Dec 03 2005
Another familiar face on display at IREX this week was the nuvo. Manufactured by ZMP, Inc. and billed as “the first-home-use-type humanoid robot in the world,” the nuvo stands 39 cm tall and weights 2.5 kg. Looking more like a work of modern art than a fully functional robot, the nuvo has its designer Ken …
Dec 02 2005
Although it’s been around for more than a year and a half, the Kondo KHR-1 robot made an appearance at IREX this week showing off its moves. Sozbots, Kondo’s manufacturer, bills it as a “fighting” robot, which makes sense since it was initially designed for participation in the Robo-One Robot Fighting Tournaments. Weighing 1.2 kg …
Dec 01 2005
Akihabaranews.com continues their excellent coverage of IREX today with some great photos of the BN-17 Swiffer Robot by Bandai. Although it is pictured pushing a Swiffer, cleaning floors is only one of the capabilities of this robot. Its other functions include those common to other modern companion robots including home security, e-mail, and web access. …
Nov 30 2005
The IREX International Robot Expo 2005 is in full swing in Tokyo, Japan right now. Hundreds of companies, organizations and researchers have their robots on display for the public to interact with. From entertainment robots to cleaning bots to robotic receptionists, there are many fresh faces and some familiar ones as well. One of the …
Nov 29 2005
Popular Science has an article today about the Kegbot, a keg fridge crossed with a Linux computer. Developed by software engineer Mike Wakerly, the system is built around a microcontroller that manages a valve and flowmeter that’s been integrated into the tap line of an ordinary keg fridge. The controller is interfaced to a Linux …
Nov 25 2005
As part of the Artificial Mouse (AMOUSE) Project, researchers from the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the University of Zurich have developed a robotic mouse, the AMouse, that navigates by means of an omnidirectional camera, several light sensors, and two active artificial whisker arrays. In nature, vibrissae, better known as whiskers, are important sensors for short-range …
Nov 15 2005
There’s not much of a back-story, but CNET News.com has the creepiest picture that you are likely to see today or any day for that matter. The photo, taken this morning at a Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, shows a model, clearly under duress, shaking hands with a robot that has the head of Albert …
Nov 09 2005
Discovery.com is reporting today that researchers from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University have developed a robot that does not use wheels or legs to move, but rather uses its skin as its means of propulsion in much the same way that amoeba do. While this method of locomotion will not be practical in …
Nov 02 2005
Engadget is reporting today on an article at Discovery.com about a new concept robot that will use an innovative means of locomotion: rimless wheels instead of traditional wheels or legs. The robot, dubbed IMPASS (Intelligent Mobility Platform with Active Spoke System), will have four rimless wheels. Three spokes that pass through each axle will lengthen or …
Nov 01 2005
Title: How To Survive a Robot Uprising Author: Daniel H. Wilson Genre: Humor Publisher: Bloomsbury USA Release Date: November 1, 2005 Pages: 176 There’s a discussion on Slashdot today regarding this article by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette about a new book by first-time author and full time roboticist, Daniel H. Wilson, entitled “How to Survive …
