TU Darmstadt develops hopeful Aibo successor

It's no secret that robotic pets can bark right alongside the real deals, but unfortunately for those hoping to adopt an Aibo, the pickin's are indeed slim. While details on this one are admittedly scant, a photograph of a robotic dog prototype reportedly displays the brainchild of scientists at TU Darmstadt in Germany. The team had been working on said creation for six months prior to now, and is finally ready to present the pup to a "special audience" in a robot competition in Atlanta next week. Unfortunately, we've received no word on whether or not this canine is actually being bred for the mainstream, but we'll be sure to let you know if any litters crop up.

[Via TheRawFeed]

[t-bone @ Jun 30th 2007 2:45PM]

I want a cyclops puppy!

[Prasand J. @ Jun 30th 2007 3:32PM]

If they are brought mainstream it would be nice to have them seek the owner upon a new email or newsfeed update (notifying by bark), and having the option to TTS read the mail or news item. It'll can be a play on "bringing the newspaper". Though that's wishful thinking I imagine. Besides, if their strides are as short as the aibo, it would take them forever to get around a large house to be able to find said owner, lol.

Are there any gadgets that will notify and read on new mail / news items? (be them stationary or not)

[pauly @ Jun 30th 2007 6:46PM]

Yes, try the smart rabbit Nabaztag.

http://www.nabaztag.com/en/index.html

[Prasand J. @ Jun 30th 2007 8:26PM]

OOoooh I like, and will get two. Thanks, much appreciated.

[MacBoi @ Jun 30th 2007 3:48PM]

Does it work or sync with the iPhone?

[Robert Black @ Jun 30th 2007 5:26PM]

I don't understand what this device is doing on Engadget .... how does it attach to an iPhone?