This robot has some amazing dance moves. CNET reports that the robot is modified Manoi AT01 made last year by a robotics whiz name Dr. GIY. The Manoi AT01s cost $1,600 in Japan. Robotics hobbyists take the small bots and customize them. The robot customized by Dr. GIY certainly puts any dancing toy robot on the market to shame. Take a look:
Snackbot is a human-sized mobile robot that will be delivering snacks to students, faculty, and office workers at Carnegie Mellon University. Snackbot will also support research into robust autonomous operation in office environments. A couple video clips of Snackbot are below. Snackbot looks a little lost in the first clip but in the second clip Snackbot successfully delivers snacks to David. Someday a robot like Snackbot may deliver snacks to you. Take a look:
The Korea Heraldreports that the Korean government is planning to build Robot Land, a huge robot theme park.
The robot theme park in the Incheon Free Economic Zone is to be officially designated today as Robot Land development area by the Ministry of Knowledge Economy under the robotics development law, ministry officials said.
The robot theme park, which the government says is the first of its kind in the world, will feature a number of attractions such as entertainment facilities, exhibition halls, research and development centers, education buildings and industrial support facilities, officials said.
The website for Robot Land already has artist renderings and information about the plans for the park. The website says the robot them park will include robot characters from movies and robot movie sets. There will be a robot aquarium where visitors can watch and manipulate robot fish. Other features include a food court where people are served by robots, robot rides and a water park.
Senario Launches Zibbits, Mini Remote Controlled Robots
Senario has announced the launch of Zibits. Zibits are miniature collectible remote control (R/C) robots. Zibits stand slightly over 2-inches tall. They are brought to life with the touch of button that moves the robots several directions, including a full 360 degree rotation. Zibbits also emit robotic sounds and lights.
"There is a rapidly growing trend in small and unique 'robotic'-type toys right now, and we've developed Zibits as an affordable yet entertaining option for kids young and old at less than $10 per Zibits," says Mike Nakamura, founder and CEO of Senario.
Zibits will hit Toys R Us store shelves in the U.S. in mid-March 2010 and will be priced under $10 each. Zibits will also be launched in the United Kingdom in late summer 2010.
NASA and GM Make Robonaut2, a Dexterous Humanoid Robot
NASA and GM engineers and scientists came together at NASAs Johnson Space Center to build a new dexterous humanoid robot called Robonaut2 (R2 for short). R2 is capable of working side by side with people to help GM make cars. R2 can also assist NASA astronauts on dangerous space missions. The way Robonaut2 is able to grip objects like a barbell or an envelope is amazing. Take a look:
A company named Neato Robotics is challenging iRobot's reign as the sole producer of robotic floor vacuums. Neato is releasing the Neato XV-11, which uses laser guided Room Positioning System (RPS) Technology. Wiredarticle points out some differences between Neato and iRobot's Roomba series of vacuum robots. Neato uses laser pointers to avoid objects in a room whereas the Roomba bounces off of them. Neato can also uses its mapping technology to determine the best way to navigate a room. There are also price differences. Neato retails for $400 while Roombas start at around $130.
A robotic nurse named 21 was designed to help the elderly. A patient can place his or her hands on the robots huge hands and the robot will help them get into a wheelchair. 21 can also cook eggs and make and serve toast. Robots are expected to play a large role in the helping the elderly in the decades to come. Take a look:
Robid: Impressive Toy Robot From Tomotaka Takahashi
Robid is an amazing little robot from Tomotaka Takahashi. Robid makes moves that seem more like an animation than a clunky robot. Robid can jump in the air without falling to the floor. Robid's personality also comes through as he struts and stomps around showing off his moves. Robid is just a prototype but he will be hit with kids if he is ever mass produced and released as a toy.
You can see some more photos of Robid here (translated) on a Japanese robot website called Robot Watch.
This 15.3-inch robot from Vstone called the Robovie-X contains a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530 processor and a 1.3-megapixel CMOS head camera. Crave says about 50 of the $4,500 robots will be made. In the video the robot is being controlled by a remote PC and what the robot is "seeing" is displayed on the computer screen. The robot can also stand on its head and shoot. Take a look:
Aldebaran Robotics Plans to Release Nao Robot Next Year
CNET reports that Aldebaran Robotics plans to mass release its cute little 23-inch programmable robot called Nao next year. No details about pricing are available except that Aldebaran says Nao will have an "affordable price."
In the video below you can see the Nao can hold objects, speak, stand on its head, dance and play soccer. Take a look:
Hajime 33 is a giant Michael Jordan sized robot that can walk and kick a soccer ball. Hajime manages to kick the soccer ball without falling over but the ridiculous looking robot does look it would fall if it tried to kick the ball very hard. Hajime 33 is controlled by a PS3 controller. It probably won't be long before robots are playing soccer more gracefully without the need for a remote control.
Clown-like Robots to Lead Elderly in Physical Therapy Exercises
Dvice reports that Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) has created a clown-like robot named Taizou that will help teach the elderly physical therapy exercises. We think the intentions of AIST are good but some people find clowns creepy. The robot fitness clowns will arrive in Japan in 2010.
Japanese Engineers Demonstrate Robots That Cook and Serve Food
Japanese engineers demonsrated some robots that can cook food and deliver drinks or food to customers. These robots are quite ready for real work but they are the precursors of what is yet to come. We've seen this cooking robot before but the little traveling bartender bot is new. Take a look:
Wiredreports that building Wall-E has become the focus of DIY roboticists.
"It's a lot of reverse engineering," says Bruce Shields, who is better known among DIY roboticists by his screen name Jawa Lunk. "It's a release, a relaxing hobby that is enjoyable. When you are done you can look at it and say 'this is it, this is the end.'"
Wall-E, the bug-eyed robot star of the movie, is clearly the hot favorite in this DIY community. But other robots from the film, such as Eve, M-O and Autopilot, have also been brought to life. Some of the group's homemade bots will be on display this weekend at the Maker Faire, a festival of DIY arts, crafts and technology in San Mateo, California.
When the first trailer of Wall-E was released in October 2007, Shields says he found a robot that the world could love. A Michigan-based pastor with a strong interest in robotics, he created the Wall-E builders' group. In its first few weeks, the group collected about 400 members. And they tried to find every little nugget, image or slice of video that could offer a hint to how the robot functioned.
A Wall-E builders' group has nearly 3,000 members worldwide. The groups website can be found at wall-ebuilders.com. They also have posted lots of photos here on Flickr of the Wall-E bots they have built.
Belgian Scientists Build Robot to Be Child's Friend at Hospital
Belgian scientists have created a cuddly green robot designed to make life easier for children that have to spend a long time in the hospital. Reuters says Probo the robot responds to children's touch and teaches children about operations. Probo can also smile, purr, talk and is huggable. The Beglian scientists goal is to build a robot that can be a child's friend during difficult hospital visits. Take a look at Probo:
