The robo carp from Ryomei Engineering

We're fairly sure any fear we have of this robot carp doesn't come from its residence in any sort of "uncanny valley," but merely the resemblance it bears to a large majority of Power Rangers villains. In any case, what this 31-inch "Nishiki koi carp" bot from Hiroshima does do is analyze water quality, shoot pictures with its CCD camera, and swim around in a life-like manner via remote control. Apparently the bot is the fifth in a series of robo-fish from Ryomei Engineering, so we look forward to the next iteration, whatever creepy manifestation of aquatic life that might be.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 14th 2006 5:07PM]

Well here's my first attempt at a non-"spam" comment. I think it's pretty cool that they don't make this look like a mere submarine. Scientists with creativity, you just don't see that here. I just can't see a bunch of guys here going "Hey! Put some red dots on the side it looks too real still!"

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 14th 2006 5:10PM]

Now this thing would scare the crud out of my daughters!
Not to mention I find it a bit creepy as well.

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 14th 2006 5:43PM]

Is this an inflatable carp?

The pron market is going to be all over it... (literally!)

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 14th 2006 5:50PM]

Someone's already beat them to it. I just don't get companies that say "first of its kind" this and "first of it's kind" that.

http://www.extremedreams.co.uk/pink%20gnome/bubble%20baba/index_clip_image001.jpg

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 14th 2006 6:44PM]

funny, just saw the robotic water snake on hackaday.com yesterday...
what's it gonna be tomorrow? a squid? a saccopharynx? a balloon fish (or what they're called)?

daniel -- http://formatc.co.nr

[OddManOut Posted Mar 14th 2006 10:27PM]

"You're gonna need a bigger boat..."

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 14th 2006 10:45PM]

Well, just can't deny the fantastic imagination and inventive mind of Japanese people...

More news on iTechBlog.com

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 15th 2006 3:12AM]

this looks marvelous

[(Unverified) Posted Mar 15th 2006 1:22PM]

Yes, but does it have FRICKIN LAZER BEAMS??