by the video demo after the cut he’s capable of walking, flashing his tail and flailing his limbs.

Video demo after the cut

The new ‘bot seems to be an update on an earlier 2005 design, already available in Korea, which is described as “mischievous and charming”. As with Aibo, it seems that there are various touch sensors which are used to interact with the dog.

Full specifications of the latest model are unknown, but it does look to include wireless networking and be programmable as well as have autonomous modes. Dasarobot sell the Genibo robot itself for the equivalent of $1,211, and offer a wireless router and programming CD kit for a further $121.

[via AVING]

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Sega Toys’ Yume Neko “Dream Cat” Venus: Robo-kitty gets an upgrade

Chris Davies — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 13:01:27 +0000

Long-time readers may remember Sega Toys’ robotic cat that stole my heart, Yume Neko Smile; now the company is back with an upgraded version [pdf link] of the electronic-kitty. Yume Neko “Dream Cat” Venus is a life-sized Norwegian Forest Cat, with more possible movement than the original Smile version together with the ability to respond to your voice.

Well, I say ”respond”; apparently Sega Toys worked Tohoku University’s Institute of Development, Aging and Cancer in Northern Japan to make sure Yume Neko Venus responds appropriately to touch or vocal prompts. If, for instance, you say “there there” in Japanese, she’ll purr at you.

Movements, meanwhile, include laying down, reaction to touch from a number of hidden sensors, reaction to light from a hidden forehead photo-receptor, and the ability to move her paws around. She measures 490 x 240 x 230 mm and comes, like the original, with a plastic comb for grooming. Japanese buyers will be able to pick up Yume Neko “Dream Cat” Venus on July 30th, priced at the equivalent of around $110; the rest of us will have to wait for importers to get their act together.

[via CrunchGear]

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Bandai 20-inch R/C Mecha Godzilla: all your robot monster dreams come true

Chris Davies — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 15:28:03 +0000

Sometimes, something comes along and simply unlocks a great chasm of “want” inside of you: this, friends, is one of those times. Bandai have created a 20-inch, remote controlled Mecha Godzilla, complete with full motion control, flashing lights and an authentically blood-curdling screech-roar.

Video after the cut

Features include walking, arm control, various lighting affects and an Exorcist-style head-spinning move complete with blue-lit eyes. The chest plate opens and the hands spin around; even the remote control itself, which you can see periodically through the video, is awesome.

The travesty of justice is, though, that Bandai are sold out of their Mecha Godzillas. In one sense, that’s a good thing – $870 is more than I can afford to spend on a toy, though I doubt I could’ve really resisted – but in another, more primitive sense it’s just plain awful. More, please, Bandai, and next time make it even bigger!

[via DVICE]

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DIY Transformer Robot [Video]

Chris Davies — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 11:27:43 +0000

As awesome robot projects go, this DIY transforming ‘bot takes some beating. Apparently created for a robotics class by “Kevmag 2000″, the roughly 12-inch high robot can go from a motorized truck to an upright, walking ‘bot in seconds.

Video after the cut

It can also right itself should it be toppled over (either accidentally or on purpose), flipping its legs around until it’s lying on its front and then pushing itself up with its arms. Those arms flip around and backward to move out of the way while in truck mode.

We’re guessing that the robot is at least partially controlled via the laptop you can also see on the table. We’d love to know more about the robot and what went into making it, so if you know of any links to a build-log or similar, leave them in the comments.

[via MAKE]

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Hina coffee-making robot stars in hit video

Chris Davies — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 13:57:57 +0000

If you ever needed proof that the Japanese love their robots, then the viewing figures for this video of Hina should convince you. Already racking up over 100,000 views in just 24 hours, the clip shows Hina making a cup of coffee – including measuring out the beans, grinding them, adding the water and even pouring it.

Video after the cut

Hina stands 36cm tall and has 21 degrees of freedom, two gyroscopes and an acceleration sensor. Her antenna are actually the swinging pig-tails you see in the video. It’s not entirely clear whether these were pre-programmed movements or done in real-time – a modified SEGA Saturn twin-stick controller is used – but either way, it’s impressive.

A copy of the video (embedded below) has been viewed more than 100,000 times on Japanese portal Nico Nico Douga. It’s brilliant stuff, and I now know what I want for Christmas.

[via CrunchGear]

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AndRovio: remote control Rovio from your Android phone

Chris Davies — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 10:18:58 +0000

If the thought of remotely controlling you Rovio robot webcam from a cellphone is appealing, but you don’t have a BlackBerry, then AndRovio may be the solution. Poignant Projects’ app runs on Android devices, and allows full control of Rovio including live webcam viewing, camera position control and snapshots.

As well as moving the Rovio around your home or office from wherever you have an internet connection, you’re also able to adjust the height of the webcam-neck, turn on or off the robot’s lights and set home points. There are also on-screen warnings should the WowWee robot’s IR obstacle detector spot anything in the way, plus you can capture snapshots from the camera and turn on a low-light mode.

A 3G connection is preferred, but AndRovio will work over EDGE if that’s all you’ve got. AndRovio is currently available to download through the Android Application Market, direct to your smartphone, priced at $0.99. More screenshots here.

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