Clipmarks | Robots Clips

HAL robotic suit rental is ready for Tony Stark wannabes, the elderly

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 23:30:44 GMT

clipped by: mohall24

If you'll recall, Tsukuba University professor Yoshiyuki Sankai designed a robotic suit called HAL-5 a few years ago. Production of this handicap-overcomer began back in 2006, and as promised, manufacturer Cyberdyne (not to be confused with Cyberdyne Systems, best known for its genocidal Skynet AI and army of Terminator robots) is finally ready to crank it out in large numbers. Starting this Friday, HAL will be available for rent in Japan at the modest rate of $2,200 per month. Sankai hopes it will prove useful to the elderly and folks with disabilities by providing super-strength mechanical assistance when they send brain signals to move their limbs. HAL may be used for good but it won't be used for awesome; Sankai has turned down military-types who've expressed interest.

Toy Robot Intended to Save Humans

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 11:13:40 GMT

clipped by: balthazarus
clipper's remarks: This narrative, crafted by Hugo award winner Tony Daniel and University of Texas performance professor Thomas Riccio, is intended to make Zeno into a character that people identify with and want to to see develop — something with the depth of a movie character or a figure from a Homerian epic.

That makes Zeno into as much of a sociological experiment as it is a technical marvel or fun toy.

"The idea is to create a cultural phenomenon and accelerate the use and humanization of the technology,"

Where story, game, reality, toys are not differentiable anymore.

Clip Source: blog.wired.com

Toy Robot Intended to Save Humans From Evil, Future Bots

When roboticist David Hanson thinks of the future, he fears that man will accidentally create a super-sentient artificial intelligence that is heartless and clinically insane.

So to save the world, he formed Hanson Robotics and built Zeno, a 17-inch robot boy, who smiles, laughs, recognizes your face and remembers your name.

Zeno already does "know" people, and in his mind, has a knowledge container that stores a photo of the person and details about that person. The next step is getting Zeno to start making theories about the world, discarding the dumb ones and amplifying the plausible ones.

Zeno is himself a visitor from the future — a robot who reached consciousness in 2029, but is found by government web crawlers. From there he's put into a government academy for artificially intelligent robots, where those in charge may have nefarious motives.

Tags: robot, future

Underwater robot moves like an helicopter

Tue, 07 Oct 2008 07:15:44 GMT

clipped by: A53GG4

Clip Source: blogs.zdnet.com

Underwater robot moves like an helicopter

Posted by Roland Piquepaille @ 9:34 am

MIT researchers have started to test a new underwater robot that can hover in place like a helicopter. The two-meter-long Odyssey IV will be able to move autonomously up to depths of 6,000 meters at a speed of 2.5 meters per second. But unlike other underwater robots, it will be able to stop at a specific location. It could be used by oil companies to inspect the footings of offshore oil platforms. It also could be used by marine archaeologists or oceanographers for specific missions — depending on its price. But read more…

You can see above a photo of the Odyssey IV during its first tests. During these initial tests, the autonomous robot was controlled by standard wireless systems. Here is a link to a larger version of this picture which belongs to a 17-photo Robot Sub set on Flickr taken by j-fi.

‘Like a giant helicopter, this can pick up cargo underwater,’ Chryssostomidis says.

Tags: tech

Palin and Biden Head to Head

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 23:39:09 GMT

clipped by: alekjakob

Clip Source: www.nytimes.com

Earlier in the day, students at Washington University played a version of Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots that featured the vice-presidential candidates. The real versions behaved much better.

Bacteria think ahead...

Sat, 04 Oct 2008 15:32:25 GMT

clipped by: mugofcoffee

Clip Source: www.livescience.com

By Stephan Reebs, Natural History Magazine

Transmission Electron Microscopy photograph of an Escherichia coli bacterium with flagella. Micro-robots are being developed to mimic the swimming behaviour of E.coli. Credit: Monash University

Bacteria may be humble single-celled creatures, but they're sophisticated enough to anticipate regular events, such as the arrival of day, thanks to their internal circadian clocks. A new study shows that they can also anticipate and prepare for sporadic events, as long as the events are reliably preceded by a signal.

What kinds of events? Well, to colonize the gut of a mammal, Escherichia coli must first enter the warm-blooded diner's mouth, where the bacteria experience a temperature rise; a short time later, they end up in the intestines—a place with low oxygen levels, as well as fierce competition from other microscopic settlers.

would do well to anticipate low-oxygen conditions and begin to adjust metabolically from the moment they enter the mouth

Humanoid Robot

Fri, 03 Oct 2008 09:03:02 GMT

clipped by: balthazarus
clipper's remarks: The fascination is double i think,
by glimpsing into the future and the technology, the human may have a glimpse on herself.

Clip Source: www.sciencedaily.com

Your Robotic Friend, The Humanoid Robot

Why, then, do we remain fascinated by humanoid robots?

Europeans and Americans prefer their robots to look like machines

The Japanese, on the other hand, are very comfortable with humanoid robots

Some robot friends

Reem-A, a life-size humanoid robot can recognise casual questions and commands, hold simple objects and stop for obstacles in its path

ARMAR is more of a geeky housemate

Maggie was designed by the University Carlos III in Madrid to be a sociable robot.

It tries to understand gestures and touch through a touch screen

Learning hard lessons

Casimiro is another robot, though not mobile, designed for social interactions. Here, the researchers have focused on the face, teaching the robot to respond to people with a range of expressions

Ultimately, with enough sophistication, social robots will be able to act as a comforting, animated presence for children or the elderly, combining the roles of companion with that of assistant.

Tags: robotics, humanoid

Firefox 3 Easter Eggs,,,

Wed, 01 Oct 2008 16:55:45 GMT

clipped by: mugofcoffee

Clip Source: www.matt-helps.com

by Matt Parkins

There are some moderately amusing Easter Eggs in Firefox 3. Simply type one of the following into the address bar (no spaces or http) and you'll get a message:

about:robots

about:mozilla

about:config

(ok, technically "about: config" isn't an Easter Egg, but the title on the warning screen is relatively amusing!)

Enjoy!

Also, don't forget to check out: Firefox 3 Super Speed Increase - speed up your Firefox with just a couple of changes to the default firefox settings.

Robot Girlfriend for Lonely Men

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 18:00:44 GMT

clipped by: Silkweaver
clipper's remarks: A robot with a licensee to kiss...

Clip Source: crazy-videoz.com

Sega, best known for its home video game consoles, has introduced a 15-inch tall robotic ‘girlfriend’ that kisses on command, with a target market of lonely adult men.

The robot, named “EMA”, which stands for Eternal Maiden Actualization, is designed to pucker up for nearby human heads, entering “love mode” using a series of infrared sensors powered by battery.

“Strong, tough and battle-ready are some of the words often associated with robots, but we wanted to break that stereotype and provide a robot that’s sweet and interactive,” said Minako Sakanoue, a spokeswoman for the maker, Sega Toys to Reuters news agency.

“She’s very lovable and though she’s not a human, she can act like a real girlfriend.”

EMA can also hand out business cards, sing and dance.

Sega is hoping to sell 10,000 robotic girlfriends in it’s first year and envisions a $10-billion market for artificial intelligence in a decade.

The busty bot will be available in Japan in September for around $175.

Tags: robotics, emotional robots

Robot Party!

Tue, 30 Sep 2008 16:47:49 GMT

clipped by: odiedog
clipper's remarks:

Creative cupcake guru Hello Naomi is just the coolest! I wish I would’ve stumbled on her adorable robot cupcakes earlier - they would’ve gone perfectly with a robot kids party I recently created! (see below)

Clip Source: www.hostessblog.com

Robot Party

Clip Source: www.hostessblog.com

Creative cupcake guru Hello Naomi is just the coolest! I wish I would’ve stumbled on her adorable robot cupcakes earlier - they would’ve gone perfectly with a robot kids party I recently created! (see below)

Quick party details:
- French Bull Robots Plates & Robots Cups
- “Robot Guy” centerpiece created using empty gift boxes wrapped with colorful gift wrap, googly eyes, metal favor tins, silver glitter chenille craft stems , and paper circles punched from shimmery silver cardstock
- Packs of Pez and Pixie sticks
- Yellow gift wrap “table runner” with circular silver paper “confetti”
- Utensils wrapped with silver glitter chenille craft stems

Tags: party, robot, kids, cute

Robotic Telepresence

Mon, 29 Sep 2008 21:31:45 GMT

clipped by: rj3sp
clipper's remarks: RoboDynamics is a company that researches and develops advanced telepresence robots. The idea is creating robots which allow people to attend meetings remotely.

Clip Source: robodynamics.com

What is Robotic Telepresence?

Robotic Telepresence is the ability to transport yourself to a remote location without going there.

Clip Source: smart-machines.blogspot.com

TiLR: A telepresence robot in action

The following promotional video explains using a simple cartoon how the company believes their telepresence robot can be used to add value to a company.

[Video]

Finally, the following Mahalo Daily video showcases the actual TiLR robot and its control software.

[Video]

Clip Source: robodynamics.com

Introducing TiLR

TiLR System Overview

TiLR Robotic Telepresence is comprised of three distinct components, which include a robot (TiLR), a PC application (TCC), and a Robot Server (RS).

Clip Source: robodynamics.com

TiLR

TiLR is the main state of the art attraction of our Robotic Telepresence Platform. Standing at four feet tall and featuring a bright 8" LCD and powerful Canon camera, TiLR is a unique blend of innovative technologies that enable Robotic Telepresence in a new, affordable way.

Clip Source: robodynamics.com

TiLR Command Center

TCC enables you to log into TiLR remotely and control its movements.

Tags: robots, telepresence, robodynamics, tilr

Odyssey IV -- MIT's Robotic Underwater Helicopter

Sun, 28 Sep 2008 18:17:04 GMT

clipped by: rj3sp

Clip Source: www.physorg.com

New underwater robot can hover in place

(PhysOrg.com) -- MIT researchers have designed a new robotic underwater vehicle that can hover in place like a helicopter -- an invaluable tool for deepwater oil explorers, marine archaeologists, oceanographers and others.

The new craft, called Odyssey IV, is the latest in a series of small, inexpensive artificially intelligent submarines developed over the last two decades by the MIT Sea Grant College Program's Autonomous Underwater Vehicles Laboratory. The Odyssey series revolutionized underwater research in the 1990s by introducing the thrifty and highly capable underwater robots. But the previous Odyssey vehicles still had one significant limitation: Like sharks, they could only operate while continuously moving forward.

Clip Source: web.mit.edu

[Video]

The Odyssey IV AUV, temporarily tethered, is driven around by a joystick. Video courtesy MIT AUV Lab.
View more Odyssey IV videos on YouTube

Clip Source: scripts.mit.edu

Tags: mit, robot, underwater, vehicle, helicopter, submarine

Mr. Bill Speaks

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 16:02:47 GMT

clipped by: powerof2
clipper's remarks: We are the robots.

Clip Source: www.computerworld.com

The quotable Bill Gates: In his own words

"If I were a guy who just wanted to win, I would have already moved on to another arena. If I'd had some set idea of a finish line, don't you think I would have crossed it years ago?" Playboy magazine interview, 1994.

"I wish I wasn't [the world's richest man]. There is nothing good that comes out of that." 2006, speaking in Seattle.

"Well, one of the privileges of success in this country is government scrutiny

"When Paul Allen and I started Microsoft over 30 years ago, we had big dreams about software. We had dreams about the impact it could have. We talked about a computer on every desk and in every home. It's been amazing to see so much of that dream become a reality and touch so many lives. I never imagined what an incredible and important company would spring from those original ideas." News conference announcing plans for full-time philanthropy work and part-time Microsoft work, June 15, 2006, Redmond, Wash.

12-year old solar energy inventor

Fri, 26 Sep 2008 02:59:54 GMT

clipped by: RecordSage
clipper's remarks: One smart boy...

Clip Source: www.katu.com

Beaverton boy lauded for solar cell invention

BEAVERTON, Ore. – A new invention could revolutionize solar energy – and it was made by a 12-year-old in Beaverton.

Despite his age, William Yuan has already studied nuclear fusion and nanotechnology, and he is on his way to solving the energy crisis.

It all started with Legos - after he learned nanotechnology to make robots take off. The seventh grader then got an idea inspired by the sun.

"Solar it seems underused, and there are only a few problems with it," Yuan said.

"This solar cell can't be generating this much electricity, it can't be absorbing this much extra light," he recalled thinking.

If he is right, solar panels with his 3D cells would provide 500 times more light absorption than commercially-available solar cells and nine times more than cutting-edge 3D solar cells.

"Which would make solar energy actually a viable energy source for the Pacific Northwest," Yuan said.

His next step is to get a manufacturer and market it.

Tags: energy, invention, solar

WowWee Rovio remote surveillance robot

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 10:01:48 GMT

clipped by: rj3sp

Clip Source: www.geardiary.com

We Get Mail: WowWee Rovio Spy Robot finally available for Pre-Order in the USA

Clip Source: www.hammacher.com

The Control From Anywhere Home Sentry.

This robotic sentry can be controlled by any remote device capable of browsing the internet, allowing you to monitor your home from anywhere in the world. Audio and high-resolution (640 x 480) video are streamed in MPEG4 format, and it can take still pictures and e-mail them to you; it has a two-way microphone and speaker that enable real-time interaction with subjects.

Clip Source: uk.youtube.com

CES 2008 - WowWee Rovio

[Video]

Clip Source: uk.youtube.com

ROVIO Features

[Video]

Clip Source: uk.youtube.com

Behind the Scenes Look at Rovio and Micro GPS System

Breakthrough Rovio™ telepresence robot from WowWee®, launched at CES 2008. Video shows the Rovio robot navigating around a room completely under its own control using the NorthStar® system from Evolution Robotics™. Attendees at CES are able to remotely command this Rovio robot located over 200 miles away and see video broadcast live from its WiFi camera

[Video]

Tags: wowwee, rovio, remote, wifi, robots, technology

TOMAS

Sat, 20 Sep 2008 08:21:05 GMT

clipped by: biofuel
clipper's remarks: DIRECTIONS

Clip Source: www.toma.co.za

If you are coming from Johannesburg, take the R21 towards the Johannesburg International Airport, go past the airport and take the Pomona off ramp. Turn right at the set of robots, continue to the next set of robots and turn right again. Go down High road, we are on the left hand side about 3 Km from the robot.