Must Have: Two Automated Pet Sitters
Let the Talk to Me Treat Ball amuse your dog when you haven't the time. The orb systematically speaks with a message that you record and dispenses treats randomly when your pooch rolls it around. Expect a fairly chunky pooch if you let him/her play too long.
And if your dog/cat likes to chase lights, the Frolicat Laser Bolt generates patterns automatically or manually. Insert 4 AA batteries (not included,) place it on a surface and it will run for 15 minutes at a time.
Via Interactive Pet Toys
Must Have: U.R.I.-NAL 9000
As promised, we couldn't wait to show you the work of Hauke Scheer and his company Scheer Imagination. This U.R.I.-NAL 9000 is astounding in its detail and we are so pleased that Hauke sent us one all the way from Germany to keep us company. Made of resin, this will surely be a collector's item.
Because we suspected that Hauke was as much into robots as we are, we decided to ask him a few questions and found that his talent and sense of humor are certainly worth the read.
I understand U.R.I. is a limited edition?
Yes, this medium grey colored variant is limited to 50 figures. However if they sell well I will produce more figures with different colors variations. Those will probably have higher production numbers so the medium grey variant will be the most valuable over time.
Is there a real U.R.I.-NAL 9000?
Unfortunately, no. I designed this character simply to be a fun toy figure. However a lot of people have told me they would love to have a real working one. So if there is some robot company out there that would be interested in producing a real one, I would love to hear from them. :-)
Do you foresee one in the future?
Well, you never know. It would be fun having hundreds of urinals walking through town on a Saturday night.
What was your inspiration?
I actually made another toilet robot before. That one was just meant to be a spoof on those cute Disney characters that are made from household items, like the ones in 'Beauty and the Beast.' However, I was always a little dissatisfied with that one because apart from being funny, the design did not make much sense. I decided to give it another try and come up with something that would kind of work in the real world. So the idea for the U.R.I.-NAL 9000 was born.
Will you be making any future robot figures?
Sure. I love robots and cyborgs and those will always be part of my work. The latest robot I created was the Flying Fridgebot from my Bionic Bjoern Figure Series. A prototype figure for that one is currently in development. The fridge will actually open and close and have some beer cans in it.
How did your career in the arts start?
I studied 3D modeling at the Vancouver Film School. Afterwards, I worked on a couple of small computer games as well as in advertisement. But during all that time I was always working on personal projects as well creating several of the characters I am now selling as figures on my website.
How long have you been an artist?
I have created science fiction and fantasy characters since I was in my teens. I started 3D modeling in my twenties when I was at university. My professional career started when I went to Vancouver Film School.
Do you make each one or just the first?
All the figures are actually sculpted and produced by a professional toy company in China. I send them various pictures of my 3D art so they can sculpt the figures to my designs. I wrote an article on the whole process a little while ago that can still be found in the notes sections of my Facebook page.
How does one make something out of resin?
Basically you have to create a silicone mold from your original sculpture and then you can start casting away in resin. You can get both the silicone for making the mold and the resin for casting in most art shops. Since you do not need expensive steel molds like you do with plastic figures, resin is used both by large manufacturers as well as hobby modelers.
Do you still do work for video games and advertisements?
At the moment I am concentrating on my own work and getting my figure business up and running properly. However, I am always interested in cool projects in either the video game or the advertisement industry.
What will be your next creation?
I am currently working on a series of animations for my Bionic Bjoern figure series. This one and others can be seen here. I will create various friends and enemies of Bionic Bjoern for these animations. However most of them exist currently only in my mind. :-)
How can your fans get in touch with you?
You can buy my figures here.
My art can be seen on this site.
If people want to get updated on upcoming figures they can become a fan of my company Scheer Imagination on Facebook.
Or they can just email me at: contact(at)scheer-imagination.com.
Thanks for your time and U.R.I, Hauke. Best of luck in all your endeavors!
Must Have: Eve USB Hub Interacts
Two years after the release of the movie "Wall-E",
Disney continues to allow licensed products to keep it alive. We found this Eve USB 2.0 Hub with 4 ports that is both Mac and PC compatible. At a size of 2 1/4 x 2 1/8 x 3 1/4," she has adjustable arms, rubberized wheels and her eyes light up when connected.
Via Eve USB Hub
Must Have: WowWee Roboscooper
By their own admission, WowWee's answer to Wall-E is Roboscooper, who will clean up on most types of terrain. With 6 wheels and multi-directional mobility, he can chat it up or issue sound effects while clearing an area or whacking objects. The mini service bot needs 6 AAA batteries and should ship the end of August at a price of $70.00. We will keep our eyes peeled for his arrival.
Via WowWee
Must Have: Escape Robot Kit
Elenco's latest kit can create an Escape Robot that can process information and maneuver around objects autonomously. The kit has a microprocessor, three infrared emitting modules and on IR receiving module. Two different sets of legs can be used for different types of movement. Some soldering is required (iron and solder not included.)
Via Elenco Kits
Must Have: NXT Wall-E Close to Original
This Wall-E was created out of a LEGO Mindstorms NXT and is fully self-controlled. It can move forward, backwards and turn. He makes noises, holds objects, moves his head and is sound aware. And, like the original, this bugger can fold himself into a box. The project took 250 hrs. to build over the space of a year and has 5 RCX motors and 3 Levers.
Via NXT Wallet
Must Have: RC Star Wars Episode III Planned
Fans of Robot Chicken will be pleased to know that "Star Wars Episode III" will be released Dec. 12 with Zac Efron as the voice of Anakin Skywalker. Until its release, both the original "Star Wars" and Episode II are available for your amusement.
Via Robot Chicken
Must Have: Elenco Soccer Robot Kit
With all the excitement of the World Cup 2010 and Robot World Cup, doesn't it make you want to gather your own robot horde team to conquer the universe competitors? Elenco's Soccer Robot runs on IR remote with a microprocessor and three motors, two for moving forward, backwards and turning, and one for kicking the ball. The 2-pack kit needs 4 AA and 4 AAA batteries (not included) to rule.
Via Elenco Robot Kits
Must Have: Robot Matryoshkas
These six robotic Matryoshkas can nest inside one another or be displayed individually in your fave nook or cranny. They are made with safe ABS plastic and are CPSIA compliant.
Via Matryoshka Madness
Must Have: MC Lars Gigantic Robot Memory Stick
Fans of MC Lars, this 2GB USB Memory Stick is for you. The 3" tall device contains MP3s from the album "This Gigantic Robot Kills," a PDF Digital Booklet and music video "Guitar Hero Hero." It has a handy keychain clip and can be reused when you have had enough of the tunes.
Via MC Lars Memory Stick
Must Have: Electric Robomower
Spring has sprung and the grass has riz so this year get a robot to do the chore. The 28 x 28 x 15" Electric Robomower can move 360º and up a 30º slope. It can be programmed to run automatically or by remote and has a built-in rechargeable battery. The two blades produce a cutting height of 1.6" at a speed of 6000 RPM and the company promises a relatively quiet operation.
Via
Electric Robomower
Must Have: Bicentennial Man Dehumanizes Robin Williams
Sometimes we dredge up some of those bad classic movies that feature humans attempting to be robots. Take the time to see Bicentennial Man if you appreciate the talents of Robin Williams, who tries his best to humanize himself while still maintaining lame conversation, this is a must see.
Via Bicentennial Man
Must Have: Dinner Set for Tots
The company may have a questionable name, but you gotta love this dinner set we found by Sugarbooger. The Divided Plate is made of melamine and has a suction base.
The Silverware Set comes in its own case and is non-toxic. The Sippy Cup holds 6 oz. and the lid is BPA free. All three are dishwasher safe.
Via Sugarbooger Robot
Must Have: T3 Robot Kit
The T3 Solar Robot Kit lets you build a walking robot, scorpion or tank, each being motorized when completed. Recommended for those over the age of ten, the kit needs no glue or soldering and can run on a halogen bulb on overcast days.
Via T3
Solar Robot Kit
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