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‘Robotics’ 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

Google driverless cars still require double drivers

, May 8th 2012 Discuss [7]

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

, 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

Robotic legs to help woman run London Marathon

, Apr 21st 2012 Discuss [3]

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

, Apr 18th 2012 Discuss [5]

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

, Apr 14th 2012 Discuss [17]

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

, 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

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

Galileo robotic iPhone stand shipping in June

, Apr 5th 2012 Discuss [0]

The makers of the Joby Gorillapod may have another hit on their hands with a robotic iPhone platform called the Galileo. Under a new venture called Motrr, JoeBen Bevirt and Josh Guyot are the brains behind the Galileo, which has already received $400,000 in Kickstarter funding, surpassing its $100,000 goal, and is now getting ready to ship in June. Read The Full Story

Drexel University students create robotic Beatles band

, Apr 4th 2012 Discuss [2]

If you ever wondered what classic Beatles tunes would sound like if they were played by entities that show no human emotion, you could always just listen to Paul McCartney. Nah, but seriously, a group of students at Drexel University's Music and Entertainment Technology Lab (MET-lab) have created an autonomous group of robots that can not only play instruments in time to a musical score but can also sing in synthesized English speech. 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
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