Engadget http://www.engadget.com Engadget http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif Engadget http://www.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2012 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[Ben Heck's Android-controlled pot-stirrer does (most of) the cooking for you]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/ben-heck-android-pot-stirrer-cooking-for-you/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/ben-heck-android-pot-stirrer-cooking-for-you/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/22/ben-heck-android-pot-stirrer-cooking-for-you/#comments Ben Heck's Android-controlled pot-stirrer does (most of) the cooking for you

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid appandroid appsAndroidAppAndroidAppsArduinoarduino unoArduinoUnoBen Heckben heck showBen HeckendornBenHeckBenHeckendornBenHeckShowhackhacksmodmodsrobotRobotsTue, 22 May 2012 05:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Arduino mechs learn RobotC, plot assimilation with Lego Mindstorms]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/13/RobotC-Public-Beta-on-Arduino/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/13/RobotC-Public-Beta-on-Arduino/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/13/RobotC-Public-Beta-on-Arduino/#comments RobotC-Public-Beta-on-Arduino

Arduino boards have smoothed the creation of lots of eccentric thingamajigs, but robotics and controllers are still not for the faint of heart. Luckily, RoboMatter is coming to the rescue of would-be roboticists with a public beta version of its C-based RobotC language for Arduino. Joining Lego Mindstorm and other bots, Arduino will get RobotC's straightforward sensor and motor controls, along with a debugger and sample program library, while still keeping its native Wiring language. So, if you want to be a Kickstarter magnate , or just out-weird everyone else, rolling your own droid is now a bit easier.

Arduino mechs learn RobotC, plot assimilation with Lego Mindstorms originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 13 May 2012 04:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArduinoC programming languageCProgrammingLanguageDIYhackhackershobbyisthobbyistsmodmoddingRoboMatterrobotrobot controlRobotCRobotControlroboticistroboticistsrobotsWiringSun, 13 May 2012 04:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Sphero goes modular, spins out for a drive (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/sphero-goes-modular-spins-out-for-a-drive-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/sphero-goes-modular-spins-out-for-a-drive-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/19/sphero-goes-modular-spins-out-for-a-drive-video/#comments
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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidararduinoaugmented realityAugmentedRealityballiosminipostorbotixOrbotix SpheroOrbotixSpheroreviewrobotrobot ballRobotBallroboticssillysparkfunspherosphero carSpheroCartoytoy ballToyBalltoysvideoMon, 19 Mar 2012 02:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Arduino-powered Artbot writes the time, erases it, writes again (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/arduino-artbot-robot-time-clock-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/arduino-artbot-robot-time-clock-video/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/16/arduino-artbot-robot-time-clock-video/#commentsWatching the seconds go by is a frightening reminder that time pauses for no one, but somehow, a hacker going by the name of Ekaggrat has figured out how to make the process a bit less daunting. The so-called Doodle Clock is an Arduino-powered robotic arm that's been trained to jot down the time with a dry erase marker; once the minute passes, he erases the last digit and rewrites it -- a number beyond what he just erased, of course. Per usual, these things are better seen than read about, so why not hop on past the break and mash play? Smiles await.

Continue reading Arduino-powered Artbot writes the time, erases it, writes again (video)

Arduino-powered Artbot writes the time, erases it, writes again (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2012 03:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ArduinoartArtbotawesomeclockdesigndoodle clockDoodleClockrbbb ArduinoRbbbArduinorobotservotimepiecevideoFri, 16 Mar 2012 03:27:00 EST<![CDATA[Insert Coin: A look back at ten top projects from 2011]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/31/insert-coin-a-look-back-at-ten-top-projects-from-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/31/insert-coin-a-look-back-at-ten-top-projects-from-2011/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/31/insert-coin-a-look-back-at-ten-top-projects-from-2011/#comments #editors-choice #editors-header { padding: 0; margin: 10px 0; } #editors-choice .section { border: 5px solid #EEE; margin: 10px 0; position: relative; } #editors-choice .section:hover { border-color: #00BDF6; } #editors-choice .section a:hover { text-decoration: none; } #editors-choice .section .winner { display: block; } #editors-choice .section .winner img { display: block; float: left; margin: 0; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details { float: left; width: 410px; margin: 0 0 0 15px; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details h2 { color: #444; font-size: 18px; letter-spacing: -1px; padding: 10px 0 0; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details h3 { font-size: 26px; letter-spacing: -1px; padding: 7px 0 11px; } #editors-choice .section .winner .details p { color: #222; font-size: 13px; line-height: 19px; } #editors-choice .section .runner-up { display: block; position: absolute; bottom: 0; right: 0; background-color: #333; padding: 3px 10px; } #editors-choice .section .runner-up strong { font-family: Helvetica,Arial,sans-serif; letter-spacing: -1px; margin-right: 3px; color: #BBB; }

2011 has been a tremendous year for tech -- Amazon launched a $200 Android tablet, AT&T and Verizon continued their LTE expansion, Apple killed off the Mac mini's SuperDrive and Samsung introduced a well-received killer 5.3-inch smartphone. But tiny tech startups made their mark as well, proving that you don't need an enormous R&D budget to spur innovation. Still, development isn't free, and unless your social circle includes eager investors, seed money has been traditionally hard to come by.

For many of this year's indie devs, crowdfunding sites have been the answer, with Kickstarter leading the pack. We've seen an enormous variety of projects -- including a deluge of duds and plenty more semi-redundant iPhone accessories -- but a few treasures soared above the swill to be featured in our Insert Coin series, with many of those meeting their funding goals and even making their way into the hands of consumers. Now, as 2011 draws to a close, we've gone through this past year's projects to single out our top ten, and they're waiting for your consideration just past the break.

Continue reading Insert Coin: A look back at ten top projects from 2011

Insert Coin: A look back at ten top projects from 2011 originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>6dotappleArduinoaudiobraillecameracamera triggercamerasCameraTriggereyezfeaturefeaturesheadphoneheadphonesinsert coinInsertCoiniphoneiphone 4Iphone4ipodipod shuffleIpodShufflekickstarterkye allumsKyeAllumslabelermobilepostcrossmousemutitouchODDIO1olloclipprostheticremoteremote controlRemoteControlrobotroboticsrobotsromoshufflesmartphonesmartphonesTeagueduinotriggertrigger traptriggersTriggerTraptwinezioneyezSat, 31 Dec 2011 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[MyRobots.com: for all of your robot's social needs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/myrobots-com-for-all-of-your-robots-social-needs/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/myrobots-com-for-all-of-your-robots-social-needs/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/21/myrobots-com-for-all-of-your-robots-social-needs/#comments You have your Facebook, Twitter, and some even MySpace. But what about your beloved cyborgs? They've got social needs too, you know. According to NewScientist, there's a new site on the block that'll allow your droids to have status updates of their own. Furthermore, MyRobots.com aims to be a complete social hub for humanoids; aside from the "I need to be charged" updates, they'll also secure a complete profile with name and photo. Of course, apps couldn't be left behind, which is why the company is planning a cloud-based app store to cap off its efforts. Unfortunately, just like The Facebook in its early days, the site is only open to a select few for now: Nao and Arduino-based robots. Needless to say, if you're going to have your mechanical partner make you a sandwich, the least you can do is let it share its feelings with friends.

MyRobots.com: for all of your robot's social needs originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Dec 2011 00:12:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arduinoarduino robot systemmyrobots social networkmyrobots.comnaonao robotnao robotsrobotrobotssocial networksocial network robotssocial networkingSocialNetworkSocialNetworkingWed, 21 Dec 2011 00:12:00 EST<![CDATA[Android-powered bar bot makes a mean Rob(ot) Roy (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/android-powered-bar-bot-makes-a-mean-rob-ot-roy-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/android-powered-bar-bot-makes-a-mean-rob-ot-roy-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/18/android-powered-bar-bot-makes-a-mean-rob-ot-roy-video/#comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarduinobarbar botBarBotcocktailsdrinksizacizac bartenderIzacBartenderrobotrobotsvideoFri, 18 Nov 2011 18:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Beeri: Siri's new best friend cracks open a cold one (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/21/beeri-siris-new-best-friend-cracks-open-a-cold-one-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/21/beeri-siris-new-best-friend-cracks-open-a-cold-one-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/21/beeri-siris-new-best-friend-cracks-open-a-cold-one-video/#comments Beeri We already know that Siri can send texts, check the weather or find you a restaurant, but did you know she can also fetch you a beer. Well, sort of... with a little hacking. The folks at Redpepper dreamed up Beeri, an RC truck that cracks open a can of brew whenever it receives a tweet instructing it to "pour." Since you can text updates to Twitter (40404) and Siri can text, that means it's perfectly simple to tell Beeri it's Miller time. Whenever the Arduino embedded in the truck detects a mention with the word "pour," it drives forward, slamming a beer can into a puncture wall that drips into a funnel, filling a cup beneath the table top. It's a pretty ingenious system, and you can see it in action after the break. We just hope Beeri has a day job -- looking at all that head, it's clear she wouldn't last a day as a bartender.

Continue reading Beeri: Siri's new best friend cracks open a cold one (video)

Beeri: Siri's new best friend cracks open a cold one (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Oct 2011 15:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>apple iphone 4sAppleIphone4sarduinobeerbeeridiydo it yourselfDoItYourselfhackiphone 4sIphone4srobotrobotssirisiri virtual assistantSiriVirtualAssistanttwittervideovoice controlVoiceControlFri, 21 Oct 2011 15:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Arduino brings the (new) goods to Maker Faire New York, welcomes ARM into the fold]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/arduino-brings-the-new-goods-to-maker-faire-new-york-welcomes/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/arduino-brings-the-new-goods-to-maker-faire-new-york-welcomes/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/arduino-brings-the-new-goods-to-maker-faire-new-york-welcomes/#comments Arduino at Maker FaireWhen Arduino unveiled a boatload of new products on Friday, we could have taken the easy route, posted the PR and called it a day. But, since the crew happened to be in town for Maker Faire, with a few folks from Atmel (makers of the AVR chip at the heart of the open source MCU) in tow, we figured why not go straight to the source. Arduino founder Massimo Banzi gave us a look at the company's latest offerings: the ARM-powered Arduino Due, the low-cost Arduino Leonardo, and aptly-named Arduino WiFi, as well as a peek at some of the group's upcoming plans. Keep on reading after the break for the juicy details.

Gallery: Arduino at Maker Faire New York 2011

Continue reading Arduino brings the (new) goods to Maker Faire New York, welcomes ARM into the fold

Arduino brings the (new) goods to Maker Faire New York, welcomes ARM into the fold originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 09:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoarduino duearduino leonardoarduino robot systemarduino wifiArduinoDueArduinoLeonardoArduinoRobotSystemArduinoWifiarmARM Cortex M3ArmCortexM3atmelcomplubotcortex m3cortex-m3CortexM3DIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselflottie lemonLottieLemonmaker fairemaker faire 2011maker faire new yorkmaker faire new york 2011MakerFaireMakerFaire2011MakerFaireNewYorkMakerFaireNewYork2011Massimo BanziMassimoBanzirobotroboticsrobotsMon, 19 Sep 2011 09:45:00 EST<![CDATA[Android trash can robot begs the question: 'Why are you hitting yourself?' (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/16/android-trash-can-robot-begs-the-question-why-are-you-hitting/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/16/android-trash-can-robot-begs-the-question-why-are-you-hitting/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/16/android-trash-can-robot-begs-the-question-why-are-you-hitting/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidandroid robotAndroidRobotarduinobotbotsdiydrunkdrunkenrcrehabremote controlremote controlledRemoteControlRemoteControlledrobotrobot rehabRobotRehabrobotstrashtrash canTrashCanvideowasteSat, 16 Jul 2011 18:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Spazzi dancebot can't teach you how to Dougie, but it's got the robot on lock]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/spazzi-dancebot-cant-teach-you-how-to-dougie-but-its-got-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/spazzi-dancebot-cant-teach-you-how-to-dougie-but-its-got-the/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/15/spazzi-dancebot-cant-teach-you-how-to-dougie-but-its-got-the/#comments Spazzi dancebot can't teach you how to Dougie, but it's got the robot on lock It looks like somebody's got some competition. So, Spazzi's probably not going to dethrone the reigning King of Cute, but judging from what we've seen of its moves, it could give Keepon some competition on the dance floor. This little, solenoid-packing robot, featured in the latest issue of Make, is actually kin to our boy Keepon, and uses an Arduino (holla!) to control the solenoid's and springs that give it that special robot swag. If you've been pining after Keepon, and have some DIY skills, hop on past the source link for the full build, or just check out a video of Spazzi gettin' its groove on after the break.

Continue reading Spazzi dancebot can't teach you how to Dougie, but it's got the robot on lock

Spazzi dancebot can't teach you how to Dougie, but it's got the robot on lock originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 15 Jul 2011 03:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinobeatbotsdancedance botdance robotDanceBotDanceRobotdancingdancing botdancing robotDancingBotDancingRobotkeeponrobotrobotssolenoidspazzispazzi dancebotSpazziDancebotvideoFri, 15 Jul 2011 03:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Web-controlled tweeting Roomba is a perfect storm of DIY magic]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/17/web-controlled-tweeting-roomba-is-a-perfect-storm-of-diy-magic/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/17/web-controlled-tweeting-roomba-is-a-perfect-storm-of-diy-magic/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/17/web-controlled-tweeting-roomba-is-a-perfect-storm-of-diy-magic/#comments Web-controlled tweeting Roomba There are three things that will guarantee your DIY project some attention: slap it on a Roomba, base it on Arduino, or make it tweet. Do all three and, well, you've got a nerdgasm-inducing bit of Make fodder. The creation you see above is a web-controlled tweeting Roomba whipped up by Instructables member matchlighter using a 500 series vacuum bot and the Sparkfun WiFly shield for Arduino. The autonomous cleaner can be triggered from anywhere there's an internet connection and updates Twitter to keep you abreast of its status (Ahh! Dock sweet dock). While Mr. matchlighter was kind enough provide directions for building your own, a lot of the actual coding is left up to you. (We're lazy, let us just copy and paste dammit!) If you think you've got the programming chops, hit up the source link for instructions and check out the original's Twitter feed at the more coverage link.

Update: The complete code is in step eight of the Instructable.

Web-controlled tweeting Roomba is a perfect storm of DIY magic originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Jun 2011 13:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoDIYdo it yourselfDoItYourselfinstructablesmatchlightrobotrobotsRoombaroomba 500 seriesRoomba500Seriessparkfunsparkfun wifly shieldSparkfunWiflyShieldtweeting roombaTweetingRoombatwitterweb-controlled roombaweb-controlled tweeting roombaWeb-controlledRoombaWeb-controlledTweetingRoombawifly shieldWiflyShieldFri, 17 Jun 2011 13:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Simple DIY cellbot ditches Arduino, jousts poorly (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/03/simple-diy-cellbot-ditches-arduino-jousts-poorly-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/03/simple-diy-cellbot-ditches-arduino-jousts-poorly-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/03/simple-diy-cellbot-ditches-arduino-jousts-poorly-video/#comments

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Androidandroid cellbotandroid robotAndroidCellbotAndroidRobotArduinocellbotcellbotsdiydiy robotDiyRobotmakemicrocontrollerrobotroboticsrobotsvideowii remoteWiiRemoteFri, 03 Jun 2011 23:35:00 EST<![CDATA[Maker Faire 2011, in pictures: Arduinos, Androids, and angry robots (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/22/maker-faire-2011-in-pictures-arduinos-androids-and-angry-rob/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/22/maker-faire-2011-in-pictures-arduinos-androids-and-angry-rob/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/22/maker-faire-2011-in-pictures-arduinos-androids-and-angry-rob/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>20113D3D printer3dPrinterAndroidAndroid ADKAndroidAdkArduinoDIYDIY DronesDiyDronesDroneDroneselectric vehicleElectricVehicleEVFairegalleryinventioninventionsLEGOLEGOSMakeMake MagazineMakeMagazineMakerMaker FaireMaker Faire 2011MakerFaireMakerFaire2011R2D2robotroboticsrobotsspideStar WarsStarWarstourvideovideosSun, 22 May 2011 17:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Emoti-bots turn household objects into mopey machines (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/emoti-bots-turn-household-objects-into-mopey-machines-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/emoti-bots-turn-household-objects-into-mopey-machines-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/20/emoti-bots-turn-household-objects-into-mopey-machines-video/#comments Some emotional robots dip deep into the dark recesses of the uncanny valley, where our threshold for human mimicry resides. Emoti-bots on the other hand, manage to skip the creepy human-like pitfalls of other emo-machines, instead employing household objects to ape the most pathetic of human emotions -- specifically dejection and insecurity. Sure it sounds sad, but the mechanized furniture designed by a pair of MFA students is actually quite clever. Using a hacked Roomba and an Arduino, the duo created a chair that reacts to your touch, and wanders aimlessly once your rump has disembarked. They've also employed Nitinol wires, a DC motor, and a proximity sensor to make a lamp that seems to tire with use. We prefer our lamps to look on the sunny side of life, but for those of you who like your fixtures forlorn, the Emoti-bots are now on display at Parsons in New York and can be found moping about in the video after the break.

Continue reading Emoti-bots turn household objects into mopey machines (video)

Emoti-bots turn household objects into mopey machines (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 20 May 2011 06:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoburcum turkmenBurcumTurkmenchairconceptdesignemoitionalEmoti-botemotionemotional furnitureemotional robotEmotionalFurnitureEmotionalRobotfurniturehouseholdkatie koepfingerKatieKoepfingerlampMFAnitinolParsonsprorobotrobot furnitureRobotFurniturerobotsroombastudentuncanny valleyUncannyValleyvideoFri, 20 May 2011 06:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Google's Arduino-based ADK powers robots, home gardens and giant Labyrinth (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/googles-arduino-based-adk-powers-robots-home-gardens-and-giant/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/googles-arduino-based-adk-powers-robots-home-gardens-and-giant/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/11/googles-arduino-based-adk-powers-robots-home-gardens-and-giant/#comments Sure, it looks just about like every other Arduino board found at Maker Faire, but this one's special. How so? It's Google-branded, and not only that, but Google-endorsed. Shortly after the search giant introduced its Android Open Accessory standard and ADK reference hardware, a smattering of companies were already demonstrating wares created around it. Remote-control robots? Check. Nexus S-controlled gardens? Check. A laughably large Labyrinth? Double check. It's already clear that the sky's the limit with this thing, and we're as eager as anyone to see 'em start floating out to more developers. Have a look in the gallery for close-ups of the guts, and peek past the break for a video of the aforementioned Xoom-dictated Labyrinth.

Gallery: Google's Arduino-based ADK hands-on at Google I/O 2011

Continue reading Google's Arduino-based ADK powers robots, home gardens and giant Labyrinth (video)

Google's Arduino-based ADK powers robots, home gardens and giant Labyrinth (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 11 May 2011 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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First they came for Jeopardy!, then they came for our vibraphones. We still own baseball, but the "humans only" list has grown one shorter now that the Carnegie Mellon Robotics Club has birthed Vibratron, a robotic vibraphone. Vibratron's Arduino Mega controls 30 solenoid gates that drop steel balls onto the vibration keys, producing a note; an Archimedes screw recycles the bearings, turning them once more into sweet, sweet music. We should also note that Vibratron doesn't put decent, salt-of-the-earth vibraphonists out of work. That cacophony in the video is "Circus Galop," written for two player pianos and impossible for humans to perform -- and still pretty hard for humans to listen to. See, Vibratron is here to help you, fellow humans. At least for now. Click the video above to get acquainted.

Vibratron plays impossible music with ball bearings, is your new master (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 26 Apr 2011 01:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arduinoarduino megaArduinoMegacacophonyCarnegie Mellon Robotics Clubcarnegie mellon universityCarnegieMellonRoboticsClubCarnegieMellonUniversitycmumusicpittsburghRoborchestrarobotvibraphoneVibratronvideoTue, 26 Apr 2011 01:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Watch-controlled robo-tot grasps small objects, the meaning of life (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/watch-controlled-robo-tot-grasps-small-objects-the-meaning-of-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/watch-controlled-robo-tot-grasps-small-objects-the-meaning-of-l/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/30/watch-controlled-robo-tot-grasps-small-objects-the-meaning-of-l/#comments It may seem like there's an abundance of robot news lately, but we're just trying to please our mechanical overlords deliver the latest in gadget and technology news. What we've got here is an Arduino-based robo-gripper that serves only to move around and use its 3D printed claws to grab tiny objects that we'd otherwise be too lazy to pick up ourselves. The robot, infused with a Texas Instruments CC1110 dev kit, is controlled using an accelerometer-based Chronos watch and can move in all directions by simply tilting the timepiece. If you want to take a gander at this little guy in action, check out the video past the break -- it's always warming to see humans having the upper hand against the machine.

Continue reading Watch-controlled robo-tot grasps small objects, the meaning of life (video)

Watch-controlled robo-tot grasps small objects, the meaning of life (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 Mar 2011 18:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>3d printer3dPrinteraccelerometerarduinocc1110chronosclawscontrollergrabgraspgripinstrumentsprintrobotrobotapocalypsetexasTexas InstrumentsTexasInstrumentstitiltvideowatchwirelesswristwatchWed, 30 Mar 2011 18:53:00 EST<![CDATA[Kinect hack turns Arduino-controlled delta robot into aggressive claw crane (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/kinect-hack-turns-arduino-controlled-delta-robot-into-aggressive/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/kinect-hack-turns-arduino-controlled-delta-robot-into-aggressive/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/kinect-hack-turns-arduino-controlled-delta-robot-into-aggressive/#comments Candy crane, teddy picker, claw machine, whatever you call it, this arcade mainstay was robbing children of their golden tokens long before we slid into our first pair of Hammer pants, but despite the changing face of the plush offerings within, the crane game's remained mostly the same. Now a team of students at the Bartlett School of Architecture have produced a Kinect hack that could change the way you drop that claw. The rather temperamental delta robot enlists the ever-hackable peripheral in combination with Processing and Arduino to mimic the movements of a user's arm. As you can tell by the video below, the delta hasn't quite figured out the subtleties of human gestures, but the robot's creators say they intend to implement "several autonomous behaviors" once all the kinks are worked out. Frankly, we'd pay our weight in tokens to see the crane game bite back at an unsuspecting whippersnapper. Video after the break.

Continue reading Kinect hack turns Arduino-controlled delta robot into aggressive claw crane (video)

Kinect hack turns Arduino-controlled delta robot into aggressive claw crane (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 23:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arcadearcade gamesArcadeGamesarduinoarmautonomousbartlett school of architectureBartlettSchoolOfArchitectureclaw craneclaw gameClawCraneClawGamedeltadelta robotDeltaRobotgamegamesgesturegesture controlledGestureControlGestureControlledgestureshackkinectkinect hackKinectHackprocessingrobotrobot armRobotArmulcuniversity college londonUniversityCollegeLondonvideoMon, 07 Mar 2011 23:02:00 EST<![CDATA[DIY ArduSpider robot battles household pets, beats other homemade gifts]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/diy-arduspider-robot-battles-household-pets-beats-other-homemad/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/diy-arduspider-robot-battles-household-pets-beats-other-homemad/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/14/diy-arduspider-robot-battles-household-pets-beats-other-homemad/#comments
So Christmas is coming and your daughter asks you to build her a robot after she sees you building so many for yourself -- what do you do? You could build a cute and simple robot, or you could do what Jose Julio did and build something like the Arduino-based ArduSpider robot (since nicknamed Sara), which he's now showing off for everyone to see. As you can see in the video after the break, the bot is able to both operate autonomously or be controlled remotely, and it packs a surprising number of tricks, including the ability to get tired or bored, and even some basic gymnastic and acrobatic skills. Interested in building your own? You can find all the details and code you need at the source link below.

Continue reading DIY ArduSpider robot battles household pets, beats other homemade gifts

DIY ArduSpider robot battles household pets, beats other homemade gifts originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 14 Jan 2011 02:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoarduspiderbotdiyjose julioJoseJuliorobotsaraspiderspider robotSpiderRobotvideoFri, 14 Jan 2011 02:50:00 EST<![CDATA[iPhone meets Arduino, tilt joystick for mobile games results (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/iphone-meets-arduino-tilt-joystick-for-mobile-games-results-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/iphone-meets-arduino-tilt-joystick-for-mobile-games-results-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/iphone-meets-arduino-tilt-joystick-for-mobile-games-results-vi/#comments Even though games like Infinity Blade can be great fun on the iPhone, there's no getting around the fact that touchscreen-centric, buttonless devices don't offer the best gaming ergonomics. A modding project gone horribly right, however, might just fix that right up for all of us. Shane Wighton set out to build a robot to try and beat his favorite iPhone game, replete with a webcam and an Arduino setup, but in the process of doing so he "just realized that [he'd] made a mechanism to play tilt based phone games with a joystick." Yes indeedy, one of the most awesome DIY gaming accessories was built by fluke as much as design. See it revolutionizing mobile gaming just after the break.

Continue reading iPhone meets Arduino, tilt joystick for mobile games results (video)

iPhone meets Arduino, tilt joystick for mobile games results (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 02:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinocontrolcontrollercontrolsdiygame robotGameRobothomemadeiphonejoystickmodmoddingrobotsuspensiontilttilt controlllerTiltControlllervideoWed, 12 Jan 2011 02:09:00 EST<![CDATA[Yarn-eating Yarn Monster forms yarn balls, makes us want to build our own (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/yarn-eating-yarn-monster-forms-yarn-balls-makes-us-want-to-buil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/yarn-eating-yarn-monster-forms-yarn-balls-makes-us-want-to-buil/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/05/yarn-eating-yarn-monster-forms-yarn-balls-makes-us-want-to-buil/#commentsRobots, Arduino, and monsters are all very close to our new-age, gadget-loving hearts. The folks over at Union Bridge Labs have created a half-monster, half-machine dubbed the Yarn Monster. This little cubic beast has one job -- to eat yarn and shape it into a perfectly rolled ball of, well, yarn. It's powered by a ton of hardware, from a stepper motor to Arduino components to even a universal mounting hub. Instructions to control speed of the nom-noming are sent to the Arduino via XBee from a remotely connected potentiometer which can also reverse the direction of yarn-ball rolling. We encourage you to spend your hard-earned dough (about $130), buy the proper components and build one of these things to impress your loved ones. If not though, be sure to watch the video after the break.

Continue reading Yarn-eating Yarn Monster forms yarn balls, makes us want to build our own (video)

Yarn-eating Yarn Monster forms yarn balls, makes us want to build our own (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 05 Jan 2011 12:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinoballdiydo it yourselfdo-it-yourselfDoItYourselfhacklabsmachinemonsterrobottodd treeceToddTreeceunion bridgeunion bridge labsUnionBridgeUnionBridgeLabsvideowindXBeeyarnYarnBallZigBeeWed, 05 Jan 2011 12:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Squirt water gun robot pesters raccoons, takes orders from Android (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/squirt-water-gun-robot-pesters-raccoons-takes-orders-from-andro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/squirt-water-gun-robot-pesters-raccoons-takes-orders-from-andro/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/24/squirt-water-gun-robot-pesters-raccoons-takes-orders-from-andro/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarduinoarduino megaArduinoMegaautonomousbluetoothcircuitcircuitrydiydroidhackmodrobotsquirtvideowater gunwater gun robotWaterGunWaterGunRobotWed, 24 Nov 2010 05:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Android and Arduino-packin' Cellbot features voice recognition, autonomy, and charm to spare]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/05/android-and-arduino-packin-cellbot-features-voice-recognition/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/05/android-and-arduino-packin-cellbot-features-voice-recognition/http://www.engadget.com/2010/04/05/android-and-arduino-packin-cellbot-features-voice-recognition/#comments
 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidarduinocellbotsdiyg1hackrobottruckbotvideoMon, 05 Apr 2010 19:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Laziness on the move: robot plays Rock Band on the iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/laziness-on-the-move-robot-plays-rock-band-on-the-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/laziness-on-the-move-robot-plays-rock-band-on-the-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/laziness-on-the-move-robot-plays-rock-band-on-the-iphone/#comments Why confine your nerdy sloth to your living room, where large robots mime fake guitar and serve you sloppy mixed drinks? Take that zest for the sedentary life with you on the road by having one of your robot ninjas steal this iPhone Rock Band robot from its ingenious creator, Joe Bowers. The Arduino-based device uses ambient light sensors to detect the falling notes and then taps out the music with some conductive foam attached to some squeaky fake fingers. Joe did a fairly detailed write-up, and even uploaded his code, so there's presumably nothing stopping you from actually doing something with your life and building one of these with all that free time you've saved up by hacking your way through all the console-based guitar games. Video is after the break.

[Via Daily Mobile]

Continue reading Laziness on the move: robot plays Rock Band on the iPhone

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Laziness on the move: robot plays Rock Band on the iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applearduinohackmobilemodperipheralsrobotrock bandRockBandSat, 31 Oct 2009 19:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Laziness on the move: robot plays Rock Band on the iPhone]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/laziness-on-the-move-robot-plays-rock-band-on-the-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/laziness-on-the-move-robot-plays-rock-band-on-the-iphone/http://www.engadget.com/2009/10/31/laziness-on-the-move-robot-plays-rock-band-on-the-iphone/#comments Why confine your nerdy sloth to your living room, where large robots mime fake guitar and serve you sloppy mixed drinks? Take that zest for the sedentary life with you on the road by having one of your robot ninjas steal this iPhone Rock Band robot from its ingenious creator, Joe Bowers. The Arduino-based device uses ambient light sensors to detect the falling notes and then taps out the music with some conductive foam attached to some squeaky fake fingers. Joe did a fairly detailed write-up, and even uploaded his code, so there's presumably nothing stopping you from actually doing something with your life and building one of these with all that free time you've saved up by hacking your way through all the console-based guitar games. Video is after the break.

[Via Daily Mobile]

Continue reading Laziness on the move: robot plays Rock Band on the iPhone

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Laziness on the move: robot plays Rock Band on the iPhone originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 31 Oct 2009 19:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>arduinohackmodrobotrock bandRockBandSat, 31 Oct 2009 19:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Arduino-based 'insecure, egotistical' robot band]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/video-arduino-based-insecure-egotistical-robot-band/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/video-arduino-based-insecure-egotistical-robot-band/http://www.engadget.com/2009/07/31/video-arduino-based-insecure-egotistical-robot-band/#comments
One part gadget, one part art project, and 100% awesome, the Cybraphon is a MacBook powered, Arduino-based mechanical band housed in an antique wardrobe. Including an organ, cymbals, a motor-driven Indian Shruti box (played with 13 robotic servos, no less), and a gramophone, it relies on infrared motion detectors to sense when it has an audience. A number of factors, including the amount of attention it gets on Facebook, MySpace, and Twitter, help the device determine its "mood," which in turn determines when the "band" plays, and what material it selects. According to one of the artist / inventors, the Cybraphon is a "tongue-in-cheek comment on people's obsession with online celebrity. We modeled it on an insecure, egotistical band." That's our favorite kind! And you know, the thing doesn't sound half bad. Check it out for yourself after the break.

Continue reading Video: Arduino-based 'insecure, egotistical' robot band

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Video: Arduino-based 'insecure, egotistical' robot band originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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[Via iPhone World]

Continue reading iPhone robot is ambulatory, still wants physical keyboard

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iPhone robot is ambulatory, still wants physical keyboard originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 06 Nov 2008 01:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>applearduinohackhackedhacksiphoneiphone 3gIphone3gjailbrokenrobotta7291pThu, 06 Nov 2008 01:14:00 EST