iRobot
December 8, 2011
AVA Makes Hospital Rounds
We first told you about iRobot's AVA last January appearing at the CES 2011 and it seems that they are finally being released to the world, one bot at a time. For example, one telepresent/iPad bot has been built for Mt. Sinai Hospital in Toronto to assist Dr. Mirek Otremba and the rest of the staff. iRobot has already teamed up with InTouch Health, a robotics company that specializes in medical conferencing by remote, so we expect that there will soon be an AVA appearing at a health care facility near you.
Via Health Zone
September 20, 2011
iRobot Wants a Few Good Developers
iRobot, who has been working on Ava, a robot that runs on Apple and Android devices, is hoping that developers will come up with additional applications for the five foot tall telepresence bot. First unveiled at the CES 2011, the company plans to sell Ava to businesses, hospitals and even consumers next year if all goes according to schedule. So, all you smart roboticists, this is your chance to get in on the ground floor of a budding enterprise.
Via iRobot
April 18, 2011
Packbot Enters Fukushima Power Plant
We finally know that one of the iRobot Packbots was sent into the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to measure the amount of radiation and oxygen levels in the building. This is a first time foray into the fray that is also set to check temperature, although the company sent the bots several weeks ago. A rep from Tepco claims that it will find if the conditions are safe for a human to enter.
Via WSJ
March 31, 2011
Robot Assistance Sent From US to Japan
Dr. Peter Lyons, acting assistant secretary for nuclear energy with the DOE, told a Senate panel Tuesday that the US is sending some radiation-hardened robots to Japan to assist inside their at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plants. The bots can measure radiation and send images with cameras to their operators. Also being sent are trainers to instruct the workers in their operation.
iRobot informed us that they sent four robots (2 iRobot 510 PackBots and 2 iRobot 710 Warriors) to Japan early last week and they arrived about March 22. Six iRobot employees also made the trip to train Japanese authorities on how to use the robots. They had no information about specific projects, though.
Public Relations Specialist Charlie Vaida told Robot Snob, "Both the PackBot and Warrior give the operator situational awareness in dangerous environments. They are outfitted with a variety of cameras and sensors, and any information it captures is relayed back to the operator who can remain at a safe standoff distance."
This also makes us wonder if Japan actually employed its own Monirobo as we reported earlier, as it seems a lot of the information coming out of the country regarding the state of its plants seems to be erroneous.
How sad that a country that is tops in robotics seems to be lacking in that area and instead concentrates on consumer usage, like those that are hyped on the site of JETRO (Japan External Trade Organization.)
Stay tuned. We also contacted JETRO but have received no response as yet.
(Thanks, Charlie)
Via Guardian
January 11, 2011
iRobot Unveils AVA at CES 2011
iRobot's display at the CES last week included AVA, a robot that is connectable to iPad and Android smartphones. Using sensors that are the same as in the Kinect, the bot builds a map of its area and will go to any location on it by a simple touch. The application can be used for security, telepresence and as a fetch and carry bot.
Via Tech 2
January 6, 2011
Scooba 230 Cleans Where You Would Rather Not
IRobot has a new Roomba designed for that nasty area around your toilet or other tight places. The 3.5 x 6.5" Scooba 230 will be out this spring at a price of $299.99 and has a 3-stage cleaning system that washes, scrubs and squeegees floors. The company will debut the system at the CES 2011 along with its new The Roomba 700 series.
Via iRobot
November 25, 2010
Roomba Holiday Deals
It's Roomba Holiday Time! Whether you prefer a basic 530 Roomba, Dirt Dog or 532 Pet Series, iRobot offers all kinds of specials, including free shipping on purchases over $50.00 and a free hard floor cleaner with Scooba purchase.
Via iRobot Store
October 19, 2010
iRobot Debuts Next-Gen Robots
iRobot introduced its 5th generation Roomba at a recent a press event in New York, built with modular parts that can easily be replaced. It also has iAdapt technology, an internal sensor that "listens' for dirt rather than mapping and memorizing a room.
CEO Colin Angle spoke about the company's chembot being developed by the University of Chicago that he described as a"shape shifting, amorphous, squishable blob that can roll itself."
Kudos also goes to the company that launched their Seaglider, developed at the University of Washington and licensed by iRobot, that is still in the Gulf. It captures and monitors samples to detect oil as far down as 1,000 meters as well as reportng a wide variety of data, including measuring the level of dissolved oxygen.
Via PC World
September 7, 2010
iRobot Second Gen LANdroids
iRobots' wee LANdroids have finally taken another robotic step forward. The disposable robots now have cliff, front and yaw sensors, 4-way video cams, 2-way audio and an optional laser camera. The military bots are being funded by DARPA, who wants small, intelligent and inexpensive mobile communication.
Via iRobot
April 13, 2010
iRobot Teams With Jabil Circuit
This might be a good time to invest in iRobot stock. The Roomba maker has entered into an agreement with electronic parts maker Jabil Circuit. The company will make, test and supply iRobots consumer products, allowing the bot manufacturer to "diversify key elements of our supply chain, provide geographic flexibility to address new markets with localized operations and expand overall capacity to meet growing demands."
Via Business Wire
March 2, 2010
Roombas Enlist in the Navy
It seems we are not the only ones who dig Roombas. CS3 Scooba Stevens, Chief Miles O'Brien and ITSN Unger are part of the Navy's efforts to robotize the USS Freedom. Lt. Ed Early, the Freedom's spokesperson, claims that they have a whole fleet of them. Since the military has employed iRobot in many of its projects, we wonder if they get a hefty discount.
Via Military Times
January 15, 2010
Robot Snob Must Have: Roomba
We are thinking of dating things from now on as B.R. and A.R., before and after Roomba. While we get to play with lots of shiny electronic toys, this holiday we caved and purchased our own robotic vacuum. We not only got free shipping with our basic 400, we also got a pet maintenance kit. We hate to use that word "awesome" but honestly, it truly is. After its initial charge, we let it loose in our upstairs hall to make sure all was well and it purred away.
The Roomba went into the bathroom and back down the hall, then did what iRobot says will never happen. It went down all 13 stairs to the first floor. But the great god of all things electronic was watching over us as it only lost the removable bin and started up again with nary a scratch.
Watching the robobot run back and forth while we were doing other nasty chores was so endearing that we almost started talking to it. We don't even mind the noise that many complain about. There are a couple of negatives, however. If you have very furry pets you need to clean the brush often and the vacuum does not like shag carpeting. That being said, head over to iRobot and find a Roomba you can call your own.
Via iRobot Roomba
November 21, 2009
Robot Snob 2009 Holiday Gift Guide
We know that holiday shopping can be a major hassle, so we went all out to find robotic stuff to fit every budget. The good news is that almost every company has lowered their prices and when you shop online, tax and shipping charges are often non-existent. That being said, we present our 2009 Holiday Guide.
Robot Kits
After building the Elenco Follow Me Robot, its 4 built-in microphones detect sounds and it will move towards them. For kids 12 and older, it needs no soldering and needs 4AA batteries (not included.) The Discovery Kids Biped EZ Robot kit has 15 pieces to assemble and a remote for those over 8.
Why get a usual Waldo when you can get a Darth Vader Robotic Arm? The snap together kit grips and holds objects, needs no batteries and includes a stand with built-in control. With the Rockit Robot kit, you can build one that has a touch sensor that learns not to run into walls, a sound sensor for responding to your voice and instructions with more than one project.
For serious robot builders, Trossen has some great deals. Their Phoenix Hexapod Kit is as state of the art as it can get with several walking gaits with omnidirectional translation and body rotation on all axis. The SumoBot Kit provides you with everything you need to become a competitor in the realm of Mini-Sumo tournaments.
Robot Movies
Movies, including Blu-ray, are completely affordable these days. We can never get enough of the original "The Day the Earth Stood Still" with Michael Rennie and Patricia Neal, even better now that it comes in a 2-disc set. Younger generations will appreciate the 2008 version that stars Keanu Reeves.
Kids will also dig the effects in Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen. Terminator fans, we haven't forgotten you. The Director's Cut of "Terminator Salvation", starring Christian Bale, will soon be out. And we never get enough of viewing "Wall-E".
Of course, no one can compete with iRobot when it comes to vacuums, and for the holidays they are offering special deals. In fact, this year we are putting one under our tree. Purchase a 400 series and get a free pet upgrade. A 500 series includes a brush pack and a 300 series Scuba will get you either cleaning solution or replenish kit. And, by the way, shipping is free with purchases over $59.00.
Collectors' Items
There is no way to compete with Schylling. We recommend the Small Lilliput, the High Wheel and our fave, the Chrome Planet Robot. This R2-D2 is part of the original figures from the first Star Wars and is a limited edition with its interlocking base and electronic beeps.
Robotic Pets
WowWee's Alive White Tiger Cub has realistic fur with sensors in his head and back to respond. He makes baby feline noises and works by remote. The company puts out a whole slew of robotic pets including their Mini Leopard Cub.
Also furry is Playskool's Stomper's Triceratops that we recently reviewed and personally adored. Playskool also puts out Monty T-Rex who not only moves and roars, he sneezes and plays tunes.
We had to include one of this year's hottest toys. Zhu Zhu Hamsters may replace Elmo. They chirp, zip across the floor and each has their own personality. Choose between Mr. Squiggles, Pipsqueek, Num Nums and Chunk. Try to remember at some point that your kid(s) will want the Go Go Funhouse and the Adventure Ball. (Hurry up when ordering these guys as they were featured on "Nightline," so you know they are going to sell out quickly.)
The FurReal Chocolate Lab Puppy can be a fun and worry free pet. And, although he has no fur, we had to include Interactive Wall-E.
Under $50.00
The 10 1/4" Robbie the Robot Talking Alarm Clock says, "Wake Up Wake Up" as his chest moves, strobe lights go off and his antenna spins. Clocky will amuse kids or force your spouse/partner out of bed in the a.m. as he jumps from your nightstand up to 3 feet high.
The first robot designed for girls (and boys who like them,) Tekno's Sakura
tells fortunes, gives compliments and fashion tips, dances and answers "yes" and "no" questions. The macho XPV R.A.D. Robotic Air Defense flies as fast as 30 mph and up to 20 stories. It comes with rechargeable battery and includes repair kit.
Now that Toy Story has been re-released in 3D, you probably know someone who would love this electronic Buzz Lightyear. He talks, makes sound effects, his wings pop out and he can take anyone to infinity and beyond. Don't forget about Tribot, who is about half the price that he was last year.
Under $20.00
The Unofficial Lego Mindstorms NXT Inventor's Guide (Paperback) will give any robotics freak fresh ideas. If history is more to his/her liking, Robot traces back AIs from their roots.
Wind-up Gort will walk even if you forget to say "Klaatu barada nikto." The Hog Wild Robot Calculator displays up to 8 digits and will be your best friend. His arms can hold pens, pencils and included nightlight, while his magnetic back holds paper clips.
We already told you about Chuck, the talking truck, and it seems that Tonka has an entire series of his pals (a couple of them a bit over $20.00.) Choose from Rowdy, the GarbageTruck, with spinning wheels, Boomer, the Fire Truck, who has lights and makes noise, and Handy, the Tow Truck, that can fetch the other three should they get lost. They may not respond like Chuck, but they are just as cute and colorful.
Under $10.00
The 9" Mini-Femisapien runs on batteries, is posable and trots around the room. We didn't realize that Shrinky Dinks were still around until we found these robotic ones.
Nerds will love the fact that Olive Kids customized their Robot Bookmark. Remember to include a Kikkerland Cranky Desk Toy on your list for any friends who are stuck in cubicles all day.
Stocking Stuffers Under $5.00
Dover's Create Your Own Robot Sticker Activity Book would make a great stocking stuffer. Wind-up Volt is about 2" tall and can repair your other robots. The Cool Robot Note Pad measures 5 x 6" and has 50 sheets per pad.
The Mini Robopanda is only 7.5" but is tall enough to have poseable head and legs and blinking LED eyes. Wear your robot on your sleeve jacket or shirt with an Iron On C3PO.
Over $100.00
We cannot imagine any kid (or adult) wouldn't love a LEGO Mindstorm this year, especially since the NXT 2.0 was released. For the princess (or Prince) in your life, think Butterscotch the Pony that moves her head, blinks, wags her tail and responds to humans.
Dino freaks will prefer the roaring, laughing and movements of the 3 ft. tall
Kota and Pleo has been newly reborn. Tomy's I-SOBOT is half the price that it was last year.
Last but not least, don't forget the batteries! This should be your year to go eneloop. We have been using them for 2 years now in various small electronics and they are still going strong.
August 26, 2009
iRobot Develops Warrior 700
iRobot is working on a larger and more talented version of its PackBot. The Warrior 700 can actually carry a PackBot and, when standing, can deliver one through a window. Should it trip and fall, it can get itself upright and go on with its robotic duties. Here's hoping that the Warrior doesn't trip and fall on its way to its evil spy missions.
Via iRobot
Newsletter
Subscribe - RSS
