Robot Music
March 4, 2010
Wii Remotes Contro Robo-Band Percussionist
Patrick Flanagan took two Nintendo Wiimotes and created a percussionist for the robo-band Jazari. When one plays, it can create a response from other ones to create a drum circle. The buttons control the tones and volume, while tilting can change the pace of the beat. The band was named for Al-Jazari, a man that supposedly created the planet's first robotic band in the 13th century.
Via Popsci
January 14, 2010
University Of Malaga Robots Make Music
A University of Malaga group in Spain, led by Professor Elizabeth Barbancho, devised a Lego Mindstorms NXT that can play Name That Tune when you play chords on the guitar, tickle piano keys, whistle or hum. The clever bot will then suggest other songs that are similar. A team also came up with a system that uses augmented reality technology to make a virtual keyboard, useful for those without a real one. Other researchers from the group came up with a method of turning ordinary songs into a format that is similar to the one used in "Guitar Hero."
Via EPA (translated)
November 19, 2009
Music Tank Follows Tunefully
Mint Robot #3: Music Tank was inspired by Caterpiller's tractor tread movements. Remote controlled, it will follow its human around by playing music. The musical bot runs via a WiFi handheld or PC with a 2D map. A USB port allows for charging or loading tunes into the the prototype. Add more Tanks and get different instruments or vocals, turning it into a veritable surround sound robot.
Via Mint Pass
August 20, 2009
Share Your Tunes With Splitterbot
Splitterbot is not only a cutesy bot, it doubles as a headphone splitter. Decapitate him to find the audio in jack and poke two pairs of earbuds into his eyes. While this may sound a bit sadistic we have to remember that even the most endearing robots were made for a reason. Get yours for $19.60.
Via Tesora
August 12, 2009
Cybraphon Literally Feels the Music
It is not a proper robot per se, but Cybraphon is a musical cabinet that cares. Three UK artists built the autonomous emotional robot band that houses a Shruti box, chimes, cymbals, other percussion instruments and a record player. Connected to the Interweb, it monitors its popularity on Facebook and can readjust its music based on that and mood. Check out its tunes on Facebook and if you like what you hear, there are plans in to works to release actual albums by the furniture/robot.
Via Cybraphon
July 21, 2009
BERTIs Sing to UK Museum
Recently 3 BERTI robots made another appearance at the London Science Museum. Since the museum is now 100 years old, the bots sang happy birthday in its honor. Perhaps they could hire them out as singing telegrams.
Via ICCMR
July 6, 2009
G1 Optimus Prime Protects and Plays Music
This G1 Optimus Prime is musically inclined. When plugged into your USB, the 3 lb. gadget's helmet folds out to become a pair of speakers. Set to arrive this month for $49.99, get the collectors grade for an additional $2.00 that comes sealed inside its box.
Via Big Bad Toy Store
July 3, 2009
Must Have: Tengu All Stars
He may not move around much but we found our Tengu way too much fun for humans when he first came out. (Note that the face cover was left on to protect him from our cat.)
Our bud Mr. Jones has a new batch that he has dubbed the All Stars. Each one is as much fun as the original but now you can make it more your own with wig and stickers. He will work through both Mac and PC USB ports and will respond to any noise he hears. He has several different expressions and will be your friend for £25 (~$36.00,) even when no one else will.
(Thanks, Crispin)
Via Tengu
June 19, 2009
Must Have: It's All About Transformers
In honor of the new Transformer movie, which has tons of bots, we declare them our Must Have of the week. The Takara Music Label Headphones turn into Frenzy and Rumble and can be used with the Soundwave MP3 Player that can play music in either mode.
The Convoy iPod Docking Bay with Speakers is licensed by Apple and is compatible with all models but the shuffle. When transformed to a robot, it's a whopping 6" tall. And, although you may not be able to covet the new movie, you can get the the Complete First Season (25th Anniversary Edition) of the animated series.
Via Transformers 
Mr. Roboto Watch
Every time someone mentions Mr. Roboto, it's the Styx song that comes into our heads. But, hey, there's a new one in town, inspired by all those 1950 tin bots, in particular the Lantern robot. Azimuth's watch has a left eye for the hour, the right one is GMT, and the nose and mouth are retrograde minutes and seconds. Mr. Roboto Watch is made of steel with beveled edges and runs on a modified ETA 2836-2 movement. Water resistant, it is available for $4,800.00. "Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto..."
Via TimeZone
June 17, 2009
Rock-afire Explosion Not for Tots
Forget the G-rated animatronics at Country Bear Jamboree or Showbiz Pizza. We hear that Rock-afire Explosion had so much demand from acid rock fans that they came up with new models that can perform hip hop, rock and indie music. We dig that they are currently playing tunes like the Nine Inch Nails' "1,000,000," and we will surely try to catch them if they are in our area.
Via Trendhunter
May 22, 2009
Must Have: Terminator Salvation Gimmees
You may not be able to rent or buy Terminator Salvation after this week's premiere, but in honor of the event, we have found some kewl related stuff that qualifies for our Must Have of the week. Sign up to be notified when the film will be released, order a t-shirt, get an action figure, play the soundtrack or the Xbox game. Let us not forget the pièce de résistance, the 6" T-bust designed by Mike Locascio, which will be released mid June.
Via Terminator: Salvation
May 13, 2009
Robotic Gizmo Performs
The Gremlins have returned! This robotic Gizmo sings and dances his way into your heart. At a size of 8" tall and with an 11" ear span, the Plush Mogwai sings the original song in the movie. He comes with his own batteries so you can wake him up that much quicker. Just remember not to get him wet, expose him to bright light or feed him pizza after midnight.
Via Gizmo
April 6, 2009
Like Keepon? Love the Dancebot
Clever Trossen Robotics created a low cost Dancebot kit. The original Keepon was quite a hit on YouTube with over 2 million viewings, but was built with state of the art technology at a cost of over $20,000. Yeah, we know this has to be an April Fools kind if thing, because if you look closely at it, it is composed of a double decker marshmallow, an unfolded paper clip, ramen for hair, and Sharpies to decorate the other "thingies."
Via Trossen
Newsletter
Subscribe - RSS
