NASA teamed with GM to build Robonaut 2, an automation robot designed for automobile plants that “can use its hands to do work beyond the scope of prior humanoid machines.” Video after the break.
Seriously though, GM’s Robonaut 2 differs slightly from Honda’s Asimo and the Toyota elderly-helping robot in that it seems to be intended for private use rather than retail sales.
[via Autoblog]
A Transformers fan in Taiwan made good use of the junk — mainly “old TV roof antennas and a few gears and old tires” — he had laying around by using it to build a 14-foot tall Optimus Prime robot. Continue reading for the news segment.
Though the Optimus Prime we see in the movie seems much smarter than this, the choice of the materials in this case can surely inspire others to think before they discard them.
[via Ecofriend]
Japanese researchers have built Diego-san, the world’s creepiest robotic baby. Standing 4.2-feet tall and weighing in at 66-pounds, this robot “has about 20 moving parts so that it can communicate with facial expression without being able to talk.” Continue reading for one more picture.
…and can stand up from a chair on its own. It can hold a water bottle with its hand. It has a high resolution camera and 6 axis acceleration sensor built in to detect movement.
Amazon has the iDance Buzz for just $14.99, originally priced at $49.99. Just connect “Buzz and a MP3 player to the Star Command base(cables included) to play your favorite music through the built-in speaker while Buzz dances and grooves to the beat.” Product page. Video after the break.
Press the Talk Mode button to hear phrases from Buzz. In MP3 Music Mode, use the Star Command Base as an external speaker for your MP3 player. To play in Action Mode pose Buzz off the base for cool action play.
[via Amazon]
Inventor Le Trung from Ontario, Canada wasn’t alone this Christmas, as he spent it with his secret girlfriend, a robot named Aiko. Not just any robot, this fembot can speak two languages and 13,000 sentences between them. Continue reading to see an early prototype from 2007.
Le has built up huge debts working on his fembot and is still trying to find a technology company to sponsor his research. But in the meantime he has had to move back in with his parents and they will all be spending the festive period and New Year together.
[via Dailymail]
Amazon is selling the Erector Spykee Cell for just $79.99 shipped, originally priced at $199.99. This robot is compatible with the iPod Touch / iPod Nano (for MP3 features) and doubles as a Bluetooth wireless speaker phone. Product page. Video after the break.
[via Amazon]
Amazon has the WowWee Tribot for just $39 shipped, originally priced at $99.99. The robot “is ready to interact with you whether it is playing with his built in games or telling you jokes.” Product page.
Remember though, he’s only a young robot so he will need help from you to give him commands using the remote controller. This innovative talking companion is more than just your average robot.
[via Amazon]
Not only do these creepy-looking robotic heads sing, they can actually be purchased for a hefty $75,000; the heads are connected to servos behind the mold of the artist’s face that are controlled by a computer.” Video after the break.
No, it’s not the Boyz II Men reunion tour, these are three other singing robots manufactured into a performing trio.
[via Engadget]
Boston Dynamics unveils a weaponized version of their BigDog robotic mule. It’s now equipped with a set of bull horns that can take out enemies while transporting others to safety. Video after the break.
What does this mean? More fun when you run bleeding from your home, your left kidney stolen from you as you slept, as the robots rise up and begin preparing our organs for harvest!
[via Crunchgear]
