Shimon and Haile Play Tunes

Shimon is a second generation project from Georgia tech that can play the marimba with help from Haile, a robotic percussionist. Working on algorithms, Shimon boasts richer sounds and is more interactive by giving visual cues and bouncing its head to the beat. He/she can also analyze harmony, rhythm, and melodies to improvise while playing. We wonder if they have met ASIMO, who would surely like to sit in. You can catch a clip of the two in action here.

Via Physorg

Flower Rock Gets Redesign

If you were one of those that bought Takara Tomy's Flower Rock, one of the first robotic gadgets that moved to music, then you will be pleased that they are celebrating their 20th anniversary with the new 2.0 speaker. Connect your MP3 player to either the soft or sharp petal version and be just as amused/annoyed as you were back in 1988. The musical device is available for $89.99. The video demo may be in Japanese, but you will get the gist of it, nonetheless.

ViaAudio Cubes

Meccano Releases Spykee Vox and Cell

Meccano has two new Spykee kits for you to create. The Vox is controlled by your iPod and reacts to your verbal questions with movement, light, sounds, and facial expressions. He can also be used as an alarm clock with your PC via USB. Tools are included in the £139.99 (~$248.00) kit.

The Control Spykee Cell works with your cell phone via Bluetooth. He allows video streaming and pictures as well as acting himself as a camera. He also lets you know about an incoming text message with movements, light, and sound effects. The Cell is available for £159.99 (~$284.00.) Both need 6 AAA non-included batteries to operate. Pre-order for an October delivery.

Via Mail Order Express

The Trons Head to Europe

We told you about the robot band, The Trons, back in June, and now it seems they are moving on up. Mercedes-Benz is flying the group and its creator Greg Locke from New Zealand to Europe to help launch one of their new models. It seems that the car company caught the act on YouTube. What's the advantage to having a robotic band? Locke says that he has only replaced one motor so far and knows that they won't suffer from stage fright. We wonder if they will have demands when they become International stars and ask for a better grade of oil.

Via Stuff

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

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

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