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Ben Heck's Android-controlled pot-stirrer does (most of) the cooking for you

Sarah Silbert — Tue, 22 May 2012 05:54:00 EST

Ben Heck is always thinking up gadgets that make life easier, from completely hands-free luggage to a sensor system for improved cycling safety. His latest mod is meant for those of us who have burnt Ramen a few too many times. His so-called Ben-Stur Remote Control Android app works with a pot-stirring device, freeing users to stray from the kitchen while their meal is cooking. The app works via Bluetooth, and the pot-stirrer consists of an actuator arm, a chip clip, a timing belt and, of course, a wooden spoon. Heck used a Google ADK and an Arduino Uno for the control mechanism that communicates between the app and the stirrer. In the tablet app, users can check their food's temperature and control the speed of the spoon's stirring. If that whets your appetite, click the source link for more info -- and check out our Maker Faire interview with Mr. Heckendorn himself.

Ben Heck's Android-controlled pot-stirrer does (most of) the cooking for you originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 May 2012 05:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Russian researchers build partial android for bizarre mind-transfer project (video)

Anthony Verrecchio — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:18:00 EST

A Team of Russian researchers are building a conceptual mind-transfer android, and we're definitely not talking about Ice Cream Sandwich. However bizarre, their goal is to help mankind achieve immortality using a combination of humanoid robots and interstellar space travel to get away from a dangerous and overcrowded planet -- but most of the needed technology seems so far off that we could probably power cycle the world's slowest Linux computer a million times before we see any of it. One prototype includes the torso of an android that will one day house a a computer rig that would be theoretically capable of acting as a personal proxy -- essentially, a place to upload "human souls." This ~~absolutely insane~~ über-ambitious project is the stuff of science fiction, but the big shots over in the birthplace of Tetris say it'll all be possible by 2045. Need more convincing? Check out the two videos after the break.

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Russian researchers build partial android for bizarre mind-transfer project (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 16 May 2012 08:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Orbotix update proves that six Spheros are better than one (video)

Zach Honig — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:25:00 EST

It's far more than a pricey cat toy, but should you really shell out 130 bucks of a color-changing robotic sphere? Well, if you make it to the video after the break, you might just be buying six. Sphero's latest app pairing adds some pretty spiffy interactive games, that could prompt early adopters to make yet another impulse purchase. MacroLab lets you design programs for your flashy mechanical ball, enabling the device to roll every which way while also shifting speed and color. And the Android version supports multiple Spheros, letting you create a routine for an entire set to follow simultaneously. The second app, Chromo, tests memory and coordination, prompting you to move the ball every which way to match colors displayed on your iOS device. Both apps, while excellent video fodder, are likely to grow old just as quickly as the gadget's initial offering. So, if your wallet's not as big as your curiosity, the promo vids waiting just past the break should entertain you almost as much as a proper Sphero can.

Continue reading Orbotix update proves that six Spheros are better than one (video)

Orbotix update proves that six Spheros are better than one (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 20:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sphero goes modular, spins out for a drive (video)

Joe Pollicino — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 02:36:00 EST

Sphero's hooked up with a new whip, albeit a retro-fitted one. Skylar, a Junior Developer at Orbotix, modded an old RC car with an Arduino board, H-bridge and a few trackball parts, enabling the remote control ball to serve as its brain. Just in time too -- there's only so much fun you can have getting the little orb stuck behind the filing cabinets. Still, it's certainly a leap beyond purposing it to pull an iPhone-toting chariot.

Sean Buckley contributed to this post.

Sphero goes modular, spins out for a drive (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Mar 2012 02:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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SK Telecom Smart Learning robots add twist to interactive learning, we go hands-on (video)

Brad Molen — Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:03:00 EST

They aren't quite up to Johnny Number Five's level of fame and stature, but SK Telecom's new "Smart Learning" robots have something it (he?) never could have dreamed of: the power of a smartphone. The mechanical critters are designed to be next-gen educational tools for our posterity, and only function thanks to a Bluetooth-connected Android handset which serves as both the brains of the operation and the interactive display. We saw the robots in action last week at Mobile World Congress in a few different scenarios: a board game, a reading comprehension tool and other clever learning activities. This is just scraping the surface, because an SDK is in the works that will allow developers to find plenty of ways to take advantage of the tech. The robots are still prototypes for now, but we should expect to see them arrive in Korea within the next six months. Check out a video of the little guys in action after the break.

Continue reading SK Telecom Smart Learning robots add twist to interactive learning, we go hands-on (video)

SK Telecom Smart Learning robots add twist to interactive learning, we go hands-on (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2012 19:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hiroshi Ishiguro's android mannequin creeps out Japanese shoppers (video)

James Trew — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:32:00 EST

If you didn't think mannequins were creepy enough already, maybe this will change your mind. In an attempt to lure shoppers, Japanese department store Takashimiya installed an eerily lifelike interactive robot for its Valentine's window display. The retailer called on robotics guru Hiroshi Ishiguro to provide the humanoid dummy, which can not only wink and yawn as people approach, but also display a range of emotions -- beyond boredom, indifference and oblivious content, we assume. While this was just part of the store's seasonal promotion, it might be a hint at where visual merchandise is going. Whether Ishiguro's model "model" will crossover into more professional roles like her sister, however, is unclear. Want to see that cheeky wink for yourself? Then hit up the video after the break.

Continue reading Hiroshi Ishiguro's android mannequin creeps out Japanese shoppers (video)

Hiroshi Ishiguro's android mannequin creeps out Japanese shoppers (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Feb 2012 06:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Orbotix Sphero review

Michael Gorman — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST

It's been just over a year since we first heard about Orbotix's little smartphone-controlled cue ball named Sphero, and since that time, we've seen a couple of pre-production units strut their stuff. Apparently, we weren't the only folks left intrigued -- there were so many folks wanting one that production capacity couldn't meet demand. So, while the company can't deliver every pre-ordered orb by its initial December delivery date, the first few Spheros are going out today and will be in the hands of some owners by the end of the week. Whether you're waiting for yours to arrive or are debating whether to get in on the robotic ball action, join us after the break to find out if it's a techno toy worth $130 of your hard-earned cash.

Gallery: Sphero hardware

Continue reading Orbotix Sphero review

Orbotix Sphero review originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Dec 2011 09:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google's Androidify holiday wardrobe update lets your bot ring in the New Year

Joe Pollicino — Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:15:00 EST

Ready to celebrate the holidays this year? Google has gone and refreshed its free Androidify app with some season-appropriate gear for your avatar. The new virtual wardrobe selections should certainly please a variety of tastes, whether you're itching to fit your robo with an ugly Christmas sweater or just a pair of New Years party specs. You can catch our bot's new winter threads below, and snag the update for yourself by hitting up the Android Market link below.

Google's Androidify holiday wardrobe update lets your bot ring in the New Year originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Dec 2011 12:15:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sphero shipments delayed due to high demand, won't be here-o until January

Amar Toor — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:17:00 EST

Our hearts were aflutter with anticipation when the Sphero went up for pre-order last month, but that excitement has since been supplanted by a big knot of disappointment, because the smartphone-controlled robotic ball won't be hitting the market until after the holiday season. In a letter published yesterday, Orbotix CEO Paul Berberian attributed his company's setback to a fundamental economic quandary. "Demand has been greater than expected and our production capabilities are slower than we planned," Berberian wrote. "What that means is only a handful of orders are going to be fulfilled before the holidays and the majority of orders will be fulfilled in January." Writing on behalf of the manufacturer, Berberian went on to accept full blame for the delay, with rather admirable honesty: "We simply underestimated the number of units we'd need to make and, more importantly, we miscalculated how long it would take to bring up the production line." To make up for it, Orbotix is offering free expedited shipping to all customers who pre-ordered the device in time for the holidays, along with a free Sphero t-shirt.

Sphero shipments delayed due to high demand, won't be here-o until January originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 17:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Programmable robots coming to Korean stores, will assimilate your Android phone

Mat Smith — Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:50:00 EST

South Korea loves its robots. While the country prepares them to teach the kids and guard its prisons, smartphone-compatible models are now propping up shelves in hobbyist shops. Dongbu Robot (previously Dasarobot) is launching several new products for wannabe bot engineers, but it's the Google OS-compatible HOVIS kits that caught our eye. While we already know Android-powered bots can make a mean cocktail, these kits will get new features programmed to them through a phone's Bluetooth and WiFi connections. The basic wheeled model can be upgraded to fully-fledged legs, while Dongbu Robot is working alongside the country's SK Telecom network to offer speech recognition as the first software add-on, with plans for education and home security all in the pipeline. The price of sowing the seeds of the Robopocalypse? Around $620 for the starter model. Sound like too much? Well, there's always Romo.

Programmable robots coming to Korean stores, will assimilate your Android phone originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 09 Dec 2011 16:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android-powered bar bot makes a mean Rob(ot) Roy (video)

Mat Smith — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:18:00 EST

iZac doesn't want to hear your sob stories. No, this Arduino-crafted bartender just wants to make cocktails, ordered through a tablet-based drinks menu. The bar patron can then place a glass on the digital scales, and iZac will measure out in the prescribed quantities necessary for the meatsack's choice of poison. The liquids are handled by aquarium pumps and laser-cut pinch valves, with accuracy to within one gram (0.035 ounces). Sadly, the bar bot's repertoire is limited by six bottles, arranged on two turntables. Risky drinkers can plump for the 'I'm Feeling Lucky' option, which creates a randomized drink of three (possibly identical) liquids. See how it all comes together in a loud, appropriately shady-looking bar after the break.

Continue reading Android-powered bar bot makes a mean Rob(ot) Roy (video)

Android-powered bar bot makes a mean Rob(ot) Roy (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Desk Pets' TankBot rolls out with Android and iOS support, is the tiny racer in your hand

Joseph Volpe — Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:59:00 EST

Lonely and living in the city, but don't have the patience or maturity for Man's Best Friend? Well, you could always take a TankBot under your wing. Desk Pets' palm-sized four-wheeler first whirred into our hands earlier this year at the International Toy Fair, promising a variety of play modes and iOS control. Now, the team behind the roving gizmo has finally released it to retailers' shelves, tacking on a $25 price tag and adding Android compatibility. The mini-bot operates in a trio of configurations: an autonomous mode that makes use of its infrared sensors to navigate obstacles, a free-roaming option that'll have it wandering aimlessly and, most importantly, a free mobile app that puts dual joystick control on your Apple device's screen or universal remote (connected via headphone jack) for steering on an Android phone. Don't expect to squeeze hours of fun out of this little tchotchke, though, as its retractable USB port only gets you about 15 minutes of gee whizzery. Skip past the break to watch a video demo of the lil' guy en vivo.

Continue reading Desk Pets' TankBot rolls out with Android and iOS support, is the tiny racer in your hand

Desk Pets' TankBot rolls out with Android and iOS support, is the tiny racer in your hand originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 20 Sep 2011 20:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android trash can robot begs the question: 'Why are you hitting yourself?' (video)

Christopher Trout — Sat, 16 Jul 2011 18:01:00 EST

We've seen robots that look like they've had one too many, but we're pretty sure this little guy needs to check into rehab. Despite its absolutely adorable appearance, this Android seems hell-bent on destruction, literally beating itself up, and eventually falling on its face. Built using the requisite Arduino, a trash can, some LEDs, and a slew of other components, this little guy was apparently created in three days on a budget just barely exceeding $100. You can see a video of the waste-bin bot hitting rock bottom at the source link below, but please refrain from laughing; Android alcoholism is a serious issue.

Continue reading Android trash can robot begs the question: 'Why are you hitting yourself?' (video)

Android trash can robot begs the question: 'Why are you hitting yourself?' (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Jul 2011 18:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sanyo's Mirai Sanzo robot brings the extra emotion your household craves

Sharif Sakr — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 07:01:00 EST

First we had the spherical drone and now we have the spherical butler. Sanyo's Mirai Sanzo robot won't do housework unfortunately, but it will interpret your voice commands and relay them to your home automation system, just in case you happen to live in the type of wondrous abode depicted after the break. To fulfill its mission as a "communication robot," the WiFi-connected 22cm helper comes with a touchscreen, touch sensors (for switching on and off) and voice recognition -- all powered by an undisclosed version of Android. It can also show seven different emotions by glowing in various colors, making it about three times more expressive than some humans. Mirai Sanzo will be out in Japan any time now, and while we're not sure of the price, we have tried to translate the name. We arrived at "Future Bob", but we're open to other suggestions.

Continue reading Sanyo's Mirai Sanzo robot brings the extra emotion your household craves

Sanyo's Mirai Sanzo robot brings the extra emotion your household craves originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Simple DIY cellbot ditches Arduino, jousts poorly (video)

Sean Buckley — Fri, 03 Jun 2011 23:35:00 EST

Want an adorable little Android cellbot to call your own, but aren't quite ready to tackle Arduino code? Darrell Taylor's got you covered with an audio-controlled, jousting cellbot: no muss, no fuss, no microcontroller. The Make project, called TRRSTAN, accepts commands via Google chat, web browser, or Wii remote piped through the headphone jack of your Android phone -- the robot's brain, of course. Tack on a few makeshift weapons procured at the local dollar store, and you've got a homemade warrior you can be proud of. Want one? Taylor has a ready-made kit available for just shy of $50, and offers a 'fully assembled' option for the extra-lazy robot enthusiast. Of course, you could always go back to playing Android-bots with your Legos if you aren't quite ready to big-boy world of DIY. Just sayin'.

Simple DIY cellbot ditches Arduino, jousts poorly (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 03 Jun 2011 23:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Maker Faire 2011, in pictures: Arduinos, Androids, and angry robots (video)

Christopher Trout — Sun, 22 May 2011 17:52:00 EST

The rapture has come and gone, but the Maker Faire powers on. Despite warnings of a May 21st doomsday, folks came out in droves for the annual celebration of all things DIY, and we were there to bring you the best in homespun inventions. This year's Maker Faire was light on robots and big on corporate sponsorship. Among the giants supporting the little guys were Google, ASUS, and HP, but El Goog's presence extended beyond its dedicated tents. The new Android ADK was big with at-home tinkerers this year, spawning a number of little robots and at least one DIY alternative.

Perhaps no other trend proved more pervasive than 3D printing, however -- every time we turned around there was another MakerBot or RapMan pumping out everything from statuettes of attendees to cutesy salt shakers. There were robotic building blocks, a Heineken-themed R2-D2, DIY drones, custom keyboards, and a ton of repurposed gadgets, but it was an arena of destructo-bots, tucked away in the farthest corner of the San Mateo County Event Center, that really blew us away. We came away sunburned and bedraggled, but lucky for you, we did all the dirty work so you don't have to. To see what made this year's Maker Faire, hop on past the break for a video of our favorite DIY finds.

Gallery: Maker Faire 2011

Myriam Joire contributed to this report.

Continue reading Maker Faire 2011, in pictures: Arduinos, Androids, and angry robots (video)

Maker Faire 2011, in pictures: Arduinos, Androids, and angry robots (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 22 May 2011 17:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google and iRobot team up to put Android apps on Ava telepresence bot

Terrence O'Brien — Thu, 12 May 2011 03:10:00 EST

Remember that Ava telepresence bot that we were gaga over at CES? Well Google has decided to lend iRobot a hand in getting the tablet-topped automaton rolling with some Android apps. The two companies have teamed up to create Ava specific programs that can be run from an Android slate perched on the extending neck of this silicon-brained companion. Apparently any 'ol tablet will do, so you'll still be able to play Angry Birds, but where's the fun in that? The exciting stuff will be apps that can communicate with the robot and pass it directions, meaning we need to figure out what our new, mechanical best friends should do for us. We've already got plenty of options for killing and beer serving -- how about one that folds our laundry? Oh, wait. Well, we'll think of something. While we ponder you check out Ava's cameo at Google I/O and the PR after the break.

Continue reading Google and iRobot team up to put Android apps on Ava telepresence bot

Google and iRobot team up to put Android apps on Ava telepresence bot originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 12 May 2011 03:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Hasbro's experimental Nexus-powered robot toy hands-on at Google I/O (video)

Myriam Joire — Wed, 11 May 2011 05:45:00 EST

Are you ready to welcome our experimental toy robot overlords? They're adorable, and they're taking no prisoners here at Google I/O. Hasbro and Google are collaborating to bring these little critters to life by docking a Nexus S brain to an exoskeleton-like body containing a battery, a Bluetooth radio and a bunch servomotors (the kind you find in RC models). The battery powers the dock and provides additional juice to the phone which in turn controls the servos via Bluetooth. Where things get interesting is that these toy robots don't just act based on a set of rules programmed into the Nexus S, but actually react to their environment (using the handset's sensors, front-facing camera, and touchscreen) and communicate with Google's cloud services over WiFi (for facial and object recognition) in order to enhance their behavior. Shake them and they get dizzy, rub their display and they get happy / angry, show them a Decepticon card and they cower away. They will also take a picture of you, decide if you are friend or foe, and respond accordingly. Predictably, Hasbro is sticking with gender stereotypes by providing basic male and female "personalities," complete with accessorized docks. Check out these experimental creatures in our gallery and hit the break for our hands-on video. Just don't go in expecting a price and release -- it's prototype cuteness only for now.

Gallery: Hasbro's experimental Nexus-powered robot toy hands-on at Google I/O

Continue reading Hasbro's experimental Nexus-powered robot toy hands-on at Google I/O (video)

Hasbro's experimental Nexus-powered robot toy hands-on at Google I/O (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 May 2011 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Google's Androidify app lets you create your very own bot avatar (video)

Richard Lai — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 02:18:00 EST

While we're probably still years or decades away from getting our very own animatronic clones, Google's released the next best thing for the time being. Available on the Android Market is this Androidify app, which, as the name says for itself, lets us mere mortals craft our Android mascot lookalikes. Hell, you can even slap on some facial hair or a baby droid while you're at it. We'll say no more -- see the app in action after the break, if you're not already busy dishing out your new avatar across the web.

Continue reading Google's Androidify app lets you create your very own bot avatar (video)

Google's Androidify app lets you create your very own bot avatar (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 14 Feb 2011 02:18:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Sphero toy ball rolls itself, you control it with your smartphone

Joseph L. Flatley — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 18:22:00 EST

Don't have the airspace required for an AR.Drone? Gearing up for its CES 2011 debut, Sphero is a small, robotic toy ball made by Orbotix, and controlled remotely via Bluetooth and your smartphone's tilt sensor. A ball that moves by itself? Call us lazy (too lazy to roll a ball even), but we think this is a toy whose time has come. Sure, the whole thing is pretty straightforward, although we hope that once iPhone and Android developers get ahold of that open API we'll see plenty in the way of augmented reality gameplay: a maze or a racing game of some sort would make this thing quite coveted, in our opinion. Catch a video of the prototype in action after the break.

Continue reading Sphero toy ball rolls itself, you control it with your smartphone

Sphero toy ball rolls itself, you control it with your smartphone originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 12 Dec 2010 18:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Squirt water gun robot pesters raccoons, takes orders from Android (video)

Darren Murph — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 05:57:00 EST

It's not uncommon to see Mr. Android and Sir Arduino team up in the world of homegrown robotics, but Squirt has managed to hop out of the me-too crowd with a downright charming control scheme (and even more charming looks). Put simply, this water gun robot was designed to "water plants and chase away raccoons," but from a broader perspective, the creator was looking to demonstrate how robotics could be used in small irrigation and well systems. Better still, this is far more than just a robot that's controlled remotely via smartphone; if you switch it into 'guard mode,' it'll search and destroy -- pelting anything "that moves" with a blast of water. And yeah, it can also be controlled via SMS, so even the cats can't celebrate too quickly once the owner heads out for work. Hit the source link to find out more on how this masterpiece was constructed, or head beyond the break for a quick demo vid.

Continue reading Squirt water gun robot pesters raccoons, takes orders from Android (video)

Squirt water gun robot pesters raccoons, takes orders from Android (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Nov 2010 05:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Lego's MINDroid Android app remotely controls Mindstorms NXT robots

Darren Murph — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:02:00 EST

Hardcore hobbyists have been controlling their Mindstorms NXT creations with all sorts of paraphernalia for years, but now Lego itself is stepping in to lend a hand. The new MINDroid app just splashed down in the Android Market, and it enables Android 2.1 (or greater) handsets to dictate Mindstorms NXT robots over Bluetooth. According to Lego, tilting / turning the phone can make the robot move forward, turn to the sides, and by pressing an action button on the phone's screen, activate the 'Action' motor. Given that the download will cost you absolutely nothing, what are you waiting for? Your robot army awaits your commands.

Lego's MINDroid Android app remotely controls Mindstorms NXT robots originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Oct 2010 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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This Android android runs Android, eats humans

Paul Miller — Fri, 01 Oct 2010 03:04:00 EST

Don't get enough Android in your life between your daytime Droid pal and that raging evening Engadget Podcast addiction? Well, try this on for size, fanboy: two Japanese companies, RT Corporation and Brilliant Service, have teamed up to make an Android logo-shaped Android that runs Android and that can be controlled by an Android device over WiFi. Happy now? All Google loyalist needling aside, this little bot is actually pretty wild, with an Armadillo 500FX board inside controlling the sizable green creature. In fact, Android and robotics has been a bit of a love fest over the past year or so, and we're excited to see where they're headed -- hopefully recursive mascots isn't the evolutionary endpoint here. Check out some video of the bot after the break.

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This Android android runs Android, eats humans originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 01 Oct 2010 03:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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RoboCup Soccer 2010 finals show impressive realism by feigning injuries (video)

Ross Miller — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 03:11:00 EST

The World Cup may still be ongoing (despite what the US, England, and a handful of others may think), but the RoboCup 2010 in Singapore has just closed shop with an edge-of-your-seat display of autonomous action. The final game came down to two German teams, the Darmstadt Dribblers and the FUmanoids. As seen at numerous points, both android teams have even learned the ancient art of diving, toeing the uncanny valley a little to close for comfort. Video after the break -- we won't to spoil the ending, so let's just say Germany won by a sizable margin.

If fierce competition isn't your cup of tea, we've also got footage of DARwIn-LC, a low cost (hence the name) humanoid from our friends at Virginia Tech's RoMeLa. These adorable little guys ~~cost about $2,500 apiece and~~ will be going out to 11 of VT's partner universities.

Update: Dr. Dennis Hong himself sent us a few clarifications. The DARwIn-LC is a collaboration between RoMeLa and the company Robotis. No price has been disclosed, but the $2,500 is incorrect. Additionally, the robot is being planned as a "true 'open platform.'" In Hong's words, "we are "planning" to post all CAD drawings, fabrication and assembly manuals, and also the basic software on-line for free. Thus any one with certain equipment, budget, and skills will be able to make one them selves - or purchase the entire thing or parts from Robotis. We want to form a community of DARwIn-LC users to share new ideas for improvement, hack it, etc. and use the robot for research, education, outreach, and of course, an easy entry point for the RoboCup humanoid division." Also hit up More Coverage to see how RoMeLa fared at RoboCup!

[Thanks, Stefan]

Continue reading RoboCup Soccer 2010 finals show impressive realism by feigning injuries (video)

RoboCup Soccer 2010 finals show impressive realism by feigning injuries (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Jun 2010 03:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Android and Arduino-packin' Cellbot features voice recognition, autonomy, and charm to spare

Joseph L. Flatley — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:10:00 EST

The Cellbots gang has been furiously productive as of late. Not even a month after their wooden "boxbot" was first spotted on You Tube the project has moved on from its humble beginnings of lumber and windshield wiper motors to a full-on a neon green acrylic Truckbot that uses a G1 and Arduino board combination for control. Sure, we've seen Android-powered robots before, but these guys have done some pretty cool things, and have no intention of stopping now. They've already implemented an ultrasonic range detector so the 'bot can override the operator and prevent itself from running off a cliff (although we'd like to suggest mounting one on the rear as well -- for obvious reasons), voice recognition, and the Android compass into the control system. If anything, the amount of progress makes this project very well worth keeping an eye on. Move past the break to see some video, and then hit the source link to keep up with the action yourself.

Continue reading Android and Arduino-packin' Cellbot features voice recognition, autonomy, and charm to spare

Android and Arduino-packin' Cellbot features voice recognition, autonomy, and charm to spare originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Apr 2010 19:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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HTC Hero-controlled Mindstorms bot hints at Android uprising

Nilay Patel — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:01:00 EST

Using a cellphone to control a robot -- or a pretty sweet helicopter -- isn't exactly a new idea, but there's something about the combination of Android and Lego Mindstorms that promises to break the possibilities wide open. Swedish tech company Enea Linköping is one of the first we've seen to directly link an Android app to the Mindstorms brain over Bluetooth -- they're using an HTC Hero to control two simple rover bots. Unfortunately, since Android 1.5 doesn't support the Bluetooth serial profile, there's a hack involved: the phone actually sends out commands over WiFi,which are passed through a WiFi-Bluetooth tunneling app on laptop before hitting the bots. That means there's a little lag involved, but now that Android 2.1 has serial Bluetooth support we're hoping things get a little more streamlined in the future. Video after the break.

Continue reading HTC Hero-controlled Mindstorms bot hints at Android uprising

HTC Hero-controlled Mindstorms bot hints at Android uprising originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 08 Feb 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Robot is exactly what you think it is

Chris Ziegler — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:07:00 EST

What's a generic name for an android? Yep, "robot" -- so it only stands to reason that a name like "The Robot" would befit the most boring, generic Android set imaginable to a T. Indeed, there isn't a single feature on The Robot that stands out -- apart from perhaps the vague Storm knockoff design -- thanks primarily to a resistive 2.8-inch QVGA display and a mere dual-band 900 / 1800 3G-free GSM radio (North Americans need not apply). In fact, we were just about to write off The Robot altogether until we noticed that its manufacturer is generously bundling "more than 25" apps in ROM -- and besides, you have to admit that it's got the bossest, most unapologetic silver Android logo you've ever seen right below the subpar display. That counts for something, right? Grab it now for $179 -- or if you want one for each pants pocket plus a spare, they're yours for just $170 and change.

[Thanks, Toni]

The Robot is exactly what you think it is originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Jan 2010 08:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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ASUS says EeeBots are coming, inevitably running Android OS

Vlad Savov — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:09:00 EST

We've seen humanoid bots ranging from the cute to the downright insane with none of them ever coming close to commercial viability, but stick an Eee in front of their name and all bets are off. ASUS, the company that started the seemingly unlikely netbook revolution (sorry, FIC), is about to apply its golden touch to the field of consumer-friendly robotics. Intended to serve as an educational tool for young children to interact with, the EeeBot will be driven by a modified version of the aptly titled Android OS and ASUS is said to be hard at work developing a content and services ecosystem around the hardware. Teased technologies include voice, video and navigation abilities, but we'll have to wait a while before we see any of it since production won't begin for another two years.

ASUS says EeeBots are coming, inevitably running Android OS originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: T-Mobile G1-powered Forknife robot goofs off, eats cupcakes

Darren Murph — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:17:00 EST

It's hard to tell from the absolutely riveting two minute and seven second video (hosted up after the break, just so you know), but somehow or another, the gurus at Macpod Software managed to get a T-Mobile G1 to control a robot. Actually, the code used to pull it off is hosted up for download, but a fair bit of robotics knowledge is necessary to pull it all together. The best part? Forknife just loves cupcakes -- sorry, we couldn't resist.

[Thanks, Corey]

Continue reading Video: T-Mobile G1-powered Forknife robot goofs off, eats cupcakes

Filed under: HTC, T-Mobile, Misc, Android

Video: T-Mobile G1-powered Forknife robot goofs off, eats cupcakes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Video: T-Mobile G1-powered Forknife robot goofs off, eats cupcakes

Darren Murph — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:17:00 EST

Continue reading Video: T-Mobile G1-powered Forknife robot goofs off, eats cupcakes

Filed under: Cellphones, Robots

Video: T-Mobile G1-powered Forknife robot goofs off, eats cupcakes originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:17:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Adgadget: Fantasy fembots market male products

Ariel Waldman — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:43:00 EST

Ariel Waldman contributes Adgadget, a column about the intersection of advertising and technology.

Technologically better equipped than booth babes, fantasy fembots seem to be popping up everywhere in ad campaigns these days. Alcohol seems to be popular with the fembots -- they're employed in ads from both Heineken and Svedka -- but Philips is utilizing them in a campaign for an electric razor as well.

It's pretty easy to be creeped out by the influx of ready-to-serve robots -- and not just because these fembots could be the beginnings of the Singularity in disguise. (C'mon, what more suitable "smarter-than-human brain-computer-interface" would be better to take over the human race than one that offered kegs and clean shaves as a "gift from the Greeks"? And who better to be behind the downfall of society than advertisers?) Misogynist undertones run rampant throughout all the ads, so it's no shock that feminine cyborgs are used exclusively in advertising targeting young males -- they tap right into stock fantasies of complete feminine subservience.

Continue reading Adgadget: Fantasy fembots market male products

Adgadget: Fantasy fembots market male products originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Oct 2007 08:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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People-lifting android unveiled in Japan

Donald Melanson — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:40:00 EST

We've already seen androids that can knock you out, but now a team of researchers from the University of Tokyo have pieced together a humanoid robot with more peaceful intentions -- or at least that's what they're hoping. Weighing in at 154 pounds and measuring just over five feet tall, the apparently unnamed droid can easily lift a 145 person out of bed or cart around heavy packages, which its creators say make it ideally suited for jobs in nursing care or the moving industry. While it's not clear how the bot feels about that pre-determined career path, we wouldn't recommend arguing with it if it one day scuffs up your furniture, or it could well put those people-lifting skills to a slightly more destructive use.

Filed under: Robots

People-lifting android unveiled in Japan originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 29 Mar 2007 21:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Zou Renti gets an evil android twin, too

Paul Miller — Sat, 14 Oct 2006 15:01:00 EST

All the hip-cool robot researchers these days are building their own robot clone minions to carry out their evil bidding, and Zou Renti of the Xi'an Supermen Sculpture Institution has sure done his up right. The model, with a skin of silica gel which supposedly moves with lifelike movements, apparently doesn't have a name, but with looks like these we suppose it just passes itself off as Zou Renti when performing its nefarious deeds. In fact, we'd almost go so far as to suggest this bot has successfully navigated the uncanny valley, 'cause we're having a pretty dang hard time telling which of these guys is which here. Renti and his clone are currently hanging out at the 2006 China Robot Expo in Beijing -- tomorrow the world!

[Via The Raw Feed]

Filed under: Robots

Zou Renti gets an evil android twin, too originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 14 Oct 2006 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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EveR-1 is the new face of Korean robotics

Marc Perton — Thu, 04 May 2006 09:37:00 EST

If you thought Albert Hubo was the ultimate humanoid robot, wait until you get a look at EveR-1, a new bot making the rounds in Korea. According to reports, the 5-foot, 2-inch EveR-1 was designed to resemble a woman in her early 20s,and is capable of upper-body movement, can distinguish faces via its eye-mounted cameras, and can look into your eyes while conversing through perfectly synced lips. The bot's face can register simulated emotions, including happiness, anger and sadness, and its skin is made from a silicon gel designed to feel like human skin. She can't walk yet, but we imagine that's only a matter of time. If this is the new face of Korea's army of networked domestic bots, they may just achieve their goal of a bot in every home sooner than we thought.

Thanks, HCM

Filed under: Robots

EveR-1 is the new face of Korean robotics originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 04 May 2006 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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South Korea wants 100% robot market penetration by 2020

Ryan Block — Sun, 02 Apr 2006 17:44:00 EST

You've got 14 years, South Korea, to make good on your promise: 100% market penetration for robots in the home some time between 2015 and 2020. We'll be generous and give you the later date to work with, but don't you and your Ministry of Information and Communication go spouting off about how you've got goals to put a robot in every home by 2020 unless you're dead serious, you hear us? Because we here at Engadget take our robots seriously -- from Roombas to Ri-Man -- so don't go all getting our hopes up for some postmodern South Korean android utopia of intelligent networked household service bots unless you're prepared to deliver, ok?

[Thanks, Palm Addict]

Filed under: Robots

South Korea wants 100% robot market penetration by 2020 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 02 Apr 2006 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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