TFTS - Technology, Gadgets & Curiosities » Robotics

Sega Toys Dream Cat Venus [Robotic Feline Delights Lonely Japanese Women]

Robert Lesher — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 14:12:33 +0000

There are certain things that will always creep me out – carnies and public restrooms among them – but I have to admit that robotic animals of any kind might be near the top of the list. I’m not sure if it’s the lifeless, piercing eyes or the rigid mechanical movements that do it. Maybe it’s just the fact that no matter how much technology you cram under the fake fur they just never seem natural. Either way, when I saw the latest creature creation from Sega Toys, the Dream Cat Venus, it sent chills up and down my spine. (...)
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Video: SCRATCHbot Robot Rat with Whisker Sensors [Fire Rescue AI Robot]

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 10:05:01 +0000

Thanks to the boffins at the Bristol Robotics Lab and the University of Sheffield, who have jointly developed the SCRATCHbot (which, incidentally, stands for Spatial Cognition and Representation through Active TouCh), those trapped in burning buildings could soon see themselves rescued by artificially intelligent robots that use sensory whiskers to navigate their way though the smoke in order to locate you.

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Bomo Robot Baby Carriage [Robotic Baby Seat Turns Your Child into a Davros Wannabe]

Andrew Tingle — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 07:34:27 +0000

Whether we like it or not (or chose to admit it) we often find ourselves projecting our own interests on our children in the hope that they’ll develop interests in a similar vain to our own and, if you’re a confirmed geek and you’re looking to install that seed of geekdom in your young child, this Bomo Robot Baby Carriage is sure to set the foundations that will ultimately lead your child becoming a chip off the old block.

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HRP-4C Humanoid Robot Spells End for Catwalk Models [Fembot Makes Moss Et Al Nervous, Not]

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:50:37 +0000

Fashion and catwalk models the world over were (not) said to be (not) quaking in their boots high heels today (think of those frown lines, darlings) following the demonstration of a new humanoid robot, known merely, and somewhat seductively, as the HRP-4C, being paraded in Japan.

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WowWee Spyball Spycam Webcam Ball Robot [Wi-Fi Cam Bot]

Andrew Tingle — Wed, 07 Jan 2009 12:00:54 +0000

WowWee, who are no strangers either to the site or TFTS Towers, have detailed a new model in their ever expanding range of robotic devices in the form of the WowWee Spyball which serves as a robotic webcam (more of a spycam, actually) that connects wirelessly via Wi-Fi to your home network allowing you to parade around your home, snooping on your family/Fido the Wonderdog/the burglar either whist cooped up in your computer room or whilst away at the office via the net.

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Trossen Robotics MechRC Humanoid Robot Now Available [Video: MechRC in Action - Impressive]

Andrew Tingle — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:49:19 +0000

Trossen Robotic’s MechRC Humanoid Robot, which comes pre-assembled – or what Trossen Robotic’s bill as being as being ‘ready-to-walk’ – and which boasts 17 separate servos resulting in the MechRC being capable of enacting over one hundred pre-loaded actions out of the box, has just become available in the US.

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HPI Robotics G-ROBOT G-Dog [Man’s Best Friend Is A (Robot) Dog]

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 13:28:43 +0000

The Japanese robotics company HPI have announced their latest robot kit, following on from the G-ROBOTS GR-001, the G-Dog which utilises the same components as the aforementioned robot and which is set to retail for around €550.

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Cyberdyne Robot Hybrid Assistive Limbs (HAL) Available To Rent In Japan This Week

Andrew Tingle — Tue, 07 Oct 2008 13:28:23 +0000

As of this Friday, if you happen to live in Japan you’ll be able to rent robotic Hybrid Assistive Limbs (HALs) – in particular, robotic assistive legs – from a Tokyo based company called Cyberdyne which have been designed to help partially paralysed people, the elderly or those with energy and/or muscle wasting disorders walk thanks to offering additional support and weight bearing strength.

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Erector Spykee Wi-Fi VoiP Spy Robot Gets Delayed Release Date

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 25 Aug 2008 09:30:23 +0000

Whilst Erector’s Spykee robot was scheduled to have been released back last October, only subsequently to put in a no-show, the good news for those looking to get their hands on the Erector Spykee Wi-Fi Spy Robot is that it’s now due to be released this coming October according to a listing on Amazon.

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Lego Release Mindstorms NXT Infrared Link Sensor & RF ID Sensor [Lego NXT Accessories]

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 27 Jun 2008 00:35:43 +0000

For those of you into building Mindstorms NXT robots – which is far removed from mere childs play – you may be interested to know that Lego have now released two Mindstorms NXT accessories in the form of a Mindstorms NXT Infrared Link Sensor and a Mindstorms NXT RF ID Sensor, the former of which, somewhat tantalisingly, will allow your NXT robots to actually control either other Mindstorms NXT creations or even Lego IR remote-controlled trains and/or Lego power function motors.

According to the official Lego product pages, the two NXT accessories are as follows:

Infrared Link Sensor for MINDSTORMS NXT!

Enhance your MINDSTORMS NXT creations with an Infrared Link Sensor! With 3 NXT-G blocks, you’ll be able to build robots that can communicate with other devices, including the MINDSTORMS RCX, LEGO IR remote-controlled trains, and LEGO Power Functions motors.

Includes 1 Infrared Link Sensor.
Does not include connector cable.

RF ID Sensor for your MINDSTORMS NXT robots!

Another great MINDSTORMS NXT accessory for experienced programmers! Add an NXT-G program loop that needs a specific transponder to run. When you have the key transponder, only you can start the program – use multiple transponders to run multiple program paths!

Includes sensor and 2 RF transponders!
Does not include connector cable.

Both accessories come without the all important NXT Intelligent Brick and require the Lego Mindstorms NXT set #8527 in order to run and will set you back around £33 and £40 for the Mindstorms NXT Infrared Link Sensor and a Mindstorms NXT RF ID Sensor respectively. Extra keyfob transponders for use with the latter are also available for just shy of £25 for a pack of 10 units.

Lego

iPhone’s Web browser Used To Control Unmanned Aerial Vehicles [iPhone UAV Remote Control Mobile Safari Application Developed]

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 20 Jun 2008 16:18:58 +0000

Following on from our post concerning Steve Moore’s AirRemote iPhone application that serves to allow your iPhone to control everything from AV equipment to being the central control unit of a complete home automation setup, UC Berkeley has just announced a new iPhone application that will allow Apple’s device to take control of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) courtesy of the Mobile Safari web browser.

Developed specifically by The Center for Collaborative Control of Unmanned Vehicles (C3UV), the application works by allowing ground based operators to enter co-ordinates via the iPhone’s Mobile Safari web browser which are subsequently relayed to the UAV via a web site so, in truth, this is not only control by proxy, so to speak, but at least this method serves to get around the iPhones terms of service that stipulates that using the iPhone to control remote vehicles of any type is prohibited. (Incidentally, the new iPhone Software Development Kit (SDK) license – specifically iPhone SDK, Section 3.3.7 – also prohibits the device being used for emergency or life-saving purposes).

Quite why the iPone in particular has been singled out as a control device, however, is open to speculation – as surely any device with web connectivity could be used – though we suspect that the application would not have proven quite as newsworthy if they had used one of Nokia’s recent, highly affordable handsets.

[via TUAW]

Video – Boston Dynamics Stunning BigDog Robotic ‘Pack Mule’ in Action [Hot To Trot, Climb, Skate & Jump]

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 20:27:57 +0000

Boston Dynamics have released new, remarkable video footage of their robotic quadruped ‘pack mule’ in action showing just how far developed this DARPA funded robot’s sense of balance has developed – even to the extent that it can maintain its balance whilst climbing obstacles and when loosing its grip on black ice (as well as being kicked).

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Full Size Lost in Space Animatronic B-9 Robot

Andrew Tingle — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 12:33:23 +0000

We’ve featured a highly desirable RD-D2 projection unit, and we’ve featured a curious animatronic brain that will put many in mind of Mars Attacks and now we have this full size exacting, animated remote controlled replica of the B-9 robot as featured in the cult sci-fi 60’s television series Lost in Space to add to our collection.

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Comet Robot Kit – The Self Assembly Drawing Robot and Pen Holder

Andrew Tingle — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 16:59:28 +0000

Whilst by no means as complex – or as expensive – as the previously featured RoboPhilo humanoid robot, the Comet Robot Kit offers a great introduction to robotics for small children in serving both as an inspiring educational gadget as well as, once built, a great toy which will even allow you to render robotically created art work thanks to the clever and somewhat novel addition of an on-board pen holder.

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Roboboa Robot Snake Update – Roboboa Now Available in US

Andrew Tingle — Tue, 16 Oct 2007 12:08:47 +0000

You may recall that several months ago we posted about Roboboa, the AI robotic snake from WowWeee – makers of Robosapien – which, apart from offering everything you would expect from a robotic snake, also offers a few intriguing secondary functions such as a motion detecting angle poise desk lamp and even a child safety light – well now it’s available in the US.

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RoboPhilo Promises Entry Level Humanoid Robotics for Under $500

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 15 Oct 2007 11:37:12 +0000

Billed on the official product site as being the ‘most affordable humanoid (robot)’, the RoboPhilo robot (Philo stands for Programmable Humanoid In Lifelike Operation) is aimed squarely at those who have outgrown the likes of Robosapien and are looking for an entry level, fully programmable humanoid robot that offers a wide range of movement that can be directly controlled and programmed via a PC but that will not break the bank.

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Video – MicroDrone Spy in the Sky Surveillance Platform

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 19:43:12 +0000

We’re a little late in posting about this particular gadget but, whereas ordinarily we’d simply not post about something already so widely covered, the MicroDrone remote surveillance drone from German company MicroDrones GmbH genuinely gets our pulses racing – besides that, it’s guaranteed to feature in TFTS on the premise that ‘if it flies it’s in’.

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Video – Zeno the Robot Boy by David Hanson

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 10:31:56 +0000

If you are familiar with the story of Pinocchio then, like me, you’ll be surprised that Zeno, a robot boy presently being developed by David Hanson, presently does not appear to come with an inbuilt lie detector and extending nose but, lie detecting nose aside, what Zeno does offer is yet another tantalizing glimpse into the future of robotics and the mind boggles as to quite where its all going to lead.

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BEAM Bot Club DIY Robot Kits – The Perfect Educational Gift for Children

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 14 Sep 2007 08:42:08 +0000

It’s never too early to install an interest in technology, robotics and basic engineering in children and the BEAM Bot Club – BEAM is an acronym for Biology, Electronics, Aesthetics, Mechanics – is a scheme whereby for a single one off fee each month, for four months, you’ll be sent a different robot in kit form offering differing capabilities that can be constructed with just a little soldering.

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Remarkable Electronic Animatronic Brain with Encyclopedia and Dictionary

Andrew Tingle — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 22:27:34 +0000

This curious electronic gadget – which reminds us of Davros from the Doctor Who TV series – has been developed as an educational gadget for children though we suspect that it could also serve as an ideal last minute party guest to take up a vacant chair at the dinner table (who would then serve to totally dominate the conversation).

The device, known as Brian the Brain, comes complete with the entire Encyclopedia Britannica stored in its memory as well as a dictionary and a complete world history time line and utilises voice recognition technology to interact with children who will no doubt want to pick Brain’s expansive electronic Brain in their thirst for facts, figures and someone to help with their homework who actually knows what they’re talking about for a change.

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Video – Keepon Dancing Robot Gets into the Groove

Andrew Tingle — Thu, 16 Aug 2007 18:09:57 +0000

If you’ve had a particularly stressful day or are feeling a little fed up this video featuring the Keepon Dancing Robot is sure to bring a smile to even the sternest of faces.

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WowWee RoboBoa – The Dancing AI Robot Python

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 06 Aug 2007 14:41:28 +0000

Whilst few would agree that RoboBoa is the most attractive of AI pets currently available, few of RoboBoa’s peers can boast quite the level of functionality offered by this robotic Python.Naturally, as seems to be an obligatory requirement of all robots these days, RoboBoa will dance to your favourite tunes whilst flashing its eyes and he will even dance to your MP3 play lists thanks to a built in audio jack (cable not supplied). RoboBoa also offers an ‘Explore Mode’ whereby it will scan the room and move around interacting with everything in its path (i.e., head-butting the wife’s foot repeatedly).

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Beer Robot – Beer Served by a Bot

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 16 Jul 2007 05:35:04 +0000

Perhaps it’s just the subject matter, but I was transfixed by the video provided below showing this beer serving robot in action. I’m not sure whether it was because of the absurdity of it all, or because this would undoubtedly be a sure fire hit at parties.

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Hex Bugs – Mini Robot Insects

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 02 Jul 2007 11:34:25 +0000

These are going to be huge, there’s no doubt about it. And, just like many of the ‘classic’ toys of the past the shops will be full of fathers buying these for their children – who’ll not get a look in once they are unpackaged.

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Video – Amusing Robot Sex Romp Video (SFW)

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 16 Apr 2007 22:16:47 +0000

If you found the Humping Dog funny, you’ll love this curiously amusing video featuring the worlds first robotic adult film star, aka Hector the Humping Robot (actually a Robonova-1 robot) getting it on with all manner of things. In fact, he’ll seeming try and hump just about anything (just like a friend of mine, except that Hector is a little more fussy).

You can watch this extremely amusing robot sex romp video below and I should stress that it is entirely safe for work (it also has a great soundtrack). Enjoy.

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Pico Microbot – the Smallest Robot in the World?

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:13:14 +0000

Designed and built by Zac Wheeler, the Pico robot (aka mini-bot) could quite possibly be the smallest robot in the world on account of the fact that it measures in at a mere 0.5 of an inch (12.5mm each side).

Capable of running for 15 minutes, the Pico miniature robot is powered by two tiny Didel MK04S-25 motors and is able to sense obstacles via an inbuilt IR sensor though, as is evidenced in the video below showing the robot strutting its stuff around a beer tin (never an obstacle for us), it has a tendency to drive itself off the table.

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The Robotic Coffee Table/Mother-in-Law Remover

Andrew Tingle — Sun, 11 Mar 2007 11:38:16 +0000

Developed by Segway and known as the RMP (Robotic Mobility Platform) this robotic device has been developed to carry other robots that may not be able to move themselves around like a personal taxi but we think that Segway have missed something here as we can’t help but think that it could function brilliantly as a robotic coffee table or drinks tender.

Just imagine all the time you would save the next time you have guests around. Instead of spending the entire time trekking to and from your kitchen or mini bar, you could just send the RMP out to your guests thus leaving you free to concentrate on getting drunk/trying to get off with someone/making a complete fool of yourself.

The only slight concern is that the RMP will set you back from $11,000 to $50,000 depending on the model but once you consider other possible uses – such as putting this under the chair your mother-in-law always takes as her own when she comes to stay, thus enabling you to wait till she’s asleep before sending her out of the front door and into town – it seems a small price to pay.

[Via]

Viper Hunter Killer Robot with Uzi

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 09 Mar 2007 10:48:41 +0000

We are, as a species, seemingly obsessed with finding evermore ingenious ways with which not only to take life, but to take life in an ever evolving desensitised manner.

And, to that end, it is interesting to note that the Israeli company Elbit Systems Ltd have just revealed a robot called the VIPeR (nice, trendy use of capitalisation) which is capable of carrying a host of equipment from bomb-sniffing and disposal devices to grenades, pistols and even Uzi submachine guns.

The tracked robot, which is controlled remotely, comes complete with an on-board camera to enable the aiming of its weapons as it enters regions felt unsafe for infantry in a bid to root out enemy combatants.
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Be Virtually Present Anywhere with the Giraffe Robot

Andrew Tingle — Thu, 08 Mar 2007 20:42:33 +0000

If you have ever needed to be in two places at once – in two business meetings for example – then why not send a Giraffe in your place. In fact, why not get two Giraffes and send one to each meeting whilst putting your feet up at home?

Admittedly, you could question just how well you could be represented by a Giraffe, but this isn’t that sort of Giraffe, this is a robot that will facilitate you projecting your considerable presence anywhere the robot is installed and it could be the ideal device to add a little flair to virtual conferencing – which, let’s face it, tend to be particularly drab affairs at the best of times.

What makes the Giraffe different from standard virtual conferencing gadgets is the ability to actually control the device remotely via a wireless internet connection so that, should you wish, you can roam the department floor looking for trouble. And, just to ensure that your sphere of influence isn’t limited to a single room, the 30lb device will even open doors as you steer it around.

The Giraffe features a robot with a screen mounted at the equivalent height of a standing person with relays the image of your face to those around the device whilst you, in turn, see via an internal 2 mega pixel wide angle camera complete with 8X zoom thus ensuring that you don’t miss a thing. Scary stuff.
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Emotion Robots that Learn like Babies

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 23 Feb 2007 13:05:06 +0000

The reality of a robot following us around with view to learning from our daily experiences and actions could soon see the light of day thanks to a new €2.3 million, three year research project known as Feelix Growing.

The project, involving twenty-five roboticists, developmental psychologists and neuroscientists from six countries will concentrate on developing a number of robots that, using vision, audio and sensory devices are able to sense the world, interact with humans and sense emotions which will then lead to them adapting their behaviour according to their ‘experiences’ in a manner that’s likened to the way babies develop.

The research will include building robots that are able to read our facial expressions as well as devices that become attached to things and people in the same way as children which will culminate in two final robots being constructed that integrate all of the advances made during the life of the project.

Thankfully we won’t be seeing any of these robots here at TFTS as the result would no doubt be the first ever record of a robot that’s incapable of doing anything without a beer in its hand and that has to be physically restrained from getting online and buying any gadget that just happens to have a blue LED. Which leads us on to ask, if you had a robot following you around all day learning from your life, what would the result be?

You can read more concerning this fascinating subject via this BBC article.

The Robot that Ousts Smokers

Andrew Tingle — Thu, 22 Feb 2007 12:59:57 +0000

If you are a smoker who has ever had an elicit cigarette break then be warned. If one of these modified sixty kilogram Ubiko robots is patrolling the area he’ll find you and he’ll take you out without warning with his laser sighted anti-particle device.

Okay, the bit about the anti-particle device isn’t true. In fact if this particular Ubiko Fire Prevention Robot smells smoke what he will do is send a wireless message to the building’s security who will then doubtless eject you from the building.

Created as a joint research venture between Tmsuk, Kyushu University and the Kanazawa Institute of Technology, this 44 inch tall Ubiko – who was originally designed to operate as an automated receptionist – has been fitted with a series of olfactory sensors that enable him not only to detect the smell of smoke but to distinguish the smell of smoke from other powerful odours such as perfume and even garlic.

All they need now is to develop another Ubiko who could roam up and down gyms and fitness centres with a tin of strong deodarant.

[Source | PinkTentacle]

Video – The Juke Bot Robot DJs

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 05 Feb 2007 10:06:21 +0000

Back in the day, when I had enough energy to stay up past ten o’clock and I had rhythm in my soul (it was never the right rhythm, but it was rhythm none the less), I saw many DJs who were a great deal less animated (and less talented) than this pair of rather intimidating 5 foot tall Kuka industrial robots who like nothing better than to spin a few tunes.

Surrounded by a selection of vinyl records, these Juke Bots don’t just play the music but actually start pulling a few DJ tricks, such as scratching.

You can view the video of the Juke Bots ‘doing their thang’ below (just be warned that they don’t take nicely to people leaning over them asking for requests).

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The Brainizord Window Climbing Robot

Andrew Tingle — Sun, 28 Jan 2007 09:36:27 +0000

Where would we be without windows? Well, for a start we wouldn’t be able to half close the binds in order to spy on the neighbours – not that we have ever done that sort of thing. Secondly, of course, our homes would be fairly depressive affairs reliant on artificial light consequently resulting in us all feeling rather glum.

Yes, windows are great, but now that you can attach one of these Climb@tron robots, such as the Brainizord version featured above, to them and watch it climb up and down they’ve just got greater. The fact that it’s also got flashing lights is just the icing on the cake as far as we’re concerned (any thing with a pulsing light makes it into my wish-list these days, which probably explains why my wife is walking round with an LED glued to her forehead in a concerted attempt to prise me away from TFTS for a few hours).

A great gift for children as you coax them towards fabled geek status, the Brainizord retails at a mere £8.95 (€13.43 / $15.89) and can be obtained, along with other Climb@trons, from this online retailer.

Video – Plen the Desktop Robot

Andrew Tingle — Sun, 14 Jan 2007 11:26:06 +0000

Produced by Japanese company Akazawa, Plen is a 23cm tall, 700 gram bipedal desktop robot powered by a 32 bit 33 MHz processor that can be controlled either via a computer or even via Bluetooth from a mobile phone and he has a few rather neat tricks up his little electronic sleeves as not only can he walk and dance but he can also skate – both on roller skates and even on a skate board.

Costing circa $2000 USD, you can see a couple of videos of the wonderful Plen Desktop Robot in action below. You can also link to the official Plen website via this link, however, as the site is flash based I am unable to link to an English translation of the Japanese page for you I’m afraid. That said, it’s well worth a visit if only to look at the imagery available.

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Entry Level Robotics with iRobot Create

Andrew Tingle — Sat, 13 Jan 2007 13:23:52 +0000

Based on the well known vacuuming robot available from the same company, the iRobot Create offers the aspiring roboteer a platform with which they can experiment to their heart’s content, and which can be modded to suit a host of requirements.

Delivered fully assembled and comprising of 32 inbuilt sensors, the highly versatile iRobot Create offers full programmability from a computer via a standard serial connection and can be further expanded via an internal open access payload bay which, conveniently, is just the right size to allow the transportation of a cold beer or two.

Aimed at hobbyists and educational establishments, the iRobot Create could no doubt serve as an invaluable tool and introduction to the fascinating world of robotics and costs a very reasonable $130.

More information can be obtained from the official product page linked here.

The Bioloid Modular Robotic Kit

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 01 Dec 2006 08:03:17 +0000

If you have an interest in robotics and are looking for something a little more versatile than a pre-assembled robot then this robotics kit, referred to as a multi-bot, from Bioloid could be just what you’re looking for.

Consisting of a total of 256 modular units otherwise known as “Smart Serially Controlled Servos” that can be assembled into a wide variety of robot types – from bi-pedal humanoid robots to dogs, spiders and even excavators – the Bioloid Multi-Bot Kit, far from being a “toy”, will serve as a great grounding in robotics and robotic programming.

As expected, the kit is by no means cheap, being priced at $899, however, considering the versatility of the kit and the scope it offers aspiring “roboteers” it’s not especially expensive when viewed against comparable products.

You can access the product page via this link.

Amazing Kinetic Sculptures (Video)

Andrew Tingle — Sun, 19 Nov 2006 15:41:05 +0000

It takes rather a lot to impress us here at TFTS Towers but the video below drew gasps of surprise and amazement from the entire office which, loosely translated means that yours truly stared wide-eyed at the following video and said “wow” a few times, opened a beer, and then watched the video again.

Joking aside, this video needs to be seen to be believed as it has been a long time since I have been so utterly memorised by something but this genuinely totally blew me away.

The video, which is an advert from BMW, features the living kinetic sculptures designed and built by Dutch artist Theo Jansen – incidentally now entering my coolest people on Earth chart straight at number one – who develops these intricate, wind powered, curiously organic mechanical devices that literally take on a life all of their own and you can see them in action below.

Even if you think that this won’t be of any interest to you at all I would urge you to take time out to watch the video as I think you’ll find that you’re not only extremely surprised at what you see but that, in some way, it moves you in a way that is impossible to describe.

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The Fembot Receptionist

Andrew Tingle — Mon, 13 Nov 2006 10:24:42 +0000

One of the indisputable highlights of my weekday mornings has been my perilous journey past the company receptionist as one never quite knows whether she’s going to be in a good mood or a bad mood. And, frankly, it’s hard to say which is preferable as it boils down to either having to endure an extensive update concerning her love life, and its highs and lows over the last twenty-four hours, or a look that could kill from one hundred paces on account that I’ve forgotten my access security card again and have to be buzzed in.

And now it would seem that in the future we will be forced to endure the same kind of social water torture every morning with, not a human, but a robot who, it would appear from the video below, is almost indistinguishable from the real thing (and just as capable of talking the hind legs off a donkey). That said, I am yet to see a video of this robot either painting her nails or dumping the boyfriend (again) via the telephone for the whole office to hear – but I’m sure a basic software upgrade will be forthcoming.

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HRP-2 – The Humanoid Robot

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 21:29:34 +0000

Having already featured a number of robots in Thoughts from the Sidelines – from bike riding robots that can remain perfectly balanced even at a complete standstill to dancing robots and even iPod robots – we couldn’t possibly pass up on featuring this rather remarkable video of the HRP-2 Humanoid Robot, otherwise known as “Promet”, strutting his stuff.

What is immediately striking about the HRP-2 is the extremely natural and fluid nature of its movement as well as its obvious dexterity, as is evidenced in the video featured below which shows the HRP-2 not only performing a traditional Japanese dance but also climbing stairs, crawling, squatting and even laying down.

It has to be said, as impressive as even the previously featured Robonova-1 undoubtedly is, the HRP-2’s moves makes it look positively robotic in comparison.

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The Coca Cola Suicide Robot

Andrew Tingle — Fri, 20 Oct 2006 19:51:30 +0000

We have featured our fair share of robots on Thoughts from the Sidelines – from dancing robots to bicycle riding robots – but this robot is a little different as it was designed to commit robot suicide by drinking Coca Cola.

Referred to as C3 (a parody of Coca Cola’s new low carbohydrate C2 drink) the robot was designed with the ability to seek out spillages of the famous carbonated drink which it would then use to kill itself.

You can see the video of the C3 robot – developed for a project entitled “Studies of Work Atmospheres and Mass Production” – experiencing its fatal Coke overdose after the jump.

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