Filed under: Robots

Erector’s WiFi-enabled Spykee robot hasn’t even begun to ship to mere mortals just yet, but through some random acts of wizardry, Sven was able to grab hold of one and give it the ole unboxing / impressions treatment (on video, no less). It could be the novelty factor, but he seemed pretty stoked with the whole package, and the clip waiting in the read link gives some real hard-hitting insight as to whether or not this $300 character deserves a spot in your family. Give it a watch, won’t you?

[Via RobotsRule]

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Filed under: Robots

Riding a bicycle isn’t exactly simple, especially if you’re made of circuitry, wires, and a gyroscope. That was Murata Seisaku-kun’s one trick, and now he’s sadly obsolete. Meet Seiko, a 20-inch tall, 11 pound unicycle riding robot. Like her, uh, “cousin” Keisaku-kun, Seiko relies on a chest-mounted gyro to stay upright and uses Bluetooth to communicate with a Computer that gives instructions. (Yes, she’s a PC.) Lucky robot lovers can watch the whole family of robo-carnies do its stuff at CEATEC Japan 2008, but even luckier you can check out the elder bot on his bike in motion after the break without having to leave your chair.

Continue reading Murata’s new balancing robot loses a wheel, gains a trick

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Unlike other gadgets, this iPhone charger uses an OLPC-inspired crank to charge up the phone, thirty to be exact. Video after the break.

Peter Thuvander was so excited over his new iPhone that he designed an induction powered yo-yo charger for it.

[via Yankodesign - Core77]

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Not your average toy, this MagLev train uses a magnet and liquid nitrogen at -183C to propel itself around the track. No word yet on pricing or availability. Continue reading to watch.

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Filed under: Robots

This tiny creation here might not be the most impressive homebuilt Terminator bot we’ve seen, and a certain DVD player may have it beat for realism, but as far as speaking LEGO robot heads go, it’s certainly at least in the upper ranks. Apparently, this one was pieced together from a whole slew of different LEGO Mindstorms sets, and it even includes a LEGO ice pick that can be stuck in his eye if he really starts to get on your nerves, which seems a near certainty. Somewhat interestingly, the bot’s creator only decided to build the skull after abandoning another mysterious LEGO project that’s only described as “too ambitious.” Head on past the break for a video of the bot doing its thing, and hit up the link below for a complete overview of the project.

Continue reading Robot skull auditions for role in LEGO Terminator

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Priced at a hefty $650, this folding stroller features a “power system that completely recharges after only 300 feet of strolling.” Video after the break.

I don’t have children, but if I did, I would have to buy one of these Origami power folding strollers. Not because it’s made of 90% recycled materials. Not because of the integrated cup holders and daytime running lights.

[via OhGizmo]

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Filed under: Robots

WowWee’s Rovio isn’t due to begin shipping to the general populace for a few days still, but the mighty important folks over at RobotsRule were somehow able to procure one a hair early. Thankfully for us, it took the time to neatly unbox this home sentry and give us an up-close look at what it’s made of. A full-fledged review is promised within the next few days, but for now, just hit the read link and enjoy the shots.

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Not only is Steve Ballmer a Computer, but he really cares about working at Microsoft, maybe a little too much. Continue reading to watch.

Found on Microsoft’s Life Without Walls promotional site, users who click on Ballmer’s tiny face will be greeted with this message.

[via Gizmodo]

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Brothers in Arms 3 “has many new features, including the capability to command a further squad from a selection of new specialized units (bazooka teams and machine gun teams).” Video after the break. Click here for first picture in gallery.

When a command is issued, the player model uses hand signals to issue the command to his squad, just like the previous games in the series. The player also has the ability to take cover behind objects, in a manner similar to Rainbow Six Vegas.

[via Wiki]

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Filed under: Robots

We haven’t heard a whole lot about Singapore’s DARPA-esque TechX robot challenge since it first kicked off early last year, but with the final round getting underway on Sunday, Popular Mechanics has now thankfully offered up a preview of what’s in store. Among those set to compete is the so-called Uni-Seeker bot (pictured above) from Nanyang Technological University, which is a heavily modded incarnation of iRobot’s ATRV Junior robot, and one of only six bots that managed to make it through all the qualifying rounds. Others include the considerably more intimidating AZROBOWAR Sharp Shooter, built absolutely from scratch, and a pair of robots built on iRobot’s popular PackBot platform. From the looks of it, they’ll each have their work cut out for them in the huge event, with them required to begin outside and navigate their way inside a building, then climb a flight of stairs, travel up an elevator, touch a few targets, and then exit the building again — without any human intervention, and in less than an hour. That $700,000 prize should provide plenty of motivation, though.

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