In order to promote their 25th anniversary, Casio came up with G-shock Robots. Designed by Shiro Nakano, they seem to appear at various retailers in Japan. We expect that if enough bot-freaks pay attention and respond, we will see more of them in the States in commercials and maybe even real-life models.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) was established in 2006 in Japan to encourage the development of robotics. In December, they announced that the 2008 robot of the year was Takara Tomy's i-SOBOT because of its decent price, advanced technology and entertainment value. We have heard some vague rumors that Tomy was thinking of discontinuing the diminutive bot, but suspect they will now rethink this.
Other awards went to Book Time, an auto-page turning bot and a rice planting robot developed by the National Agriculture and Food Research Organization.
Jordan Guelde and Daniel Shankland II have designed a robot that just may become more popular than Smokey the Bear. The Clear Cut clears large areas around a fire to keep it from spreading. The prototype has hubless motors and an integrated fuel system to make it work. We think that if the pair can develop it even further, they might consider equipping it with a very large hose.
Robofans, if you are fortunate enough in Orlando, Florida February 27 - March 1, you have to attend the MegaCon Convention. You will get to see Jim and Yvonne Quinlan's working Sci-Fi bots such as Futurama's Bender, B9 from Lost in Space, Robby from Forbidden Planet, and C3PO, R2-D2 and Jawa from Star Wars, among others. Also attending will be James Callis from Battlestar Gallactica, Beau Bridges from Stargate SG and the Hulking Lou Ferrigno. Prices are relatively inexpensive for the event and we just wish that we could join you. Send us some pics if you get to go and have lots of botty fun.
Noel Sharkey, a professor of artificial intelligence and robotics at the University of Sheffield, claims in an article he published in Science Magazine that there may be risks and ethical problems related to service bot usage. He says that people who control them must be made accountable when working with children and the eldery.
"The question here is, will this lead to neglect and social exclusion? We do not know what the psychological impact will be for children to be left for long hours in the care of robots."
"I have no concern whatsoever about robots taking control. They are dumb machines with computers and sensors and do not think for themselves despite what science fiction tells us," he said. "It is the application of robots by people that concerns me and not the robots themselves."
Take an empty soda can, a screwdriver, a AA battery and Griffin Technology's Tin Can Robot Kit and you get our Must Have robot this week. Add the motors and gears and he will buzz around and click at you in a most annoying manner. Preorder for a January 14 delivery date for only $14.95. By the way, this one is recommended for kids over 3.
Perhaps the only thing geekier than a chorus line of R2-D2s are the clothing choices of their handlers. Thanks to Orudo Vansan and team. This was done a couple of years ago but still worth a viewing.
We certainly found a bunch of great deals for the holidays during December, though sadly if you check back, some of them may now be more expensive. Don't despair. We will have plenty of new bots in 2009 as well as videos, toys and artsy bots. We suspect that the destructobots will rear their evil heads occasionally as well.
Louise and Jim Gunderson have created Basil (rhymes with dazzle,) an autonomous bot that currently has the sole purpose of going up to a bartender, ordering a brew and carry it back to its owners. Through a lengthy process you can read about from the 7 page link, he gets ready after a few problems that the Gundersons work out. Here is an exerpt from what went on during his premiere.
"My name is Basil," he declares. "What do you want me to do?"
"Apologize to people."
"Ask for beer."
"Don't trip."
We hope they at least program him to tip. The couple has also released a book, "Robots, Reasoning and Reification", undoubtedly a must read for those that can and do.
They say the last thing you do on New Year's Eve will be the same thing that you do the rest of the next year. The same theory also applies to robots. Destructobots know how to party hearty and instead of dipping in the oil can, they tend to indulge in Grey Goose (hic!) Have a safe one tonight!
Panasonic and the University of Tokyo have teamed to make KAR, a prototype kitchen bot designed to rinse dishes in the sink and then put them in the dishwasher. It even manages to start the washing process. It has 18 sensors so that it can handle the most delicate China without breakage. The team is hoping to make them affordable, smaller, lighter, and capable of loading a family of four's dishes in minutes. We hope they remember to program KAR to add the detergent.
Puzon Maciej designed Eddy, a small suction excavator that can clean up dirt and debris without complaining. He has a flexible pipe mounted on his arm and a working range of 1000mm semi-circular radius. He can also be attached to a larger vehicle for more storage. We wonder if we can use Eddy to suck up all the leftover stuff we keep finding in corners from the holidays.
This is the best way we can think of to scare not only the neighbors, but the entire population of a small town. Larry was created by London's Lyle Rowell of the Mutoid Waste Company in about four weeks. The Robo Dog was made out of a Citroen 2CV engine and a few other parts.
It's a bit early to think about mowing your lawn, but you can start saving now for your own SmartMow, which is expected out in March. At a size of approximately 21 x 27 x 8" (with base station included,) and a weight of about 17 lbs., the mowing bot can cover about 1/6th of an acre on a charge. Its three blades has a cutting width of about 12" and can handle slopes up to 30ยบ. The SmartMow runs on a Lithium 24V 8aH battery with a charging time of about 4 hours. Preorder with a $175.00 deposit and the company will take 25% off to make it a total of $750.00. Like we said, start saving.
ASIMO keeps showing up in the darndest places. Soon one of his older and larger brothers, 49 ft. of him, will be featured in the Rose Parade in Pasadena. The float is made with lettuce seed, rice, carnations and starflowers (in case he gets hungry on the trip.) Seriously, it will become mulch after the event. The pace car, a Honda FCX Clarity, will be powered by a hydrogen-powered fuel cell, the first for the parade. What a clever way to mix business with pleasure. If you are lucky enough to attend, it will take place Jan. 1.
G-shock Robots Celebrate Casio Anniversary
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