Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[3D mapping drone fires lasers from a mile away (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/3d-mapping-drone-fires-off-lasers-from-a-mile-away-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/3d-mapping-drone-fires-off-lasers-from-a-mile-away-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/3d-mapping-drone-fires-off-lasers-from-a-mile-away-video/#comments The MIT Technology Review has unearthed a new laser-based 3D mapping robot that can produce results similar to those obtained from $100,000 systems at about a fifth of the cost. Funded by the US Army, researchers at the Stevens Institute of Technology have now demonstrated the Remotely Operated and Autonomous Mapping System (ROAMS, for short), which employs a mirror-based LIDAR system that bounces a laser off a rapidly rotating mirror and gleans environmental information from how long it takes for each pulse to bounce back. An array of video cameras and IR proximity sensors add to this recon bot's sentience, though you'll still need to be within a mile's range to operate it. So not quite yet ready for solo missions to Mars, but plenty useful for gathering data on our own planet. You'll find video and imagery of the results this machine kicks out after the break.

Continue reading 3D mapping drone fires lasers from a mile away (video)

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3D mapping drone fires lasers from a mile away (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 06:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d3d map3d mapping3dMap3dMappingarmyinfraredirlaserlasersLIDARmapmappingmit technology reviewMitTechnologyReviewproximity sensorProximitySensorreconreconnaissanceremotely operated and autonomous mapping systemRemotelyOperatedAndAutonomousMappingSystemroamsrobotroboticsrobotsstevens institute of technologyStevensInstituteOfTechnologyus armyUsArmyWed, 18 Nov 2009 06:40:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY Robolamps are part lamp, part robot, all awesome]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/diy-robolamps-are-part-lamp-part-robot-all-awesome/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/diy-robolamps-are-part-lamp-part-robot-all-awesome/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/18/diy-robolamps-are-part-lamp-part-robot-all-awesome/#comments While we're mostly concerned with covering the latest in gadgets and technology, there's occasionally some humble creations that spend months building up enough stream to finally break into the public's consciousness, and we'd be remiss if we didn't take notice. One such piece of magic is the Robolamp series of, well, robot lamps that Robert Matysiak has been working on for the past two years, and looks to have recently gone all out with in the last few months. As you can see for yourself in the gallery below, those consist of everything from some fairly recognizable lamp-shaped devices to more elaborate "robots" that can apparently be repositioned and accessorized. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Matysiak is quite ready to part with them just yet, but he is looking for a place to exhibit the designs if there happens to be any adventuresome gallery owners out there.

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DIY Robolamps are part lamp, part robot, all awesome originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Nov 2009 00:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>awesomediyhomebrewlamplampslightingrobert matysiakRobertMatysiakrobolamprobolampsWed, 18 Nov 2009 00:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Walky robot understands iPhone gestures, football fanaticism (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/walky-robot-understands-iphone-gestures-football-fanaticism-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/walky-robot-understands-iphone-gestures-football-fanaticism-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/17/walky-robot-understands-iphone-gestures-football-fanaticism-vi/#comments Hey there sailor, we imagine you've been doing your fair share of button mashing what with a certain new bit of software out and about, but how would you like a whole new control paradigm? Taking up Steve Jobs' war on buttons, a group of grad students at Japan's Keio University have put together a comprehensive robot control interface that relies solely on finger swipes, taps, and presses. By employing the iPhone's built-in accelerometer and multitouch screen, the robot can replicate a humanistic walking motion, perform sidesteps and, when called upon, kick a football with gusto and presumed passion. Your destination is just past the break, where the video demo awaits.

Continue reading Walky robot understands iPhone gestures, football fanaticism (video)

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Walky robot understands iPhone gestures, football fanaticism (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 17 Nov 2009 04:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>accelerometerapplebipedalcontrolcontrollercontrolsgestureshumanistichumanoidiphonejapankeio universityKeioUniversitymultitouchrobotrobotstokyotouchscreenvideowalkingwalking robotWalkingRobotTue, 17 Nov 2009 04:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Swarm robot project sounds ominous, uses open source]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/swarm-robot-project-sounds-ominous-uses-open-source/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/swarm-robot-project-sounds-ominous-uses-open-source/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/16/swarm-robot-project-sounds-ominous-uses-open-source/#comments Why would you want to build a 100-strong swarm of mini robots? Well, aside from having them as your minions, you might be able to learn about "artificial self-organization," and "control in large robotic groups," which should come in useful during the inevitable robot insurrection. The swarm robot project, undertaken by the Universities of Stuttgart and Karlsruhe in Germany, aims to produce mini drones that can communicate with one another to avoid collisions, while keeping to a volume of less than three centimeters cubed. Built using open source software and hardware (full list of components is available under the GPL), the latest prototype, titled Jasmine III, achieves those goals while also being able to run "perpetually" thanks to a wireless charging platform. You can see it in close-up after the break, or hit the read link for all the geeky details.

Continue reading Swarm robot project sounds ominous, uses open source

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Swarm robot project sounds ominous, uses open source originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 16 Nov 2009 10:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>germanygpljasmine iiiJasmineIiikarlsruhemini robotmini robotsMiniRobotMiniRobotsrobotrobotsstuttgartswarmswarm robotsSwarmRobotsuniversity of karlsruheuniversity of stuttgartUniversityOfKarlsruheUniversityOfStuttgartwireless chargingwireless powerWirelessChargingWirelessPowerMon, 16 Nov 2009 10:44:00 EST<![CDATA[KAIST's HUBO shows off some newfound dexterity, hides emotions behind ill-fitting motorcycle helmet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/15/kaists-hubo-shows-off-some-newfound-dexterity-hides-emotions-b/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/15/kaists-hubo-shows-off-some-newfound-dexterity-hides-emotions-b/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/15/kaists-hubo-shows-off-some-newfound-dexterity-hides-emotions-b/#comments Sometimes when we see the seemingly slow advance of Honda's ASIMO, the inherent limitations of WowWee toys, or the purposefully limited one-off research projects of universities, we start to give up hope of being super best pals with a humanoid robot this century; hope of partaking in whimsical 80s movie hijinks, hand-in-metal-hand. This little video of the Korean Institute of Advanced Science and Technology's recent advances on its HUBO project therefore serves as a bit of a "hope refresher," allowing us to once again re-imagine those aforementioned scenes of whimsy with a metallic bot that can handle a sword and walk at an almost-useful pace, while inexplicably wearing a smallish, visored helmet. Sure, there's a long way to go, but we'd just like to say that when the robot apocalypse doesn't happen and we realize how much we really have in common with these machines we've built to look like us, that somewhere in late 2009 this video helped us keep on believing.

Continue reading KAIST's HUBO shows off some newfound dexterity, hides emotions behind ill-fitting motorcycle helmet

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KAIST's HUBO shows off some newfound dexterity, hides emotions behind ill-fitting motorcycle helmet originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 15 Nov 2009 01:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>hubohumanoidkaistrobottai chiTaiChiSun, 15 Nov 2009 01:29:00 EST<![CDATA[NSF backs development of laser-guided robot wheelchairs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/nsf-backs-development-of-laser-guided-robot-wheelchairs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/nsf-backs-development-of-laser-guided-robot-wheelchairs/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/10/nsf-backs-development-of-laser-guided-robot-wheelchairs/#comments
It's been well over a year since we last saw the laser-guided, self-docking wheelchair developed by folks at Lehigh University, and now the team is back with an altogether more ambitious project. According to associate professor John Spletzer, the recipient of a five-year CAREER Award from the National Science Foundation, the goal is to "extend the autonomy of the wheelchair so it can navigate completely in an urban setting and take you wherever you need to go." This will be done by equipping robotic chairs with laser and camera sensors (which the team developed for the 2007 DARPA Grand Challenge) as well as exhaustive, Google Street View-esque maps of the city where they will be operating. Of course, these guys will be operating in a busy urban environment, so in addition to large-scale 3D maps, they must be equipped with motion planning features for operating in dense crowds and a changing environment. It's too soon yet to say when these things might become available commercially, but if you're a resident of the Good Shepherd Rehabilitation Hospital in Allentown, PA, you might have your chance to test one soon enough.

[Via PhysOrg]

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NSF backs development of laser-guided robot wheelchairs originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atrsautonomousdarpahealthJohn SpletzerJohnSpletzerlaserLehighlehigh universityLehighUniversitymedicalmobilitynsfPhiladelphiaresearchrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypseroboticssafetyscienceuniversityVADERwheelchairTue, 10 Nov 2009 15:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Autonomous Roombas do Pac-Man right (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/autonomous-roombas-do-pac-man-right-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/autonomous-roombas-do-pac-man-right-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/autonomous-roombas-do-pac-man-right-video/#commentsAutonomous Roombas do Pac-Man right (video) We've seen mixtures of Roomba and Pac-Man before, but nothing like this. A team of developers have hacked five floor-cleaning bots to create a sort of OCD version of the game, with the Pac-Man bot sucking up little white rectangles whilst being chased by robot incarnations of Inky, Pinky, Blinky, and Clyde. But, when the Pac-Man vacuum finds a power pellet those ghostly rovers turn blue and start fleeing. The tech is supposed to be a demonstration of the developers' Unmanned Aerial System suite, designed for guidance of airborne vehicles, but we're too busy geeking out to care about potential real-world applications of this tech. Video below.

Continue reading Autonomous Roombas do Pac-Man right (video)

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Autonomous Roombas do Pac-Man right (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 08:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousgamehackpac-manrobotroombaMon, 09 Nov 2009 08:13:00 EST<![CDATA[LaserMotive finally wins NASA's Elevator:2010 Beam Power Challenge, climbs at 3.9 meters/second (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/lasermotive-finally-wins-nasas-elevator-2010-beam-power-challen/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/lasermotive-finally-wins-nasas-elevator-2010-beam-power-challen/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/09/lasermotive-finally-wins-nasas-elevator-2010-beam-power-challen/#commentsLaserMotive finally wins NASA's Space Elevator:2010 Beam Power Challenge, climbs at 3.9 meters/second NASA has been trying to find someone that could meet its rigorous Space Elevator demands since 2005 and, after some notable failures, we finally have a winner. A company called LaserMotive has won the Beam Power Challenge, tasked with creating a laser-powered robot able to lift a weight on a cable at a speed of greater than two meters per second. LaserMotive's bot nearly doubled that, managing 3.9 meters per second in one test. It was the only competitor to beat the requirement, meaning it gets the full $900,000 prize, and if anyone ever gets around to winning the Tether Challenge we might just be able to get somewhere. Nausea-inducing test video is embedded below.

Continue reading LaserMotive finally wins NASA's Elevator:2010 Beam Power Challenge, climbs at 3.9 meters/second (video)

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LaserMotive finally wins NASA's Elevator:2010 Beam Power Challenge, climbs at 3.9 meters/second (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beam powerbeam power challengeBeamPowerBeamPowerChallengeelevator:2010laserlaser powerlasermotiveLaserPowernasaspace elevatorSpaceElevatorMon, 09 Nov 2009 06:43:00 EST<![CDATA[iRobot creates new business unit for healthcare robotics]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/irobot-creates-new-business-unit-for-healthcare-robotics/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/irobot-creates-new-business-unit-for-healthcare-robotics/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/05/irobot-creates-new-business-unit-for-healthcare-robotics/#commentsWell, it doesn't have a Roomba that will check up on your vitals just yet, but it looks like iRobot is betting on healthcare robotics in a fairly big way, with it taking advantage of the recent TEDMED conference to announce that it's forming a new business unit focused solely on the still burgeoning industry. That unit will be headed up by Tod Loofbourrow, who says that he believes the business "has the potential to make a significant difference in the field of healthcare," and adds that he thinks "the long-term potential of robotics to extend independent living is profound." While he's just as light on specifics, iRobot CEO Colin Angle is no less ambitious about the company's goals, saying that iRobot's "healthcare mission is add a million years of independent living to our customers." And in case you're wondering, the image at right isn't an iRobot robot, but it is all too real.

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iRobot creates new business unit for healthcare robotics originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>healthcarehealthcare robothealthcare roboticshealthcare robotsHealthcareRobotHealthcareRoboticsHealthcareRobotsirobotmedial robotsMedialRobotsmedicalmedical robotMedicalRobotrobotrobotstod loofburrowTodLoofburrowThu, 05 Nov 2009 21:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Robovie rescue bot hunts high and low for lost princesses (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/robovie-rescue-bot-hunts-high-and-low-for-lost-princesses-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/robovie-rescue-bot-hunts-high-and-low-for-lost-princesses-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/03/robovie-rescue-bot-hunts-high-and-low-for-lost-princesses-video/#comments If you've been feeling blue because you haven't got enough green to keep the old bank account in the black, we've got just the tonic for you, dear friend. There's nothing that gets us all perked up and cheerful quite like an adorable humanoid robot negotiating an obstacle course in the performance of a rescue mission. In fact, if you layer on your own "save the princess" narrative atop the on-screen events, the pep in your step should be back in no time. The smile-inducing video can be found after the break.

Continue reading Robovie rescue bot hunts high and low for lost princesses (video)

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Robovie rescue bot hunts high and low for lost princesses (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artificial intelligenceArtificialIntelligencebotdronehumanoidjapanobstacle courseObstacleCourseobstaclesosakarescuerescue botrescue robotRescueBotRescueRobotrobotroboticsrobotsrobovievideoTue, 03 Nov 2009 09:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Schools of robotic fish to collect data, stomp out human threat]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/schools-of-robotic-fish-to-collect-data-stomp-out-human-threat/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/schools-of-robotic-fish-to-collect-data-stomp-out-human-threat/http://www.engadget.com/2009/11/02/schools-of-robotic-fish-to-collect-data-stomp-out-human-threat/#comments Robotic fish. The phrase alone sends shivers of excitement down our collective spines here at Engadget. Undoubtedly, Michigan State University assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering Xiaobo Tan feels similarly, as he has designs on creating an army of them. The researcher has developed a prototype of a droid fish intended to be used to collect data from various bodies of water. The fish will be especially effective in monitoring conditions over long periods of time; swimming in a manner similar to that of their organic counterparts, thus giving scientists a clearer view of ecosystem changes. Elena Litchman, an assistant professor of zoology at MSU working with Tan says, "With these patrolling fish we will be able to obtain information at an unprecedentedly high spatial and temporal resolution." To recreate realistic movement, Tan has constructed fins built from electro-active polymers, which bend when voltage is applied, mimicking muscle tissue. Tan also envisions a version of the robots with infrared sensors used as "eyes," and other variations with small, deadly lasers mounted on their backs, to protect their waterways from careless, polluting humans, who have been deduced as illogical and must be wiped out. We might have made that last part up, but we'll never tell. While you try and figure it out, enjoy a video of one of the protypes in action after the break.

[Via PhysOrg]

Continue reading Schools of robotic fish to collect data, stomp out human threat

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Schools of robotic fish to collect data, stomp out human threat originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 02 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Elena LitchmanElenaLitchmanfishMichigan State UniversityMichiganStateUniversitymsuresearchrobot apocalypserobot fishRobotApocalypseRobotFishrobotic fishRoboticFishXiaobo TanXiaoboTanMon, 02 Nov 2009 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Laziness on the move: robot plays Rock Band on the iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/laziness-on-the-move-robot-plays-rock-band-on-the-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/laziness-on-the-move-robot-plays-rock-band-on-the-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/laziness-on-the-move-robot-plays-rock-band-on-the-iphone/#comments Why confine your nerdy sloth to your living room, where large robots mime fake guitar and serve you sloppy mixed drinks? Take that zest for the sedentary life with you on the road by having one of your robot ninjas steal this iPhone Rock Band robot from its ingenious creator, Joe Bowers. The Arduino-based device uses ambient light sensors to detect the falling notes and then taps out the music with some conductive foam attached to some squeaky fake fingers. Joe did a fairly detailed write-up, and even uploaded his code, so there's presumably nothing stopping you from actually doing something with your life and building one of these with all that free time you've saved up by hacking your way through all the console-based guitar games. Video is after the break.

[Via Daily Mobile]

Continue reading Laziness on the move: robot plays Rock Band on the iPhone

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Laziness on the move: robot plays Rock Band on the iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinohackmodrobotrock bandRockBandSat, 31 Oct 2009 19:36:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT's Affective Intelligent Driving Agent is KITT and Clippy's lovechild (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/mits-affective-intelligent-driving-agent-is-kitt-and-clippys-l/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/mits-affective-intelligent-driving-agent-is-kitt-and-clippys-l/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/30/mits-affective-intelligent-driving-agent-is-kitt-and-clippys-l/#comments If we've said it once, we've said it a thousand times, stop trying to make robots into "friendly companions!" MIT must have some hubris stuck in its ears, as its labs are back at it with what looks like Clippy gone 3D, with an extra dash of Knight Rider-inspired personality. What we're talking about here is a dashboard-mounted AI system that collects environmental data, such as local events, traffic and gas stations, and combines it with a careful analysis of your driving habits and style to make helpful suggestions and note points of interest. By careful analysis we mean it snoops on your every move, and by helpful suggestions we mean it probably nags you to death (its own death). Then again, the thing's been designed to communicate with those big Audi eyes, making even our hardened hearts warm just a little. Video after the break.

Gallery: MIT's Affective Intelligent Driving Assistant

Continue reading MIT's Affective Intelligent Driving Agent is KITT and Clippy's lovechild (video)

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MIT's Affective Intelligent Driving Agent is KITT and Clippy's lovechild (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 04:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>affective intelligent driving agentAffectiveIntelligentDrivingAgentaiaidaartificial intelligenceArtificialIntelligenceassistantaudicarclippydrivingdriving assistantDrivingAssistantkittmitmit media labmit senseable city labMitMediaLabMitSenseableCityLabpersonal assistantpersonal robots groupPersonalAssistantPersonalRobotsGrouprobotroboticsvehicleVideoGamevolkswagenFri, 30 Oct 2009 04:48:00 EST<![CDATA[Fuji Heavy Industries outs friendless, autonomous farming robot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/fuji-heavy-industries-outs-friendless-autonomous-farming-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/fuji-heavy-industries-outs-friendless-autonomous-farming-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/29/fuji-heavy-industries-outs-friendless-autonomous-farming-robot/#commentsFuji Heavy Industries in Japan has announced what it's calling 'the first' autonomous farming robot. This bot, which is about six and a half feet long and runs on gas, sends and receives laser signals to orient itself by way of reflective plates placed every 30 feet, using them to judge distances. This bad boy can grow fruits and veggies all by its lonesome, and can even operate in a greenhouse. The farming robot -- which is expected early next year -- will run about $100,000, but we'd suggest you buy two so he can have a buddy.

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Fuji Heavy Industries outs friendless, autonomous farming robot originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 13:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousautonomous robotAutonomousRobotfarmingfarming robotFarmingRobotfoodfood productionFoodProductionfujifuji heavy industriesFujiHeavyIndustriesjapanjapaneselaserlasersrobotrobotsThu, 29 Oct 2009 13:17:00 EST<![CDATA[ROPID the adorable humanoid can jump 3-inches into the air, sweep you off your feet]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/ropid-the-adorable-humanoid-can-jump-3-inches-into-the-air-swee/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/ropid-the-adorable-humanoid-can-jump-3-inches-into-the-air-swee/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/28/ropid-the-adorable-humanoid-can-jump-3-inches-into-the-air-swee/#comments It's been a while since we've seen a humanoid robot this size do anything very new or interesting -- mostly they seem busy with their slow-mo dance moves -- but the new ROPID bot by Tomotaka Takahashi, the man behind Panasonic's Evolta bots, not only has a few new tricks up its plastic sleeves, but has personality to spare. The bot can rotate its upper torso, which seems to help immensely in keeping it balanced while jumping, running and skipping around. It's still the tried-and-true "bent knees" method of balance, but ROPID is "rapid" enough to make it look almost lifelike. The movements are expressive enough, but with some slightly articulated hands and a moving mouth, ROPID ups the adorable-ness factor over some of its nuts and bolts counterparts. ROPID can also respond to a few voice commands and speaks as well. Takahashi designed and built the bot himself, which makes us wonder what we've been doing with our lives that's so-very-important for the past couple of decades. Video of ROPID in action is after the break.

[Via Plastic Pals]

Continue reading ROPID the adorable humanoid can jump 3-inches into the air, sweep you off your feet

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ROPID the adorable humanoid can jump 3-inches into the air, sweep you off your feet originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>humanoidjumpingrobotropidrunningtakahashitomotaka takahashiTomotakaTakahashiWed, 28 Oct 2009 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Nissan and AIST partner up to make foot-sized Segway shoes, enable first tracks all year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/nissan-and-aist-partner-up-to-make-foot-sized-segway-shoes-enab/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/nissan-and-aist-partner-up-to-make-foot-sized-segway-shoes-enab/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/nissan-and-aist-partner-up-to-make-foot-sized-segway-shoes-enab/#comments For the northern half of the world it's almost ski season, and thus a curious time to debut a pair of devices that allow skiing in the summertime. Nevertheless Nissan and Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology are introducing this pair of two-wheeled, self-balancing devices. Lace up your fresh New Balance kicks, grab onto the handlebars, then hop on to go for a ride. Each one detects weight shifts and motors itself in the direction you want to go -- or at least the direction you're leaning. They don't look particularly stable nor safe, but they could enable some sweet concrete hot doggin' in the summertime -- and some sick splits if you don't have your snowplow perfected.

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Nissan and AIST partner up to make foot-sized Segway shoes, enable first tracks all year originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 07:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>advanced industrial science and technologyAdvancedIndustrialScienceAndTechnologyaistjapannissansegwayself-balancingskiski shoesskiingSkiShoesTue, 27 Oct 2009 07:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston Dynamics PETMAN predicts the future of man as pet (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/boston-dynamics-petman-predicts-a-future-of-man-as-pet-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/boston-dynamics-petman-predicts-a-future-of-man-as-pet-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/27/boston-dynamics-petman-predicts-a-future-of-man-as-pet-video/#comments At this stage of its development, PETMAN is here to assist mankind. However, it's clearly fated to be weaponized as an AT-ST walker in support of Imperial ground forces. For the time being anyway, this biped humanoid is being built by Boston Dynamics to test military suits used to protect soldiers in chemical warfare. As an evolutionary advance from its four-legged BigDog platform, PETMAN does the ol' heel-toe at a healthy 3.2 MPH (5.14 KPH) and packs enough balancing intelligence to remain upright even when given a shove from the side. Check out the action after the break.

[Via Make]

Continue reading Boston Dynamics PETMAN predicts the future of man as pet (video)

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Boston Dynamics PETMAN predicts the future of man as pet (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 03:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>at-stbigdogbipedboston dynamicsBostonDynamicshumanoidpetmanrobotwalkwalkerwalkingTue, 27 Oct 2009 03:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Prosthetic, robotic 'Smart Hand' has feelings, too]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/24/prosthetic-robotic-smart-hand-has-feelings-too/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/24/prosthetic-robotic-smart-hand-has-feelings-too/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/24/prosthetic-robotic-smart-hand-has-feelings-too/#comments
Researchers in Italy and Sweden have spent the last ten years developing what they call the "Smart Hand," a prosthetic hand which enables feeling in its fingertips. The hand -- which was recently wired up to a test patient through a surgical procedure -- has four motors and forty sensors which are linked directly to the brain. In the surgery, the nerve endings of the patient were linked up to receptors in the hand, which allows for feeling in the fingertips of the hand, even though the hand is not really a part of his body. In the video after the break, you can see the greater precision and dexterity this hand allows for. Though the research still needs to be refined before practical use, it looks pretty far along -- and pretty awesome -- to us.

Continue reading Prosthetic, robotic 'Smart Hand' has feelings, too

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Prosthetic, robotic 'Smart Hand' has feelings, too originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 12:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>brainhandprosthetic handProstheticHandrobotrobotic handRoboticHandrobotsscienceSat, 24 Oct 2009 12:42:00 EST<![CDATA[Titan the Robot dances, sings, scares the bejeezus out of us (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/titan-the-robot-dances-sings-scares-the-bejeezus-out-of-us-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/titan-the-robot-dances-sings-scares-the-bejeezus-out-of-us-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/22/titan-the-robot-dances-sings-scares-the-bejeezus-out-of-us-vi/#comments
This plays out like the opening scene of an 80s sci-fi film: Eight foot tall robot appears in a shopping mall, sings "What a Wonderful World" and "My Way," dances around a bit to a chorus of oohs and aahs from the audience, launches into a series of silly demo movements, and then... Well, we won't spoil it for you. Let's just say that at eight feet tall (and with tons of menace) we have to wonder if Titan the Robot could be stopped should some sort of cinematic "glitch" should cause him to "freak out" amongst the onlookers at Dubai's GITEX 2009. Like most man-made disasters, this one starts innocently enough: with a show-stopping rendition of a Paul Anka tune. Curious? Peep it after the break. Just make sure you don't get close.

Continue reading Titan the Robot dances, sings, scares the bejeezus out of us (video)

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Titan the Robot dances, sings, scares the bejeezus out of us (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>animatronicdubaigitex 2009Gitex2009robot apocalypseRobotApocalypsetitantitan the robotTitanTheRobotThu, 22 Oct 2009 12:15:00 EST<![CDATA[WowWee Roborover gets friendly with the furniture in our review]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/review-wowwee-roborover-gets-friendly-with-your-furniture/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/review-wowwee-roborover-gets-friendly-with-your-furniture/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/21/review-wowwee-roborover-gets-friendly-with-your-furniture/#comments See that glowing face? Yep, it's the super-enthusiastic Roborover from WowWee. We won't lie: we were a bit stoked by the arrival of this yellow explorer at Engadget's doorstep. Too bad it didn't exactly walk all the way from its warehouse, forcing us to go through the painful procedure of cutting up the tapes and untangling the ties of its shipping box. Five minutes later we've got a 4-pound robot on our hands, and we'd say overall the build quality is an eight out of ten (the cuts on the plastic parts could do with a finer finish) which is pretty good for a toy. You'll be pleased to know that those treads are for real and supported by a third mini roller at the back, but the friendly manual does say, "For indoor use only." Think we'll skip that page, thank you. Now kids, you might need your daddy's screwdrivers and some extra cash to feed the Roborover three "C" size batteries, and another three "AAAs" for the chunky IR remote. All ready to go? Skip along to learn how the Roborover explores the "ancient tombs of your parents' closet."

Gallery: Review: WowWee Roborover gets friendly with your furniture

Continue reading WowWee Roborover gets friendly with the furniture in our review

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WowWee Roborover gets friendly with the furniture in our review originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>explorefeaturesheadlampheadlightlightremote controlremote controlledRemoteControlRemoteControlledreviewroboroverrobotroboticstorchtoytracktractorwowweewowwee roboroverWed, 21 Oct 2009 16:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Robots from ABB perform amazing feats of coordination, prove better conversationalists than your average Fantana (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/robots-from-abb-perform-amazing-feats-of-coordination-prove-bet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/robots-from-abb-perform-amazing-feats-of-coordination-prove-bet/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/20/robots-from-abb-perform-amazing-feats-of-coordination-prove-bet/#commentsRobots from ABB perform amazing feats of coordination, prove better conversationalists than your average Fantana Given the choice of either a stack of hot, steaming pancakes slathered in butter, brown sugar, and maple syrup or a six-pack of Fanta, we know which we'd choose. So, perhaps its proof of robots' continued subservience to man that the offerings from ABB have given up their flapjack-stacking ways to instead dazzle us with feats of object avoidance. Three of the company's bots are able to move in unison at high speed with a precision of less than 1mm, after what's pledged to be a simple programming process. See the mesmerizing movement after the break, then ask yourself: don't you wanna?

Continue reading Robots from ABB perform amazing feats of coordination, prove better conversationalists than your average Fantana (video)

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Robots from ABB perform amazing feats of coordination, prove better conversationalists than your average Fantana (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Oct 2009 08:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abbassembly line robotAssemblyLineRobotfantafantanaprecisionrobotrobot precisionRobotPrecisionTue, 20 Oct 2009 08:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Panasonic serves up latest prototype robots, dish washing servant included (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/18/panasonic-serves-up-latest-prototype-robots-dish-washing-servan/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/18/panasonic-serves-up-latest-prototype-robots-dish-washing-servan/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/18/panasonic-serves-up-latest-prototype-robots-dish-washing-servan/#comments
Keeping those dreams alive by scrubbing dishes at your least favorite eatery? Best put those aspirations on the front burner, as Panasonic's got a mighty fine robot swooping in to take your place -- and for a whole lot less cash, to boot. At Panny's robotics laboratory in Osaka, the company recently showcased its latest gaggle of prototype robots designed to help humans take it easy more often. Among the usual suspects were a porter robot designed to help with heavy lifting, while the star of the show was undoubtedly the dish washing bot that wasn't afraid to get its metallic digits wet and soapy. As expected, an array of integrated sensors kept it from grabbing a wine glass too tightly, and its four fingers enabled it to do most everything a human washer could (sans the kvetching). Have a peek at these guys in action just past the break.

[Via Impress]

Continue reading Panasonic serves up latest prototype robots, dish washing servant included (video)

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Panasonic serves up latest prototype robots, dish washing servant included (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Oct 2009 11:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dishdish washingdishesDishWashinghouseholdhumanoidkitchenpanasonicprototyperobotvideoSun, 18 Oct 2009 11:11:00 EST<![CDATA[MIT takes the wrappers off autonomous, robotic helicopter with intelligent navigation]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/mit-takes-the-wrappers-off-autonomous-robotic-helicopter-with-i/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/mit-takes-the-wrappers-off-autonomous-robotic-helicopter-with-i/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/16/mit-takes-the-wrappers-off-autonomous-robotic-helicopter-with-i/#comments Advances in autonomous helicopters have been many over the years, but as far as we can tell, there's essentially no limit to how awesome they can get. MIT's recently developed an autonomous, robotic helicopter which is also able to navigate itself intelligently through a changing environment. The helicopter, which is equipped with a dual-camera array and a laser scanner, maps its terrain in real time, identifying changes along the way. An integrated autonomous exploration module allows the heli to interact with the changing, unknown environment it is mapping. The helicopter was shown off at the AUVSI 2009 International Aerial Robotics Competition, completing five missions -- a feat not before seen in the 19-year history of the show. Check out the very educational video after the break.

Continue reading MIT takes the wrappers off autonomous, robotic helicopter with intelligent navigation

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MIT takes the wrappers off autonomous, robotic helicopter with intelligent navigation originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Oct 2009 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousautonomous helicopterautonomous vehiclesAutonomousHelicopterAutonomousVehiclesauvsihelicopterhelicoptersrobotrobotsvehiclesFri, 16 Oct 2009 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[iRobot shape-shifting ChemBot is back, and it's bad (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/14/irobot-shape-shifting-chembot-is-back-and-its-bad-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/14/irobot-shape-shifting-chembot-is-back-and-its-bad-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/14/irobot-shape-shifting-chembot-is-back-and-its-bad-video/#comments
As you know, when iRobot isn't hard at work developing some adorable automated vacuum cleaners, it has a quite lucrative sideline in DARPA-funded research projects. On that front, it looks like we finally have some results to report back on that ChemBot project that first appeared on our radar early last year. Unveiled at the International Conference on Intelligent Robots and Systems (IROS) yesterday, this palm-sized troublemaker is being billed as "the first demonstration of a completely soft, mobile robot using jamming as an enabling technology." The "jamming" in question is something called "jamming skin enabled locomotion," which traps air and a collection of loosely packed particles in a package made of silicon rubber. When air is removed from the pocket, the silicon restricts and seems to solidify. The robot consists of several of these pockets, which can be inflated or deflated separately, giving the device the ability to perform simple actions. This is all pretty rudimentary at the moment, but who knows? We may see Flubber in our time, after all. Video after the break.

Continue reading iRobot shape-shifting ChemBot is back, and it's bad (video)

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iRobot shape-shifting ChemBot is back, and it's bad (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Oct 2009 06:23:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>chembotdarpadefenseirobotirosiros 2009Iros2009jamming skin enabled locomotionJammingSkinEnabledLocomotionrobotsWed, 14 Oct 2009 06:23:00 EST<![CDATA['Spider pill' bowel scanner will be ready within a year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/spider-pill-bowel-scanner-will-be-ready-within-a-year/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/spider-pill-bowel-scanner-will-be-ready-within-a-year/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/12/spider-pill-bowel-scanner-will-be-ready-within-a-year/#comments Endoscopy, or the examination of a person's bowels via a tube-mounted camera, is not exactly the most pleasant medical procedure one could undergo. In 2004, we noted the early stages of a project to alleviate the (literal) pain of the procedure with a spider pill, which -- once swallowed by the hopefully willing patient -- can be remotely controlled and positioned inside the human body. Yes, it's a tiny, wirelessly communicating robot with a camera for a head crawling inside you. Hit the read link for the full BBC report, it really is worth seeing, and start your Innerspace jokes ... now!

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'Spider pill' bowel scanner will be ready within a year originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 12 Oct 2009 07:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowelbowel scannerbowelsBowelScannercameraendoscopyhealthinnerspacemedicalmedicinepillportable videoportablevideoremote control cameraRemoteControlCamerarobot pillRobotPillscannerspider pillSpiderPillwirelessMon, 12 Oct 2009 07:29:00 EST<![CDATA[NSF awards Harvard $10 million for robot bees (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/nsf-awards-harvard-10-million-for-robot-bees-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/nsf-awards-harvard-10-million-for-robot-bees-video/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/09/nsf-awards-harvard-10-million-for-robot-bees-video/#comments
When we heard that the National Science Foundation awarded $10 million to Harvard to make a swarm of robot bees, our first thought was: "We could do it for half the price." Then we remembered that the university has been down this path before, including its robot fly program (whatever happened to that thing?) and might be the better choice after all. What does the NSF and Harvard hope to get for all that time and money? Aside from insight into such areas as distributed intelligence, robotic flight, and energy storage, a swarm of these bad boys could be tasked to do anything from battlefield spying to pollination (which might be necessary, with the way that real bees are vanishing at such an alarming rate). The RoboBee project is slated to run for the next five years. Video after the break.

[Via Switched]

Continue reading NSF awards Harvard $10 million for robot bees (video)

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NSF awards Harvard $10 million for robot bees (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Oct 2009 15:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>beebeesharvardinsectmavMicro Air VehiclesMicroAirVehiclesrobobeerobot beeRobotBeerobotic insectRoboticInsectrobotsuniversityFri, 09 Oct 2009 15:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Fire-fighting robots head to South Korea, could face conflicts of interest]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/fire-fighting-robots-head-to-south-korea-could-face-conflict-of/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/fire-fighting-robots-head-to-south-korea-could-face-conflict-of/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/fire-fighting-robots-head-to-south-korea-could-face-conflict-of/#commentsFire fighting robots have been put to work for little to no pay once or twice before, but it seems as if the exception is slowly becoming the rule. Just recently, a smattering of fire stations in Daegu (just south of Seoul, South Korea) enlisted the help of two robotic firefighters to jump into "the center of blazing infernos" if need be. The Fire Spy Robots are fully automated and equipped with wheels, though it should be noted that their help is currently labeled "a trial run." Both of the critters were constructed by Hoya Robot and can be maneuvered via humans watching the surroundings through an onboard camera, and while the company claims that these guys can shake off temperatures as high as 500 degrees Celsius for over an hour, there's no mention of what kind of mental meltdown it would surely have should it arrive to extinguish the work of its cousin.

[Via FarEastGizmos]

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Fire-fighting robots head to South Korea, could face conflicts of interest originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 11:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>firefire fighterfire safetyFireFighterFireSafetyhumanoidkorearobotrobotic fire fighterRoboticFireFightersafetysouth koreaSouthKoreaThu, 08 Oct 2009 11:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Murata Seiko unicycling robot stays upright, wows onlookers at CEATEC (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/murata-seiko-unicycling-robot-stays-upright-wows-onlookers-at-c/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/murata-seiko-unicycling-robot-stays-upright-wows-onlookers-at-c/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/murata-seiko-unicycling-robot-stays-upright-wows-onlookers-at-c/#comments Murata Seiko, the newly improved unicycling robot that we peeked a few weeks ago, was proudly on stage with her bicycling sibling at CEATEC, and we couldn't resist the urge to swing by and see exactly how amazing her balancing skills were. Sure enough, the bot never once teetering or tottered, and while it didn't scoot around for very long, we were still impressed to see it hold itself up with no human intervention. 'Course, we won't really be wowed until she successfully navigates down a few slops on the way to San Francisco's Pier 39, but based on what we saw in Japan, we'd say that she's well on her way. Check the vid after the break if you're scouting a performance.

Gallery: Murata Seiko unicycling robot stays upright, wows onlookers at CEATEC

Continue reading Murata Seiko unicycling robot stays upright, wows onlookers at CEATEC (video)

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Murata Seiko unicycling robot stays upright, wows onlookers at CEATEC (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 04:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>balanceceatecceatec 2009Ceatec2009demoengadget videoEngadgetVideohumanoidmuratamurata girlMurata SeikoMurataGirlMurataSeikorobotunicyclevideoThu, 08 Oct 2009 04:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Yamaha's singing robot quietly trolls, slyly frightens at CEATEC (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/yamahas-singing-robot-quietly-trolls-slyly-frightens-at-ceatec/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/yamahas-singing-robot-quietly-trolls-slyly-frightens-at-ceatec/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/08/yamahas-singing-robot-quietly-trolls-slyly-frightens-at-ceatec/#comments As with most robots that sing, Yamaha's demonstration at CEATEC was nothing short of terrifying. Oh sure, it's sort of impressive that the modified HRP-4C could take requests from a pre-selected list of jams on an iPhone, but after witnessing actual artists perform at Club Quattro in Shibuya, we'd say this chick has aways to go before she's accepted into the blossoming Japan music circuit. Judge for yourself after the break, Simon.

Continue reading Yamaha's singing robot quietly trolls, slyly frightens at CEATEC (video)

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Yamaha's singing robot quietly trolls, slyly frightens at CEATEC (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 08 Oct 2009 03:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ceatecceatec 2009Ceatec2009engadget videoEngadgetVideofeaturedvideofeaturesHRP-4Chumanoidiphonerobotrobot singingRobotSingingsingsingingsinging robotSingingRobotvideoThu, 08 Oct 2009 03:19:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Vstone's Robovie-PC robot gets Intel Atom inside, becomes world's most awesome computer]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/05/video-vstones-robovie-pc-robot-gets-intel-atom-inside-becomes/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/05/video-vstones-robovie-pc-robot-gets-intel-atom-inside-becomes/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/05/video-vstones-robovie-pc-robot-gets-intel-atom-inside-becomes/#commentsVideo: Vstone's Robovie-PC robot gets Intel Atom inside, becomes world's most awesome computer For a robo hobbyist, the process of developing a creation's custom programming can be a chore. Make a change on a computer, connect the bot, download the change, then set the little guy free and wait for him to fall over. When he does, tweak that custom programming, rinse, and repeat. The Robovie-PC from Vstone turns that on its head, with the robot itself becoming the computer. It has a 1.6GHz Atom Z530 processor, dual USB ports, a VGA connector, and even Wi-Fi. There's a 1.3 megapixel camera on its head, which shows a lot of potential in the remote control demonstration vid below. Since the robot is the computer, able to run Windows or Linux, advanced functionality should be much easier to achieve. We're envisioning a little security guard who uploads images directly to the internet, or who taunts cats and takes pictures of their reactions. Naturally, those taunts won't come cheap; the 15-inch tall bot will cost ¥399,999, or about $4,500. That's quite a premium when compared to the company's $540 Robovie-nano announced a few weeks ago, but we think you should go ahead and splurge.

[Via Plastic Pals]

Continue reading Video: Vstone's Robovie-PC robot gets Intel Atom inside, becomes world's most awesome computer

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Video: Vstone's Robovie-PC robot gets Intel Atom inside, becomes world's most awesome computer originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Oct 2009 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Last we saw Nissan's crash-avoiding BR23C robot "car," it was rolling along all by its lonesone, taking cues from the humble bumblebee in order to survive in the wilds of CEATEC Japan. Well, it's almost time for CEATEC yet again, and it looks like Nissan has seen fit to give our robot buddy a new bag of tricks, and a proper name: Eporo. Perhaps the biggest news, however, is that it now models itself on fish, which not only gives it greater peripheral vision (courtesy of a pair of laser range finders) to avoid obstacles, but lets it travel in packs similar to a school of fish. The idea there being that these could one day carry passengers and stick close together to reduce congestion on city streets and, in turn, cut down on the number of accidents.

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Nissan's crash-avoiding robot 'car' gets upgrade, fresh new outlook on life originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 02 Oct 2009 00:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>br23cceatecceatec 2009ceatec japanCeatec2009CeatecJapaneporonissannissan eporoNissanEpororobotrobot carRobotCarFri, 02 Oct 2009 00:03:00 EST<![CDATA[WowWee rolls out Roborover, Joebot robot buddies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/01/wowwee-rolls-out-roborover-joebot-robot-buddies/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/01/wowwee-rolls-out-roborover-joebot-robot-buddies/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/01/wowwee-rolls-out-roborover-joebot-robot-buddies/#comments
WowWee may have some new competition, but it should come as no surprise that it's not about to rest on its laurels this holiday season, and it's now rolled out a pair of new "robot buddies" that it hopes will wind up at the top of plenty of kids' (and some adults') wish lists. First announced way back at CES in January, both the WowWee Roborover and WowWee Joebot are now available to order for $79.99 or $99.99, respectively, or in one of WowWee's usual "mini" versions for a mere $15 apiece. While those latter options are basically action figures, the two full-fledged versions should keep you occupied for a little longer than your average toy robot, with each able to be controlled remotely or operate autonomously, play various games and, in the case of the Roborover, traverse "rough terrain" and "inclines."

Read - WowWee Roborover
Read - WowWee Joebot

[Via SlashGear]

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WowWee rolls out Roborover, Joebot robot buddies originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 05:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>joebotroboroverrobotrobot toyRobotToytoytoy robotToyRobotwowweewowwee joebotwowwee roboroverWowweeJoebotWowweeRoboroverThu, 01 Oct 2009 05:29:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Power Loader has giant freaking robot arms!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/01/video-power-loader-has-giant-freaking-robot-arms/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/01/video-power-loader-has-giant-freaking-robot-arms/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/01/video-power-loader-has-giant-freaking-robot-arms/#comments We've seen our fair share of useful but ugly and pretty but pointless robotic concoctions, but nothing quite like this. The Power Loader suit, which was directly inspired by the mech outfits in Aliens, is in our humble opinion an exoskeleton done right. With two massive protruding arms, capable of lifting 220 pounds without a sweat, direct force feedback for intuitive control, and even powered legs, we're inclined to believe what we're seeing here is a tiny glimpse of the awesome mech-dominated future we've been waiting so long for. Also known as the Dual-Arm Power Amplification Robot, this is produced by Activelink, a Panasonic subsidiary, and you might be shocked to discover that there are plans afoot to commercialize it by 2015. Entrancing video after the break.

Continue reading Video: Power Loader has giant freaking robot arms!

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Video: Power Loader has giant freaking robot arms! originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Oct 2009 04:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fido conked out for the evening? Your youngster not really into "playing catch" at age 14? Enter TOTO -- a brilliant robotic contraption conceived at Reinhold-Würth University -- that can absolutely act as a suitable replacement. Short for Tracking of Thrown Objects, the camera-equipped system views and tracks incoming objects, and once said object is within catching range, it clamps down in order to grab hold. Eventually, the inventors would love to see the machine have an impact within a manufacturing facility, but considering just how effective conveyor belts have been over the past few scores, we'd say it has its work cut out for it. Video's after the break, and it's worth checking out.

[Via PlasticPals]

Continue reading Video: TOTO robot catches tennis balls, hopes for a deeper purpose in life

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Video: TOTO robot catches tennis balls, hopes for a deeper purpose in life originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 10:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automatedcatchcatchingReinhold-WrthReinhold-Wrth UniversityReinhold-wrthUniversityrobotsensorsensorssportsportstennistototrackingtransportuniversityvideoWed, 30 Sep 2009 10:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: ABB FlexPicker replaces human pancake pickers with amazing effect]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/video-abb-flexpicker-replaces-human-pancake-pickers-with-amazin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/video-abb-flexpicker-replaces-human-pancake-pickers-with-amazin/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/30/video-abb-flexpicker-replaces-human-pancake-pickers-with-amazin/#comments Mmm, pancakes. While moms might be responsible for giving us our first taste, it's the humble robot that makes these golden-brown discs of battered splendor available for mass market binging. A promotional video from ABB Robotics shows how its FlexPicker robots installed at a HoneyTop foods facility can accelerate production while simultaneously improving hygienic conditions. Four gigabit Ethernet cameras are mounted in front of each robot to locate the pancakes running down the conveyor belt. Software allows the bots to recognize and grab overlapping pancakes and then stack the 'cakes for easy packing. A software reconfig allows for quick production changes from pancakes to pretty much anything the robot can grasp including Soylent Green ration wafers. The video starts slow, but delivers with an impressive 400 pancakes per minute sorting routine -- see it after the break.

[Via Make:]

Continue reading Video: ABB FlexPicker replaces human pancake pickers with amazing effect

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Video: ABB FlexPicker replaces human pancake pickers with amazing effect originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Sep 2009 04:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>abbabb roboticsAbbRoboticsassemblyautomationflexpickerhoneytopmanufacturingpancakeproduction lineProductionLineroborobotvideoWed, 30 Sep 2009 04:08:00 EST<![CDATA[Second-generation air-powered robot hand gets more sensitive]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/second-generation-air-powered-robot-hand-gets-more-sensitive/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/second-generation-air-powered-robot-hand-gets-more-sensitive/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/29/second-generation-air-powered-robot-hand-gets-more-sensitive/#commentsSecond-generation air-powered robot hand gets more sensitive
Accordions and robots don't seem to have much in common -- although an accordion-playing robot would make for a killer Weird Al song. Nevertheless, the RAPHaEL hand showed that push-box tech can make for some impressively limber fingers. Now the Virginia Tech College of Engineering Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory has created its successor, the RAPHaEL 2, and it too has already won an award. This time it grabbed top honors at the ASME Student Mechanism and Robot Design Competition with its air-powered digits, which now use a closed loop control mechanism and more advanced data acquisition hardware from National Instruments, enabling it to better sense what it's groping and to adjust pressure accordingly. It's also made of a more durable polycarbonate, but a carbon fiber version is said to be in the works, which should look totally awesome.

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Second-generation air-powered robot hand gets more sensitive originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Upstart toymaker Robonica has been making promises about its Robini-i programmable robot for a little while now, but it looks like it's now not only managed to get the bot out the door, but land it on the cover of the new Hammacher Schlemmer holiday catalog as well. Headed up by a former Hasbro exec, the company is clearly taking aim at the likes of WowWee, but hopes to one-up them by also letting its robot with a "serious attitude" become an avatar in an MMO of sorts when it's not tormenting your pets. What's more, the Robini-i can also apparently interact with other bots both online and in person, and the more adventuresome folks out there can also take advantage of some basic programming capabilities provided by the included software (Windows only, for the time being). Slightly less entry-level, however, is the $299.95 that Hammacher Schlemmer is charging for the kit, although it appears that could drop to $250 as it rolls out to other retailers.

Read - Hammacher Schlemmer
Read - Xconomy, "Robonica President, an Ex-Hasbro Exec, Hopes to Put Boston Back on Toy Industry Map with Rolling Robots"

[Via IEEE Spectrum, thanks Ken R.]

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Robonica Roboni-i rolling robot takes aim at WowWee, holiday shoppers originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 15:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bothammacher schlemmerHammacherSchlemmerprogrammable robotProgrammableRobotroboni-irobonicarobotrobot toyRobotToyrolling robotRollingRobottoyMon, 28 Sep 2009 15:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Takeshi Maeda's OmniZero.9 robot transforms, carries creator, blows minds]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/video-takeshi-maedas-omnizero-9-robot-transforms-carries-crea/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/video-takeshi-maedas-omnizero-9-robot-transforms-carries-crea/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/28/video-takeshi-maedas-omnizero-9-robot-transforms-carries-crea/#commentsTakeshi Maeda's OmniZero.9 robot transforms, carries creator, blows minds
Remember the cartoon Turbo Teen where a kid could turn himself into that most desirable of '80s cars, a red Firebird? That was pretty terrible, but we promise the video below of a robot turning itself into a red car is rather more compelling. It's OmniZero.9, the latest creation from Takeshi Maeda who earlier brought us the OmniZero.4. The ninth iteration is a humanoid looking bot with wheeled shoulders and knees that allows it to motor along the ground. Its head also flips back to create a seat just big enough for its creator, who jumps on for a short ride around the demonstration stage. The bot competed at ROBO-ONE in a few different categories and was captured on video doing its stuff solo and also shamelessly knocking an under-sized competitor out of the ring. Go ahead, click on through. You won't want to miss this.

Continue reading Video: Takeshi Maeda's OmniZero.9 robot transforms, carries creator, blows minds

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Video: Takeshi Maeda's OmniZero.9 robot transforms, carries creator, blows minds originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Miruko is the creepiest gaming device we've seen in a while -- but it's also downright awesome. A robotic interface boasting WiFi and a built-in camera, it's designed to be worn and used in augmented reality, real life gaming situations, able to detect things -- like monsters -- that are invisible to the human eye. Once the robot detects the presence of said monster (or zombie), it fixes its gaze on the object, allowing the gamer to follow its line of sight and then.. you know, destroy it -- using an iPhone camera. It's also capable of locating and locking in on specific objects and faces, making it really useful in hunting down whatever imaginary creatures that have been following you lately. Check the coolness in the video after the break, but keep in mind -- we've been able to see the invisible monsters all along.

[Via Pink Tentacle]

Continue reading Miruko wearable gaming eyeball robot turns the creep factor up significantly

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Miruko wearable gaming eyeball robot turns the creep factor up significantly originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>augmented realityAugmentedRealitycreepygaminginvisiblemirukomonstersrobotrobotsvirtual realityVirtualRealityzombiesSun, 27 Sep 2009 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Murata Seiko unicycling robot gets an awesome upgrade]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/27/murata-seiko-unicycling-robot-gets-an-awesome-upgrade/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/27/murata-seiko-unicycling-robot-gets-an-awesome-upgrade/http://www.engadget.com/2009/09/27/murata-seiko-unicycling-robot-gets-an-awesome-upgrade/#comments
It was almost exactly a year ago that our hearts were stolen by Murata Seiko (Japanese for Murata Girl), the balance-blessed, unicycling robot. Murata Seiko didn't perform surgery or serve cocktails at parties -- she was no service bot... unless you consider pure, unadulterated, awe-inspiring entertainment a service. And we must admit, we do. Well, Murata's going to be performing at CEATEC 2009, showing off her three-times increased speed, improved balance, and turning ratio. All of this culminates in her new-found ability to navigate a very thin balance beam. Check out the videos of her in action after the break.

Continue reading Murata Seiko unicycling robot gets an awesome upgrade

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Murata Seiko unicycling robot gets an awesome upgrade originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 27 Sep 2009 01:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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