Thursday, June 18, 2009

The utimate rubber-band firing wooden robot

Osamu Kanda has created many interesting automata, but this creation is something else entirely! He's made a ride-on, wooden robot with remote controlled-arms with working fingers and a chest that opens up to reveal a series of Gatling-style rubber-band guns. You wouldn't want to get into a rubber-band war with this man!


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Friday, June 05, 2009

The Hand of Man - Giant Robotic Hand

By far the most impressive mechanical sculpture I witnessed at this years Maker Faire 2009, was Christian Ristow's piece called Hand of Man. The giant hand is HUGE and fully functional via a haptic interface. It's hard to describe such a familiar thing when it is seen on such a massive and powerful scale. Check out this video for an idea of what I am talking about.

Learn more about the artist, Christian Ristow, on his web site.

[ Found via a post on the Make Magazine Blog ]


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Monday, May 04, 2009

Robotic woodpecker simulator sound sculptures

Here is a short video on a innovative kinetic sculpture that uses sound to great effect. A set of motorized robots mounted in trees effectively simulate the sound of woodpeckers tapping on trees. Very clever.

[ Thanks Falk! ]


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Sunday, May 03, 2009

Husqvarna's semi-automomous sleath Automower

Husqvarna's semi-automomous sleath Automower
In case you missed this over on the BoingBoing Gadgets blog the other day, you've got to check out the latest totally stealth-looking autonomous robotic lawn mower from Husqvarna. I wonder if it can be detected by radar.

From the product description
The Automower 260 ACX is designed for semi-professional use in business or public environments as well as for demanding consumers. Like all Husqvarna's robotic mowers, it charges and operates itself without need for supervision. Should anything disturb the operation, 260 ACX sends a text message to your mobile phone. Thanks to 6000 sq. meter (1.4 acre) capacity, low noise level and no requirement of labour, Automower 260 ACX is perfectly suited for use in quiet environments such as hospitals, hotels and leisure facilities, and office locations. Day or night, rain or shine, it simply gets on with the mowing, leaving you free to get on with managing your business.

Here is a link for more info on the Husqvarna Automower.


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Sunday, April 26, 2009

Robo-Q tiny remote control robot - UPDATE!

Robo-Q tiny remote control robot
Recently, we posted a video about this REALLY small remote-control robot toy. Some additional information is now available by way of ThinkGeek, who is now also offering these robots for sale.

From the Thinkgeek.com product page:
* Amazingly small robots can avoid obstacles and play soccer
* Control your robot directly through the remote
* Two autonomous modes: chase the included ball, or avoid obstacles
* Full control with three walking speeds and right or left turns
* Magnetic charging coupler on remote
* Robot is powered by built-in rechargeable LI battery, charges from remote
* 20 minutes charge time, 5 minutes continuous run time
* Robot stores inside remote
* Remote requires 4 x AA batteries (not included)
* Includes Robot, Remote, Soccer Ball, and Manual (in Japanese)
* Four different robot varieties to choose from. Each is on a different channel.
* Imported from Japan
* Robot height: 3.4cm / 1.33in

Here's a link to more information, photos, and a video of the Robo-Q Tiny Remote Control Robot.


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Friday, April 10, 2009

Teeny, tiny little remote-control robot with AI

Teeny, tiny little remote-control robot
In case you missed this over at BoingBoing.net the other day, you've got to check out this teeny, tiny little remote-control robot!

From the product description:
The World Smallest RC Robot with Artificial Intelligence (AI)!
The all-around control, you may never experience it! The 6 directions control plus 3 speed levels. Also the Robot can be controlled via Artificial Intelligence (AI) after you press the AUTO button, then the Robot can detect-and-escape from the barriers. What's more, after you press the AUTO button and Direction button, the Robot can detect-and-trace the objects. In the Trace mode, the Robot can be charged and run to the controller automatically! The controller as a Robot Station can be stored a Robot inside.


Here's a link to the product page with more images, varieties, and a somewhat hyper-active video of The World Smallest RC Robot with Artificial Intelligence.

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Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Semi-automomous household robots store

Semi-automomous household robots store
It is now the year 2009. We may not have flying cars or ray-guns, but -- at long last -- we have personal robots that can actually do some useful things. They can vacuum your carpet, scrub your floor, clean you gutters, empty the cat litter, and monitor your home.

Take a look at a bunch of the household robots that are currently available. The future has finally arrived!


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Thursday, March 26, 2009

SRV-1 Blackfin Mobile Surveillance Robot

SRV-1 Blackfin Mobile Surveillance Robot
The SRV-1 Mobile Robot is a palm-sized treaded robot sporting a mini video camera. This means you can control the robot via console software or remotely via web browser! The system appears to be very open, allowing advanced hackers/programmers/secret-agents to modify and enhance it.

From the product description:
Using 802.11b/g wi-fi, the SRV-1 connects wirelessly to a computer. The Java-based console software includes a built-in web server to monitor and control the SRV-1 via a web browser from anywhere in the world, as well as archive video feeds on demand or on a scheduled basis. Get programming with fully open-source software for robot and host computer.

Check out the extensive details on the SRV-1 Blackfin Mobile Surveillance Robot.



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Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Insultabotz toy robot kit - a robot with attitude

Now here is a good comedic use of robot technology: the Insultabotz. The Insultabotz kit is easily built with common hand tools.

The Insultabotz moves forward on six insect-like legs. When its infrared eye detects an obstacle in its way, it will stop, reverse direction and then play any message you have prerecorded into the on-board re-recordable voice chip. I'm thinking I would want to record something like: "What the?!? Who put this thing here?!?"

Here is the link for Insultabotz toy robot kit.


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Sunday, February 08, 2009

Brachiating solar robot orangutan kit by OWI

Brachiating solar robot orangutan kit by OWIYou will need a screwdriver and about 20 minutes of time to assemble this solar powered brachiating orangutan. Robot Orangutan climbs hand-over-hand across a horizontally mounted string when exposed to light (either the sun itself or a strong light bulb).





At right, is a photograph of the kit's various pieces. The kit includes the climbing string, but will you will need to provide the screwdriver. No batteries required -- a favorite phrase of mine.

Here is the link for the climbing solar robot orangutan.

This kit, known as OWI-MSK675 can also be ordered from The Automata / Automaton Store.


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Friday, February 06, 2009

Edge Robotic Arm Kit

Edge Robotic Arm Kit
You will need about two hours to assemble the Edge Robotic Arm Kit. No soldering is required.

The robotic arm features five axes of motion that you control via a wired remote. The gripper will open and close, the wrist twists, elbow bends through a range of 300 degrees, and the base rotates 180 degrees. The arm has a vertical reach of 15 inches, and horizontal reach of 12.6 inches.

Here's a page with more info and video of the Edge Robotic Arm Kit at ThinkGeek.com.



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Thursday, January 29, 2009

Bionic Robotic Hand Kit

Bionic Robotic Hand Kit
The folks over at Edmund Scientifics offer this cool-looking hand kit.

From the product description:
This customizable kit allows you to construct a moving, life-size, robotic hand. Using simple tools, you can enjoy every step of the building process.

No soldering or electronic skill is required. Once completed, your hand will be able to open and close at the touch of a button and even grasp items.

Decorate your hand with a glove and jewelry or leave it bare to watch the mechanisms inside. However you choose to use your Bionic Hand, it will be an enjoyable project and intriguing conversation piece for years to come!

Includes an illustrated assembly manual with step-by-step instructions and an AA battery. Requires, but does not include, a screwdriver, small pliers, wire cutter, and drill for assembling the model.


This and many cool robots and kits may be found at Edmund Scientifics.


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Monday, January 26, 2009

Sumo wrestler robot with wind-up generator

Sumo Wrestler Robot with Wind Up Generator
An attached wind-up generator allows you to create electricity to power this Sumo wrestler robot. No batteries needed, just some cranking.

Forward and reverse walking actions are controlled by which direction the generator's handle is turned. The faster you crank, the faster it moves.

While its a neat kit on its own, the real fun comes from testing your Sumo-bot against another. A flurry of cranking robot action!

Sumo Wrestler Robot Match
Here's a link for the Sumo Wrestler Robot with Wind Up Generator by Tamiya


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Friday, January 23, 2009

Rovio: personal tele-presence robot by WowWee

Rovio:  personal tele-presence robot by WowWee
Robotic toy-makers WowWee venture into the fully-adult world of robotics with their relatively new tele-presence robot dubbed, Rovio.

Marketed as a home sentry, they may have overstated its capabilities a bit. While it may not be stopping any intruders, it is an intriguing robot nevertheless.

You'll need a full-fledged computer with a broadband internet connection and wireless at the location where Rovio is to be used. The robot can then be controlled by any remote internet-enabled device.

The Rovio sends back both audio and tv-resolution video streamed in MPEG4 format. It has a two-way speaker/microphone setup that allows you to "talk" with entities on the robot-end of the arrangement. It can also take snap-shots and find its own way back to its recharging base. Not bad for $300.

Now...what to do with it? The stand-in for business meeting, "Say goodnight to daddy", and pet-soother all seem a bit of a stretch to me. I think it's best to assume, that you can use the Rovio to take a look around your place (one flat level of it anyway) when you are not there. While a more modest goal, that could truly be useful.

Here's a page with a full description and video of the Rovio robot.


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Saturday, January 17, 2009

A Chinese master of junk robots

A Chinese master of junk robotsBack in 2007, an amazing story circulated around the blogsphere about a man in China who -- with no formal engineering education -- has created a menagerie of robotic creations out of junk. Among the most impressive is a robot-powered rickshaw (shown here) that can pull a passenger along.

Here is a link to a video of Mr. Woo, the Chinese Robot Farmer on Gizmodo.com.

Note: If you want to make some junkbots of your own, I've got to recommend the book JunkBots, Bugbots, and Bots on Wheels.

[ Thanks Charles! ]


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Monday, January 12, 2009

A new kinetic robot sculpture from Nemo Gould

The Performer kinetic robot sculpture from Nemo Gould
Artist Nemo Gould has a new piece to share. Shown here is the new sculpture, entitled 'Performer #2'. Details about the piece are now posted on his site and the sculpture itself will be on display later this month at the Sonoma County Museum in Santa Rosa CA.

Here is a link to the Performer #2 page on Nemo Gould's Site.


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Thursday, December 11, 2008

WowWee's Tribot talking companion robot toy

WowWee's Tribot talking companion robot toyTribot is one of the latest from robot toy makers WowWee (of Robosapien fame). Tribot has a number of different modes, some of which (like guard mode), are semi-autonomous. Tribot can also be controlled via remote. The standout features of this robot toy are the slick omni-directional wheels and very quick remote-control response.

From the product description
Tribot is one of the latest in the line of personal robots from WowWee. This innovative talking companion is more than just your average robot -- Tribot is fresh off the robot assembly line and is ready to interact with you whether it is playing with his built-in games or telling you jokes. Remember though, he's only a young robot so he will need help from you to give him commands using the remote controller. Requires eight "AA" and three "AAA" batteries, not included. Measures 9"L x 8.5"W x 15"H.

Here's a more complete product overview of the WowWee Tribot Talking Companion.


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Tuesday, December 09, 2008

Diminutive R2D2 Astromech Droid Robot

Diminutive R2D2 Astromech Droid Robot
Hasbro's new R2D2 toy give me "a new hope" that we are not too many years away from having ACTUAL R2 units helping us out. This smaller robotic toy has some pretty impressive features.

R2D2 responds to voice commands when you alert the droid by saying "Hey, R2!" This is then followed by one of 40 voice commands it understands.The droid can also move along on his own, follow you, play music, and act as a room sentry with an alarm.

For a toy, we are off to a good start. I expect fully functional R2D2 Droids in the next thirty years.

Here is more info on Hasbro's Interactive R2D2 Astromech Droid Robot.


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Sunday, November 30, 2008

Simple motorized robotic duck kit

This looks like a simple, fun mechanical toy kit that allows you to build a waddling bipedal robot.

Here the link to the Robot Duck kit.


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Thursday, November 13, 2008

Animatronic singing and talking Elvis bust

Animatronic singing and talking Elvis bust
This animatronic Elvis bust depicts The King in his 1968 Comeback Special glory -- leather jack, sideburns, and all. The robot moves its mouth, eyes, and head as it sings eight Elvis tunes including 'Love Me Tender', 'Hound Dog' and 'Jail house Rock'.

It has something of a watchdog feature too. Infrared sensors hidden in the jacket detect motion, and trigger animatronic Elvis to speak famous catch-phrases when someone passes by. Put this in a dark room and you could really freak somebody out with this thing. I'm freaked out just writing about it.

Here is where you can learn more about the Animatronic Singing and Talking Elvis.


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Thursday, October 09, 2008

WowWee's FemiSapien Humanoid Robot

WowWee's FemiSapien Humanoid Robot
Femisapien is WowWee's latetst humanoid robot. Femisapien has 3 functional modes that may be engaged by tilting the robot's head in one of three a specific positions:

Attentive Mode: Femisapien interacts directly with the user.

Learning Mode: allows you to program Femisapien to do a sequence of movements up to 80 steps long.

Responsive Mode: The robot's main autonomous walking mode. Femisapien can interact with sounds, detect objects, and stop when something is in her path.

Learn more about all of the capacities of the FemiSapien Humanoid Robot by WowWee Toys.


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Monday, October 06, 2008

Robotic Lion Cub - The Inner Workings

The Make Magazine Blog has a link to an inside look at toy maker WowWee's robotic lion cub. Here is the Make Magazine Blog post.

Here is a link to the detailed disassembly of the robotic lion cub.

Here is where you can order your own WowWee Alive Lion Cub Plush Robotic Toy.


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Sunday, September 14, 2008

New Great Video of Giant Spider, La Princesse

This footage of the enormous mechanical spider recently on the move in Liverpool, England was filmed and edited by Giselle Leeb.

Watch the giant spider of Liverpool arrive at the city hall, wake up after a sleep and, in a nice bit of dramatically sped up footage, crawl up a building to rest.

La Princesse was created by a French company, La Machine, as part of the Liverpool European Capital of culture programme.

[ Thanks Giselle! ]


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Wednesday, September 10, 2008

Giant Mechanical Spider on the Move in Liverpool

Giant Mechanical Spider Spotted in Liverpool
Obviously, I've been busy if I missed this on the web a few days ago. Check out this giant mechanical spider that crept down the streets of Liverpool, England. I don't have an adjective in my vocabulary to describe how amazing this is as an artistic and technical accomplishment.

Here is a link to a flickr set of photos that captured the event.

[ Found via Make blog, who credits the BBC coverage. Also found via the Cabaret Mechanical Theatre blog coverage. ]


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Wednesday, August 27, 2008

Automomous Lawn Mowing Robot

Automomous Lawn Mowing Robot
Useful autonomous robots for the home are here to stay. You can get them to vacuum your floors, clear your gutters, wash your floors, and even cut your lawn. Shown here is a programmable robotic lawnmower that cuts grass up for three hours on a single charge.

The mower's path is constrained by a hidden wire boundary that defines the limits of your yard.

Because the robot uses an electric motor, the cutter spins at higher RPM than gas-powered mowers, yet produces far less noise (and no fumes). The mower detects ambient moisture, so it will return to its docking station if it is raining. As a safety measure, the unit automatically shuts off when lifted in the air.

All of this means you can program the robot to automatically trim your lawn on any day and pretty much any time you like. The robot will return to its docking station when it has completed cutting your lawn or when it needs to recharge itself.

Check out all the details on the Robotic Lawnmower.


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Saturday, June 07, 2008

Mechanical Walking Space Man Robot Toy

Here is a vintage Mechanical Walking Space Man by Linemar being sold with its original box.

There is something about the graphics on the old toys that I love. I like this photo too; it's nicely composed.

If you happen to collect old wind-up tin toys, I should warn you...this one will set you back quite a bit!

Here is the eBay listing for the Mechanical Walking Space Man Robot Toy.

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Friday, June 06, 2008

Miniature Robot that Jumps Like a Cricket

Miniature Robot that Jumps Like a Cricket
If you missed this little locust-inspired robot on the Make Magazine Blog today, you have got to check this out.

The snail cam is not just for automata anymore!

Here is a link to a Quicktime video of the cricket robot created by the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL).

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Monday, June 02, 2008

VEXplorer Robotics System with Claw and Camera

Revell VEXplorer Robotics System
I've posted about this robotic system in the past. I am posting about it again because Amazon has added a ton of new info about it to their product page including video, and an extensive write up of the robotic toy's capabilities.

With more than 300 parts, the VEXplorer allows users to create and experiment with endless combinations of radio-controlled robotic configurations -- without breaking the bank (about $150 USD).

Check out the Revell Vexplorer Robotics System.

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Friday, May 30, 2008

Hexbugs Insect-Like Autonomous Robots

HexBug Insect RobotHexBugs are small insect-like autonomous robots that are aware of their environment. They have sensors that allow them to feel their way around obstacles. They also have audio sensors, so a loud hand clap will send them running.

They seem to be a commercial version of the breed known as BEAM robots. Here are some BEAM robots I made. If you modified these to use a small solar engine, they would be full-fledged BEAM robots.

HexBugs come in five shapes and colors and cost about $16 USD each. Shown here is the HexBug Bravo Green. You can also buy a Complete set of 5 of these micro-robotic insects for $50 USD.

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Tuesday, April 29, 2008

i-SOBOT: The World's Smallest Humanoid Robot

i-SOBOT humanoid robot toy If you had asked me a few years ago if I would ever own a bipedal humanoid robot, I would have laughed out loud. I was lucky enough to receive this little wonder as a gift last year. Hammacher Schlemmer is selling i-SOBOT for under $200 now.

The i-SOBOT is just 6 1/2" tall and has amazing articulation. The robot is made up of 17 very small servomotors and two gyro-sensors for balance. The 23 points of articulation include the neck, arms, wrists, legs, and feet. One disappointment: no hand or thumb motions. Yet.

i-SOBOT has four modes: manual control, special actions, programmed sequences, and voice command. The robot has 180 preprogrammed individual movements, a 200-word vocabulary, and responds to verbal commands (in voice mode only). The preprogrammed actions are pretty impressive and mostly humor-oriented.

The robot is programmable allowing you to record sequences of moves. Without much in the way of a sensor array, it is more of an automated playback than an autonomous entity. Still, if set up carefully, you can do some pretty fun stuff with this robot.

I think the greatest promise of i-SOBOT lies in what hackers and moders out there will add to this robot. I know some people have started to hack the device. As a platform for humanoid robotics, this has got to be one of the best deals around.

Get more info and see a video of the i-SOBOT at Hammacher Schlemmer. They have the best price currently online.

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Sunday, March 23, 2008

Highly Configurable Remote Control Robot Kit

Here is a cool looking robotics kit, which includes four motors, 24 gears, steel braces, an extendable arm, a grasping claw, six rubber tires, and a digital camera -- 300 parts in total.

This kit allows you to build a huge variety of robot configurations to suit your interests or application. (It looks like the ones the bomb squads use, doesn't it?)

This version also has a belt-driven tank tread kit and an additional motor and joint that allow the extendable arm to rotate.

The robot is controlled by a six-channel radio transmitter with a 150 foot range. The 6 channel radio gives you a lot of control over any robot you design with this system.

The included digital camera can be mounted to the robot, allowing you to wirelessly transmit color video directly to a television.

This looks like a great value as a platform for remote controlled robot projects.

Check out all the details of this Remote-Controlled Robot Kit.

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Monday, January 28, 2008

Engine-Powered Mechanical Horse

I was going to write a post about the giant mechanical puppets in France, which are totally amazing and mindblowing. However, in doing some research on the subject became totally and completely infatuated with something else. That something else is what you see in the photo above -- a motorized mechanical horse that can be ridden.

I have no idea if this thing really worked, if it could carry more than a fez-wearing boy, or even if this photograph is entirely genuine. (It has a somewhat painterly quality to it.) All I know for sure is: I want one of my own.

This is another gem from the Modern Mechanix blog from an article originally printed in 1933.

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Friday, January 25, 2008

Madame Radora Wireless "Automaton"

This interesting bit of history comes to us via the Modern Mechanix blog. Pictured here is a radio-controlled fortune teller from 1924. I think this might fall under the category of "faux automaton".

From the article:

Reading Thoughts by Radio


Can thoughts be read by radio? "Madam Radora" seems to prove that they can. Madam is not a human being, but a life-size automaton shown at the Permanent Radio Fair in New York. Her "thoughts" and movements are controlled entirely by wireless; no wires of any kind are attached to the table whereon she rests, and a liberal reward is promised the person who can prove that this is not true. Persons desiring to ask questions simply stand before "Madam Radora" with their hands resting on a special pedestal carrying a number of electrical contacts. Radora then bends over her crystal, and answers the questions put to her in a clear, feminine voice.


See the article in it's print form at the Modern Mechanix site.

Found via BoingBoing Gadgets.

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Wednesday, January 16, 2008

Video of CarveWright Wood Carver in Action


Here is a video of the nifty CarveWright computerized woodcarving system in action. It's a woodworking robot.

CNC routers are nothing new. But, as I mentioned in a previous post, this system's price doesn't make it totally out-of-the-question for the personal wood shop.

In this video you get to see how the machine is set up and used, how bits are changed, and the basic CAD-like software it comes with. It sounds a bit noisy, but hey...it is a power router after all!

Here is more detailed info on the CarveWright at Woodcraft.com.

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Monday, January 14, 2008

Make Your Own Robot...With a Soda Can!

This little kit includes a plastic body, wire wings, wire legs, motor with wires, screws, and detailed instructions...almost everything you need to turn an empty soda can into simple robot bug that skitters across the floor. You supply the batteries, soda can, and the time it takes to put it together.

Check out the Make Your Own Soda Can Robug Kit.

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Friday, August 17, 2007

Downloadable Paper Robot Automaton

Here's a robot for everyone! This is another paper automaton kit from the folks over at Fly-Pig Animation Kits.

Turn the handle and the Robot marches in place dutifully. This may be one of the last robots we have FULL control over.

Print this model onto thin photocopier card-stock then all you need to make the model are scissors, ruler, white glue, and a sharp knife.

Download the Paper Robot (for less than $6) and make one for yourself.

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Saturday, July 07, 2007

New Scientist Recreates Heron's Automata Mover

Hero (or Heron) of Alexandria is one of the first well-documented automata-makers in history. He designed many ingenious devices. The folks over at The New Scientist have made a working model of a self-propelled, programmable cart that was used on stage. Very cool.


I learned of the video first from BoingBoing.net.

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Saturday, June 16, 2007

Fantastic Quadraped Robot Dog

You've got to check out this video of a dog-inspired robot. The video shows the robot covering all kinds of terrain. Most impressively, there are two spots in the clip where a person gives the robot a hard shove. I fully expected the thing to crash into the ground. But no! The robot instantly compensates and never falls.

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Wednesday, June 06, 2007

HiTec RoboNova-1: Robot, Toy, Automaton, Art?

I have been asked publicly and privately where I draw the line between robot and automaton. As of yet, I do not have a well-reasoned answer. I have also been asked about the line between objet d'art and toy. Again, my answer is a murky one.

While this blog isn't about robots, I have a great fondness for them; I have made a few myself. With all of this gray area, why not show you an autonomous toy robot?

This 12 inch tall mechanical man can walk, run, do flips, cartwheels, and perform dance moves. At $1300 (or $1000 for an unassembled kit version) one hesitates to call it a toy. Perhaps because it can be programmed, we would also hesitate to call it autonomous. Just because it is sold en masse, are there not elements that qualify as art?

All I feel certain of is that RoboNova-1 is a technological marvel. I have no doubt that watchmakers, engineers, magicians, and automata-makers of old would have found this thing as fascinating as I do. I would love to have one (in order to do a proper review for you, of course).

Check out the HiTec RoboNova-1 at Edmund's Scientifics.

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Tuesday, April 10, 2007

Nemomatic show this Friday - Berkeley, CA

Sculptor and automata-maker Gould Nemo (Nemomatic) will be participating in the group show: "Recovery" at the ACCI Gallery in Berkeley, CA, USA along with other artists who work with recycled material.

This will be the first opportunity to see his new Giant Robot sculpture before it is permanently installed at a private residence.

Also on display will be his amazing Giant Squid automaton.

Learn more at the News section of Nemomatic.com

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Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Goat / Logic Gates in Paper Automata Form

Here's a really interesting combination of expertise: logic gates (the basis of all computing and therefore computers) and paper automata.

Rob Ives -- another of the masters of paper automata -- has created Logic Goats. The OR goat will nod if you press either the first button or the second. The AND goat will only nod if you press the first and the second buttons.

If we could get a NAND and NOR goats and string them all together in complex chains, we might be able to build a Goat-based computer!

Check out, buy and download the Logic Goat Automata at the Flying Pig web site.

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Sunday, November 19, 2006

Another Autonomous Dinosaur: Roboraptor

Mark Tilden the former NASA scientist behind Robosapien, also created Roboraptor, this programmable robotic dinosaur.

Roboraptor is one astonishing, programmable RC dinosaur. He is fully controllable and programmable by radio control but also fully autonomous in free-roam mode.

Roboraptor has multi-sensors to allow this 32" bipedal beast to see, hear and feel the environment around him. He has multiple touch sensors in his head and tail, while sonic sensors detect sound and direction. He even has three distinct moods: hunter, cautious and playful. Go near his face when he's hunting and he'll behave aggressively; touch him when he's playful and he'll nuzzle your hand.

Now I want both a Roboreptile and a Roboraptor to see which one would win in a fight!

There's good video of the robot here: Roboraptor

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Saturday, November 18, 2006

LEGO ™ Mindstorms NXT Robot Kit

LEGO ™ Mindstorms NXT Robot KitDear LEGO: feel free to send me your newest robot-building kit, with 32-bit command center, large LCD, USB 2.0 and Bluetooth interfaces. I will be happy to review it (and keep it!). Sincerely, Dug North

  • Intuitive GUI and drag-and-drop icons are PC- and Mac-friendly
  • Touch and light sensors, sound sensor, and ultrasonic sensor
  • Three motors for smooth, reliable operation
  • 6-wire digital cables for precise connections
  • 5 main themes(8 different models - Vehicle: Roverbot, Animal, Scorpio; Machine: Robotic Arm; Human: Humanoid; Gadgets: Clock, Music, Game and Movers
  • Models are built with the LEGO Technic System
  • 571 pieces
  • Quickstart Guide - build a robot within 30 minutes
  • Model-specific building instructions, tips and tricks, testing methods and programming options
  • Easy-to-use software
  • Test panel


Learn more about LEGO ™ Mindstorms NXT Robot Kit

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Wednesday, November 15, 2006

Autonomous Roboreptile

Discovery Channel Store Exclusive RoboreptileWho doesn't want their own 2 1/4 foot fully autonomous reptile with two aggressive biomechanical gaits, stereo sound sensors, color-shifting skin, whipping tail, snapping jaws, rear sensors, infrared vision sensors, touch sensors and hood to fit over its face to subdue it during aggressive moods?

Rumor has it that everyone in the audience of Ellen Degeneres Show will receive one free tomorrow, Thursday November 16th. That's going to be chaos!

Check out the Flash video of The Discovery Remote Control Chromashift Roboreptile

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Tuesday, August 01, 2006

Mechanical Man from 1932

File it under 'robots' if you want, but it's an automaton to me! This is from Modern Mechanix November, 1932 via one of my favorite blogs -- Modern Mechanix.

Mechanical Radio Man Talks, Sings, Walks, and Rolls Eyes

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