50's Movie Hero, Robbie the Robbot

Want a kewl movie bot without having to assemble it? The Robot Store has Robbie the Black Planet Robot, the 50's tin replica. Wind him up and he walks while his face fills with sparks. Robbie is all of 9" tall with a price of only $14.95. While you are shopping, check out the online store's other pre-assembled creatures and kits, as well as links to other botty stuff.

Via The Robot Store

Author Murasaki Shikibu Immortalized

"The Tale of Genji," a famous novel in Japan, was written by Murasaki Shikibu. Kyoto University's Robo-Garage has honored her with a robotic replica. Standing 31 cm high and weighing 1.5kg, the bot wears a kimono similar to those worn in the 11th century, the time that the book was written. She has a built-in MP3 player, runs on NiMH batteries and moves with an 8-axis system. Murasaki is so far only a prototype, but Robo-Garage is planning a limited edition of the robotic author.

Via CrunchGear

Japanese Comic Zenjiro Partners with PaPeRo

This has to be a really strange partner for a comedian. Zenjiro has teamed with one of NEC's PaPeRos, bots that speaks Japanese and English. Apparently they perform a skit that makes fun of Japan's English language teaching with the robot as the instructor. While this does not sound like an outstanding performance idea to us, NEC must be thrilled to be getting free advertising under the guise of humor. While we couldn't find any video of the two and their act, we did find about 10 seconds of blue humor on YouTube.

Via Metropolis

Flight of the Wall-E Bee

Our bud at RobotsRule is at it again, this time with a new video entitled "Flight of the Wall-E Bee." Created mostly with the iDance Wall-E, look for guest appearances by the U-Command Wall-E, Femisapien, and the WowWee Alive Chimp head.

(Thanks, Robert)

Via Robots Rule

Bob Simon Meets Robonaut

If you caught "60 Minutes" this past Sunday, then you are already familiar with the Robonaut, a NASA robot that is designed for "EVA" tasks, those not meant specifically for robots. While he has been around for a couple of years, we got to watch him go through some of his paces as he tooled around and shook hands with reporter Bob Simon, then passed him a rock. Robonaut's arm has a 2º degree of freedom wrist, and a five finger, 12º of freedom hand. If you missed it, or its original airing in April, you can catch up on the CBS site.

Via CBS

Robot Taught Auzu Bandaisan Dance

A research team from Tokyo University has taught a bot to imitate dance steps. Produced by Kawada Industries, the 1.5 meter tall dancebot named HRP-2 or Promet can imitate auzu bandaisan, a Japanese folk dance. It learns with a video capture technique that records the steps. The reasoning behind this is that they want to record and preserve traditional dances that may be lost once the original humans that performed die. Wouldn't it just be easier to teach another human?

Via Guardian

Sixth Framework Creates Empathetic Robots

Feelix Growing is developing software that allows robots to express empathy. The bot features cameras and sensors and can identify a facial expression, a voice, and an emotional state. Coordinator Dr. Lola Canamero says that, "tactile feedback and emotional feedback through positive reinforcement, such as kind words, nice behavior or helping the robot do something if it is stuck."

The Sixth Framework Program has been going on for about 3 years with researchers from from 6 countries. They are hoping that adding this trait will make robots more accepted by those that use them.

Via ICT Results

Mr. Pitiful Sings Praises of Roomba

Mr. Pitiful, one of YouTube's most popular musicians, has just completed his newest tune. Entitled "Brand New Friend (the Roomba Song,)" it is too funny for words. Maybe iRobot will make it a commercial success. If you like it, visit his MySpace Page, listed below, for more of his work.

Via Mr. Pitiful

H.A.L.E. to Celebrate 10 Years of Lego Mindstorms NXT

Nevada Space Grant, Energizer, the University of Nevada-Reno and National Instruments have teamed together to celebrate the 10th anniversary of
Lego Mindstorms NXT. College professors, middle school students, and Mindstorms freaks in general are planning on launching several of the bots today to collect data and explore Earth's atmosphere. All concerned are hoping to set a world record with H.A.L.E. (High Altitude Lego Extravaganza.)

The robots will be inserted into 2 weather balloons, launched outside Reno, and will go as high as 100,000 feet up. After the balloons burst, the NXTs will parachute back down to the planet.

Via Mindstorms News at Lego Mindstorms NXT

UK Border Patrol Hires a Hero

The U.K. has begun to use robots to inspect vehicles for illegal immigrants. Border officials say the the bots are about "the size of a briefcase," with hi-res video cameras, searchlights, four-wheel drive. In addition, they can be equipped with heartbeat detectors and sensors to identify chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear substances. Nicknamed Hero, the battery-powered bot searches underneath automobiles, buses, etc. as well as closed spaces. Each one costs about £6000 (~$12,000.00.)

Via Discover

PutterBot Golfs for You

For those who need a golfing buddy, Crabfu has yet another new bot to add to his already impressive collection. The PutterBot has 2 servos for tracks, one for the putter and one for its head. It also has a chassis made from a Tamiya kit. He mounted the head/light directly on the servo for a better gravity center and because "it just looks cuter." A right stick controls the bot's movements and the left takes care of the head and putter.

Via Crabfu

Reborg-Q Protects and Tells

Sohgo Security Services (ALSOK) has produced Reborg-Q, a security bot for Japanese shopping centers. Recently featured at the 2008 Security Show in Tokyo, the name itself comes from Star Trek's Q and the Borg. The robot has been on patrol for the last few months and checks for unauthorized people as well as water leaks or fires. Reborg-Q also features a touchscreen interface for giving weather, time, and missing kids information. One business used theirs to rat on employees working overtime. We suppose that makes up for the 380,000 yen ($3,543.00) per day fee that is charged to rent him.

<3 Yen

Mars Lander Turns Itself Off

This past weekend, the Mars Lander Phoenix's robotic arm received instructions to do something, but realized that it could injure itself. While it recognized the problem and tried to correct it, it was unable to do so. It shut itself down! While the NASA team sent it new instructions, they are still waiting to see if that resolves the issue. The concept of it being able to do that is almost incredulous. Maybe it will sing "Daisy" a la Hal when it is really injured.

Via PC World

Robo-Fish Take to the Water

Kristi Morgansen, a roboticist at the University of Washington, and her team have developed some robotic fish that group together to track other fish or pollution. So far there are only three that are each controlled by an onboard computer, depth sensor, compass and radio transceiver. While being tested, the robo-fish keep in touch with each other and alter their course when necessary with two pectoral fins and a tail for propulsion.

Morgansen says that by using several at a time there is a better collection of data. "Artificial fish have been on the wish lists of oceanographers and the military for years. It is hoped that mimicking nature's propulsion methods could allow vehicles to be more efficient and maneuverable, and deploying them in shoals would allow more complex missions."

We get it. Our enemies would never guess that instead of submarines we have schools of robotic spies.

Via New Scientist

Must Have Robot: Simba Infrared Control Robot

Danger, Will Robinson! Simba Infrared Control Robot is our Must Have of the week. Using his remote, he will walk in any direction. With flashing lights, he will also speak to you and protect you by firing soft foam green discs from his chest. At a height of 12.5 x 7" and a weight of about 2 1/2 pounds, the bot comes with 24 discs, requires 6 AA batteries (not included,) and is yours for $39.99. We love that although Amazon's recommended age is 6 - 8 years, the manufacturer says that Simba is great for those who are 6 to 99.

Via Simba Toys at Simba Infrared Contro Robot

GigaPan Creates Incredible Panoramas

Carnegie Mellon University Researchers have come up with the GigaPan, a gadget that can capture over 1 billion high-res pixels. You simply attach it to your digital camera and tripod and it automatically clicks the shutter with a robotic finger to create overlapping images. The result is a very kewl panorama of up to 90 minutes. CMU is hoping to release the GigaPan later this year for a price of $150.00 - $300.00. Check out the results on gigapan.org.

(Thanks, Susan)

Via Picture Snob

Manekin Robotto Walks the Runway

Talk about skinny! The Hyogo Prefectural Institute of Technology has unveiled its Manekin Robotto which is, in essence, a fashion model robot. At a height of 160cm and a weight of 30kg, the robot has 16 joints and motorized cylinders that allows it to cross and bend its legs. It is controlled by an SDcard with instructions, via a cell phone, or by PC. Made with an aluminum frame, the Manekin Robboto can grace your runway for a cool $940.00. We wonder if they make them in a healthier looking model.

Via CrunchGear

UMan Manipulates Objects to Learn

Grad student Dov Katz and one of his professors, Oliver Brock, have created a new concept in robotics. Instead of using software to program the bot, UMan (UMass Mobile Manipulator) pushes around objects to see how they work. The robot looks down from above with his webcam, learns how it moves, then uses the information to figure out what it does. It then can utilize whatever it picks up. Katz likens the movements to that of a baby. Imagine what UMan will be able to do when it grows up!

Via Technology Review

Snakes and Locusts Go Robotic

Herose Fukushima Robotics Lab is working on robots that can move without legs. After studying how the reptiles can do this, they developed the Snake Robot. We didn't even know snakes had biomechanisms.

Now take a look at this prototype bot that can jump more than 24 times its own size. Based on the common locust, the Laboratory of Intelligent Systems' Self Deploying Microglider is 5 cm and weighs 7g, and has elastic elements and a linkage leg system for lift-off.

Via HF Robotics Lab and LIS

Robot Girl Music Video Stars FemiSapiens

If you liked the song "Barbie Girl," then you will love this parody by Robots Rule's Robert Oschler entitled "Robot Girl." Starring a trio of WowWee's FemiSapiens, look for cameos from robotic Yoda, Miss Piggy, Robosapien, Tri-Bot, and Wall-E, among others. If you really dig it, you can download a free stereo MP3 of the tune.

(Thanks, Robert)

Via Robots Rule

Kiva Robots Get Warehouse Duty

Kiva Systems in Woburn, Mass., has gone into the robotics warehouse business. It consists of a central computer that keeps track of the bots and the racks in the building, then uses algorithms to plot their courses. Their efforts are to allow inventory items to come to the warehouse workers rather than the opposite. The squat robots hang under the racks, lift them up, and take them to their destination. They move along straight lines and make 90º turns when necessary. About 500 Kiva robots are already in a Staples in Pennsylvania and Walgreens' distribution center in Denver, Colorado utilizes them. Why do we get the feeling that soon the shelf stockers will be replaced as well?

Via Space Daily

B21 Takes on Kitchen Duty

We can always use another kitchen bot. The B21 works by using the same tools that we do. Developed at the Technical University of Munich, this video displays a visualization of what it can do. The robotic chef uses RFID technology by embedding tags into each tool rather than its learning objects by shape. Even more impressive, the B21 can teach other robots. While it may not be fast food, it would certainly be efficient.

Via New Scientist Tech

Crabfu Creates Cute Creatures

Crabfu makes very nifty bots, mostly of the animalistic kind. One of his latest is a R/C Tortoise that uses a 4-channel radio system. It features 4 sub-micro servos and each axis of its transmitter stick controls a servo. Check out his web site to see other creatures that include Swashbot and Flapper the fish.

Via Crabfu

Speecys SPC-101C Surveillance Bot

Tomoaki Kasuga worked for Sony until he decided to begin his own robotics company Speecys. His latest SPC-101C has 17 servos for almost human movement, as well as dual stereo speakers and a built-in camera. The 13" tall bot weighs 3.3 lbs. and can perform such tricks as bending backwards. Kasuga's creation can be used for surveillance, as it has face and object recognition. SPC-101C has a 3D editor display window, can speak, and is wireless.

Via Speecys

Spike, the Robotic Ultra Dinosaur

Spike the Dinosaur walks, stands on his back legs, blinks, growls, snorts and roars by remote control. Push down on his head to open his mouth and feed him a boulder. Press again and he drops it. Standing 27", he needs 3 AA batteries, and comes with a 9.6V NiMH rechargeable battery. Recommended for anyone over the age of 3, you can get your own Spike for $140.00, then go out and scare the neighbors' dog to get him out of your yard.

Via Fisher Price

Beware of Robot Stickers

Those who have guard robots instead of dogs will have to get at least one of these for their front door. Created by Mister Robotics at Suicide Bots, the sticker is an updated re-release of their original and will only set you back $3.00.

Via Suicide Bots

Tilted Twister Solves Rubik's Cube

There have been other robots that can solve the Rubik's Cube, and now Hans Anderson has programmed his Lego Mindstorms NXT to do the same. The Tilted Twister has a set of sensors that detects when holds the puzzle, then calculates the moves. Using algorithms, the Twister can solve the cube in an average of 60 moves in about 6 minutes. While it may not be as fast as Rubot II, it certainly will beat most humans. Being the decent guy that he is, Anderson is sharing his instructions and plans with anyone who wants them.

Via Tilted Twister

TMSUK-4 Goes Shopping

Robotics company tmsuk now has a telerobotic shopper. Demonstrated recently at the Izutsuya Department Store in Kitakyushu, Japan, the modified TMSUK-4 humanoid robot was controlled via a NTT DoCoMo video-capable cellphone at another location. Won't it be a great day when we can get our bots to buy our socks or shop for groceries without our having to be there?

Via Pink Tentacle

Bon Voyage to the Scarlet Knight Glider

Rutgers University students and engineers literally launched an underwater robot off New Jersey's coast May 21. The RU-17 nicknamed the Scarlet Knight Glider will be traveling for the next six months across the Atlantic carrying letters to whoever manages to catch it when it lands. Goals include education, testing of new lithium batteries, and creating an international community. The plan is for the underwater glider to head for Cape Touriñán, Spain which is about 3,308 miles away at a speed of 0.5 knots (~.58 mph.) So we figure we should check back in about 240 days.

Via Rutgers

Must Have Robot: Robo-Robbie

He walks, he talks, he dances, he shoots foam disks, he says goodbye, he amuses kids when you can't. He is Robo Robbie, all of 12" tall, and our Must Have Robot this week. Running on batteries (not included,) he has a clever auto-turnoff for kids who forget. RR can be yours for $34.99.

Via Robo-Robbie

SmartPal V Cleans Up

Yaskawa Electric has come up with the SmartPal V for domestic duties. Weighing about 280 lbs. and 52" tall, the robot tools around on wheels, has four CCD cameras and can move at a speed of 3.6 kpm. The bot knows its owner, can respond to questions, and can recognize items that need picking up. It will also interact with others of its ilk. While it can run for about 2 1/2 hours until it needs a charge, we think with the mess around here, we would be lucky to get an hour's work out of it.

Via Yaskawa

Bandai Robotic Crabbery

If you like your robots crabby, take a look at Bandai's robotic crustaceans. While we are not sure if the "Hex Bug Crab" walks sideways from the translation ("while moving the plural feet,") we do know that it has sensors that make it move away from sound and head for darkness when it can. Available in blue or red, the Robotic Crab will set you back ¥2,625 (~$26.00.)

Via Bandai (translated)

Pittsburgh to Celebrate 250th Anniversary Robotically

By the spring of next year, and partially because of Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh will become the permanent home of the Robotic Hall of Fame. This year, in honor of the city's 250th anniversary, CMU, the U. of P. and other foundations will be sponsoring Robot 250, a robotic arts festival. BigBots will be scattered throughout the city and there will be robot-building workshops, a theatre production and a botty film festival with such films as "Shrek," "A.I.," and "Westworld."

Via Robot 250 Festival

Limited Edition Sonny of "i, Robot"

Big fans of the book/movie "i, Robot" can now own a literal piece of the bot with the NS-5 Sonny. The head has a motion sensitive blue LED, and those evil blue eyes. There will only be 3,000 units available in the Limited Edition which will set you back KRW135,000 (~$135.00) at Funshop.

Via Device

Take the MST3K Quiz

If you were a fan of Mystery Science Theater 3000, mental floss has come up with a mini-quiz to test your knowledge. There are only 10 questions to see how you stack up against your fellow MST3K groupies. And, by the way, if you are still into the show and miss the old series, you can order DVDs, clothing, and other oddities on the official site or Amazon.

Via mental floss

Care-O-Bot 3 Service Robot

Care-O-Bot 3 is a prototype of the next generation of service robots. Created by the Fraunhofer Institute for Manufacturing Engineering and Automation IPA in Stuttgart, Germany, the 1.45 meter high robot has Stereo-vision color cameras, laser scanners and is aware of its surroundings. It can be controlled both manually and by spoken commands. The bot has a highly flexible arm which can pick up items without breaking them. It works similarly to Panasonic's DSM-Hand, but perhaps not as frightening.

Via Physorg

Bugbots, Artsy Robots

Etsy's "TinyMind" has come up with a line of Bugbots, tiny robotic creatures that, although limited in function, are one of a kind and should be considered art. For example, Lilly is solar-powered. Place her in a sunny window and she flaps her wings. She was freeform soldered with a meter movement, solar cell, chip, resistor and two capacitors. Lilly is available for $60.00 and TinyMind will customize a Bugbot just for you if you have your own idea.

Via TinyMind

USB Robot Dances it Up

Who doesn't want a Dancing Robot when you are computing? The USB bot moves when you make any kind of noise, i.e. music, typing, and co-workers harassing you. We have had toys similar that just keep going when you plug them in, so you might want to only bring him out of his robotic coma for special occasions, like when you are reading RobotSnob. The DR is available for ¥3,000 ($~30.00) from Rakuten.

Via Tokyo Mango

KT-X Picks Itself Up

KumoTek Robotics and Vstone Corporation have teamed to create the KumoTek-X (KT-X.) This bipedal bot can stand, walk, run, and somersault. It can be programmed to pick itself up after falling. At 13" tall, KT-X has 17 servo-activated joints, 75 pre-programmed motions, and 60MHz HV processor with 512kB ROM / 64kB RAM. The company claims it has extremely user-friendly programming for robotic virgins. The price? A whopping $1,199.99.

Via Audio Cubes

Robots, the Movie, Rules

We just saw "Robots" for the first time. While it might not be as slick as Wall-E or endearing as Nemo, we have to admit we dug it all the same. In the 2005 film, a youngish Rodney travels to the big city where he falls in robotic love and hangs with botty friends known as Rusties. Lots of voice cameos by the likes of Jay Leno, Al Roker, and Mel Brooks, and look for other movie references such as an appearance of the Tin Woodsman, and quips from, among others, "Singing In the Rain" and "2001." We suggest you put it on the top of your Netflix queue, or get the DVD as robotically inclined kids off all ages will want to watch it more than once.

Via Robots at Robots, the Movie

BEAR Will Be Going to War

The Vecna Technologies Cambridge Research Laboratory near Boston recently revealed its BEAR (Battlefield Extraction-Assist Robot.) Funded by Congress for over a million big ones, the bot can lift, carry, and put down humans in dangerous situations. It can also manage other heavy objects up to 500 lbs. over rough terrain and even stairs. The BEAR can travel on its "belly" for miles should the need arise. Vecna is also planning to make versions for healthcare, disaster rescue, and contaminated areas. Check out Robot Magazine for more details.

Via Robot Magazine

Pleo is Now Eternal

Lo and Behold! Ugobe will resurrect your Pleo should he/she meet an unfortunate end. While the robotic dino has its warranty and can sometimes be saved by the company, if it cannot PleoWorld will remove its "digital soul" and reincarnate it into a new one for a reduced price. It will then carry on with the original personality. This is tantamount to cloning, don't you think?

Via PleoWorld