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This week our editors have complied a list of the "Top 10 Coolest (or Strangest) Robots" that we've come across in recent time. Please leave us a comment with any cool robots that we missed.

10. Robotic Lego Bartender

Lego blocks can be used to build just about anything, including this robotic bartender which was spotted at CeBIT 2006.

9. HRP-2 Promet

These robotic assistants can complete tasks such as controlling your TV, opening the fridge, and pulling a chair out with just a few simple voice commands. It even responds to requests like "please come here" with "what can I do for you?". Capture 3D images with its four built-in 2.8mm wide angular cameras located behind the visor.

8. RiSE: The Amazing Climbing Robot

Weighing a little over 4 pounds, RiSE is a six-legged climbing robot that can trek up and down vertical terrains. It uses a fixed tail for balance on steep ascents. [Roborama]

7. RHex - The Robotic Pooch


Boston Dynamics brings you RHex, a robotic pooch that can climb over just about anything (grass, mud, railroad tracks, etc.). RHex has a sealed body which allows it to operate in wet conditions and dive underwater. [OhGizmo!]

6. ACM-R5 Amphibious Snake-Like Robot

Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the ACM-R5 is a radio-controlled amphibious robot designed to move like its real world counterpart. It can slither or swim underwater for 30 minutes on a full charge. Inside, you'll find an intricate sensor system (attitude/torque), small-sized camera, and a 32bit micro controller. [nedo.go.jp]

5. Sony QRIO

The QRIO can not only dance/walk on two feet, but also adapt to walking surfaces, made possible by four pressure sensors under the sole of each feet. Not even robots are perfect so that's why QRIO will always return to an upright position after a fall or being pushed. Even more amazing, it can distinguish between faces, voices, and behaviors.

4. Honda ASIMO (Updated Model)

This new Asimo can now run at 6 km/h, greet passerbys, walk hand-in-hand, turn on the spot, and be used in an office. Or you could just use it as your personal assistant to bring coffee/drinks and greet guests.

3. BigDog - The Robotic Mule

Developed by Boston Dynamics for military purposes, the BigDog is a four-legged robotic mule that can carry over 88 pounds. It's very sturdy as it can withstand a kick to the body without falling over. [trf]

2. Albert Hubo Einstein Robot

Hanson has created the world's first walking, talking Einstein robot. The Albert head can run for hours on just two AA batteries because of its special "Frubber" material which requires only 1/20 the energy of normal animatronics. [Hanson]

1. WR-07 - A Real Transformer

Made by Hemiji Soft Japan, the WR-07 is a real transforming robot that was created for Robo-One. It goes from car to robot in a matter of seconds. [ShoutIt]

This entry was posted on 03/17/2006 6:46pm and is filed under Robots .
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There are 137 comments about this post (6 pages).

1
[...] And here’s the list [...]
2
gimme the mule and the pooch
3
I don't think the line-up does justice to all the robots. The WR-07 definitely doesn't deserve first place.
4
Yes it does wtf. It transform if you can do a full size model of the real thing u can have actual transforming cars are you insane? That transform is the shyt.
5
the Lego robot wasnt all that good it needed 2 pushes to get it going again
6
Thats amazing! The transformer was best!
7
These robots suck. Twice.
8
[...] Click Here [...]
9
The transformation isn't nearly as important as some of the other robots. The Asimo and QRIO's were far more impressive because of their software capabilities. Recognition and ability to carry out tasks are more important. They could also be easily adapted to transform, which is merely a physical trick.
10
Only the mule has practical purpose. All the rest are toys and utter nonsense at that.
11
That transformer bot look like a piece of crap.. it works at least :)
12
This is what happens when you drive a transformer... here
13
Honda needs to teach ASIMO shotokan. That, would be cool.
14
No, when it becomes full size, then it can have first place.
15
The Asimo and Mule should be tied first. The kick to the body of the mule was AMAZING.
16
This is what happens when you drive a Transformer.... http://70.86.201.113/imageserv2/temporary/PBF077ADDisassemble.jpg
17
you forgot Optimus Prime! he's the Baddest Mother F'er of all TIME!
18
th eeinstein is the best
19
was I the only one who noticed the amphibious snake robot? You could have some fun with that, a remote controlled CCTV camera...
20
bots will help relieve your tension for only $20 for ten minutes, helping the world acquire peace
21
The donkey-bot owns all... It's the only robot I've ever seen that actually moves like a real animal! Everything else looks like it was pre-programmed to move in a certain way. Donkey-bot moves on the fly!
22
The Boston Dynamics are the only ones here that have a practical purpose. I find it interesting that the Japanese bot are quite the opposite; just expensive toys.
23
For me it was the snake robot. That shit slithers, rotates a complete 360, swims, goes on land, that thing was the shit. You've got to give some credit to the dancing robots, those things were pretty incredible too. Eh, the transformer was pretty neat, but I've got to agree with a previous statement, show me it on a full size car then I'll start calling it optimus prime!!! Pretty sweet all of em though, I know I couldn't build any of em.
24
They are all cool! This POST is tres cool, with all the videos. Thanks!
25
What's with the music in the Donkeybot video? My wife thought I was watching porn before she realized it was just a video of a perfectly harmless robotic half-donkey getting kicked and running around.
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