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
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
Autonomous, intelligent robots are great, but when they look like classic Transformers characters they’re even better. The handiwork of Mellon University’s Tekkotsu lab, the Chiara Robot has six independent legs, a claw arm with six degrees of freedom, and a combination of webcam and IR rangefinder for spotting objects and obstacles. Even better, this is no simple lab project: the Chiara Robot will actually be manufactured and sold by RoPro Design.
Video demos after the cut
Robotics platform manufacturer RoBe:Do Robotics have added a third model to their range of netbook-powered ‘bots, the Three. As with the previous two platforms, the Three is a modular chassis which uses a USB-connected motor controller; the buyer slaps their laptop or netbook onto the deck, and it acts as the Three’s brain.
Intellectual property for the Pleo robotic dinosaur was tipped to be hot stuff when creator company Ugobe filed for bankruptcy, and that seems to have turned out to be true. Jetta Company Ltd have acquired not only the IP and assets from Ugobe’s bankruptcy sale on May 21st, but since they’re already the company responsible for physically manufacturing Pleo they’re apparently set to resume production imminently.
SlashGear Japan
