Citizen rolls out (literally) Eco-Be mini-bot
By Marc Perton 
posted March 6th 2006 11:38AM
posted March 6th 2006 11:38AM
Now this is
more like it! Unlike more agressive and downright frightening bots such as the BigDog (and if you don't think
it's frightening, be sure to check out the video!), Citizen's Eco-Be is an inch-tall robot powered -- of course -- by a
watch battery. Looking for all the world like a shrunken Zippo, Eco-Be is capable of rolling back and forth, executing
side-to-side turns, and very little else. Bring it on, Citizen! We'll tackle this one with one pinky. Just don't let it
call BigDog in for help!
Let's hope that no one ever attempts to deploy these as wireless sensor network elements, else they'll inexorably acquire mindshare and rule the world.
(And, Jesus, those are creepy eyes in the background.)
Hate to be a party pooper, but what is it actually for?
What's it for you ask? What's ANY robot for! Taking over the world and/or looking cool!
I like the fact that engadget now judges the effectiveness of a robot by whether the staff could win in a fight against it. It's a good benchmark for robotics scientists the world over.
Very nice robots :) But what else apart from chaotic moves could they do?
Yeah, you think you can take it on, until you discover it really *is* a Zippo, and it pulls out its flamethrower.
Looks like an "Executive Toy". Something expensive for killing time.
When I saw #2's "What is it for" question, I immediately heard Cartman's voice saying something about "Crawling up your leg, and into your butt"... :P
What would be cool is if they had little operational arms and hands.
I, for one, welcome our new, robotic, zippo-like overlords.
In 1992 Seiko built the "worlds tiniest" robot, the Monsieur microbot. It was constructed out of the parts of two watches. I saw one of those science shows about it. The 'bot was assembled by an elderly gentleman at a table right next to the assembly line. Very cool.
http://www.guinessworldrecords.com/content_pages/record.asp?recordid=47094&Reg=1
http://www.tokyodv.com/news/EpsonMiniRobots.html
Oh look. Now BigDog can have fleas!
Are those cameras pointing up? Upskirt cam? Man, those Japanese are deviant.
But what is th epoint of it all?
I want one. I don't know why, but I do.
They didn't mention the application in this article. There is a joint project with CITIZEN and Osaka University for developing a new platform for robot research on subjects such as swarm intelligence, artificial life, etc. This will be done initially in the form of RoboCup games. The robots will be gradually improved over time accordingly to the needs of the users community.
You can find some details in our web-page:
http://er04.ams.eng.osaka-u.ac.jp
how can i get one of those totaly cool eco-be's??????