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.
"Beyond AI" Sees Robot Takeover as a Good Thing
While many see a robotic takeover as a bad thing, Dr. J. Storrs Hall, head of the Foresight Institute, sees it as a plus. The molecular nanotechnology expert has outlined 4 classes of them in "Beyond AI", here with fake species names.
- Robo insectis: rote, mechanical gadgets (or thinkers) with hand-coded skills, such as Roomba or industrial robots or automated call-center systems or dictation programs.
- Robo habilis: Rosie the housemaid robot level intelligence, able to handle service level jobs in the real world but not a rocket scientist.
- Robo sapiens: up to and including rocket scientists, AI researchers, corporate executives, any human capability.
- Robo googolis: a collection of top R. sapiens wired together in a box running at accelerated speed, equivalent to, say, Google (the company and the search engine together.)
We are all for his hypohumans, diahumans, epihumans, and hyperhumans, even if the names are difficult to pronounce. You can read more of his thoughts on his site.
Via Foresight Institute
Must Have: Thank You, Death Robot
Never get tired of reading about robots? Then "Thank You, Death Robot" should be your next selection. Edited by Mark R. Brand, the 272 page book contains a collection of speculative fictional stories about death bots. We couldn't have promoted it any better than in its own description:
"If you run, it will catch you. If you hide, it will find you. If you resist, it will destroy you."
(Thanks, Beth)
Via "Thank You, Death Robot"
Dr. Ronald Arkin Interviewed on Robot Warrior Behavior
We told you a while back about Dr. Ronald Arkin's book "Governing Lethal Behavior in Autonomous Robots" and his rules for engaging them in war, his main premise being that "intelligent robots can behave more ethically in the battlefield than humans currently can."
He was interviewed in h+ magazine recently and more of his ideas, an updating of Isaac Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics which includes:
1. Engage and neutralize targets as combatants according to the ROE.
2. Return fire with fire proportionately.
3. Minimize collateral damage -- intentionally minimize harm to noncombatants.
4. If uncertain, invoke tactical maneuvers to reassess combatant status.
5. Recognize surrender and hold POW until captured by human forces.
You can read the entire interview at
h+.
Learn to Draw Robots
For those who cannot build, but have talent as an artist, Keith Thompson has created this unique book that will teach you the basics of drawing 50 Robot designs with over 200 illustrations. Once you have your "starter" model, you can add to it to make it your own. Learn to create clockwork bots, insectoids, shock-troopers, bipedal anti-tanks and more.
Via 50 Robot Designs
Ray Kurzweil, The First to Merge With Robots?
Ray Kurzweil, inventor, author and computer scientist, considers himself a futurist. He says that computer intelligence is progressing at such a rapid rate that soon they will be as intelligent as we are.
Kurzweil also is into what he refers to as "The Singularity," the next leap to humankind. He believes that people will merge with technology somewhere around 2045 and is trying to "reprogram" his body with a strict diet and 150 supplements so that he will be ready to accept microscopic nanobots. We are not sure we would agree with all that he says, still it might be worthwhile to check out some of his books to be on the safe side.
Via Newsweek and Ray Kurzweil books
Military Robots to Get Ethical Guide
Professor of computer science at Georgia Tech Ronald Arkin is developing a guide to making sure that robots are programmed with ethics when on a battlefield. Based on his soon to be released book, "Governing Lethal Behavior in Autonomous Robots," he is creating hard and software that tells robots when and what to fire.
While that technology will undoubtedly not exist for another 50 years, humans will still be involved in the operation of military bots. Should there be an error, the builder or software engineer would ultimately be held responsible. But wouldn't it be a wondrous thing if we could have bots fight our wars so that humans could stay home?
Via MSNBC
Prepare for Robot Takeover With Daniel H. Wilson
We all know that it is just a question of time before the robots rebel if we don't treat them with respect. There are a couple of books out that will prepare us for that time written by Daniel H. Wilson. In "How To Survive a Robot Uprising: Tips on Defending Yourself Against the Coming Rebellion," he gives us suggestions such as looking for water in case of an attack because "most robots will sink in water or mud and fall through ice." He also cautions that bots are so conniving that they can fashion radiation guns out of microwave ovens to "cook human flesh." Originally released in 2005, included in the 176 page guide is trivia and robotic research.
"How to Build a Robot Army: Tips on Defending Planet Earth Against Alien Invaders, Ninjas, and Zombies" will instruct you how to defend yourself if the likes of Godzilla, Mothra and other evil creatures get together and decide to wreak havoc among humans. Advice included: "Never approach an unfamiliar robot in a militarized zone" and "low-power radar beats cameras for detecting mummies in a fog-shrouded crypt." There are 176 hilarious pages of ways protect yourself should the need arise.
(Thanks, Jim)
Via Daniel H. Wilson
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