The utimate rubber-band firing wooden robot
Labels: makers, Osamu Kanda, robot, rubber band, video
The Blog for Makers and Collectors of Mechanical Automata and Mechanical Toys
Labels: makers, Osamu Kanda, robot, rubber band, video
Labels: Christian Ristow, hydraulics, kinetic sculpture, Make Magazine, motorized, robot

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.
Labels: automomous, electronics, motorized, programmable, robot, tools

* 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
Labels: electronics, mechanical toys, motorized, robot, robots

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.
Labels: autonomous, electronics, Japan, mechanical toys, robot, robots, toys, video

Labels: automomous, electronics, motorized, robot, robots

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.
Labels: electronics, motorized, programmable, robot, video
Now here is a good comedic use of robot technology: the Insultabotz. The Insultabotz kit is easily built with common hand tools.
You 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.
Labels: electronics, kits, mechanical toys, motorized, robot, robots

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.
Labels: DIY, electronics, kits, mechanical, robot


Labels: electronics, mechancial toys, motorized, robot, robots, toys, wind up

Labels: automomous, gadgets, motorized, robot, robots, video
Back 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.
Labels: art, exhibits, kinetic sculpture, Nemo Gould, robot
Tribot is one of the latest from robot toy makers WowWee (of RobosapienTribot 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.
Labels: holiday, mechancial toys, remote control, robot

Labels: autonomous, holiday, mechancial toys, remote control, robot


Labels: animatronic, motorized, remote control, robot

Labels: automomous, mechanical toys, motorized, programmable, remote control, robot
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.Labels: animals, mechanical toys, robot, robots
Labels: animals, animatronic, France, insects, robot, UK, video

Labels: animals, animatronic, insects, robot, UK

Labels: autonomous, electronics, motorized, robot, robots
Here is a vintage Mechanical Walking Space Man by Linemar being sold with its original box.
Labels: animals, cams, electronics, robot, Switzerland

Labels: electronics, kits, mechanical toys, robot
HexBugs 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.Labels: insects, mechanical toys, motorized, robot, robots
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.Labels: bargains, mechanical toys, motorized, robot
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. Labels: electronics, kits, mechanical toys, robot, robots
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.
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".
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.Labels: DIY, kits, mechanical toys, robot, toys
Here's a robot for everyone! This is another paper automaton kit from the folks over at Fly-Pig Animation Kits.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.Labels: automata, Flying Pig, kits, Paper, robot
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.
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.
Labels: animals, electronics, robot, video
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.Labels: art, automaton, mechanisms, robot, toys
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. Labels: exhibits, Gould Nemo, metal working, Nemomatic, robot, USA
Here's a really interesting combination of expertise: logic gates (the basis of all computing and therefore computers) and paper automata.Labels: animals, automata, computer, Flying Pig, Paper, Rob Ives, robot, toys, UK
Mark Tilden the former NASA scientist behind Robosapien, also created Roboraptor, this programmable robotic dinosaur. Labels: automata, automaton, electronics, robot, toys

Labels: automata, automaton, electronics, robot, toys
Labels: automata, automaton, electronics, robot, toys