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[Mind-reading robotic teachers are more... Anyone? Anyone? Attention-grabbing]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/mind-reading-robotic-teachers-are-more-anyone-anyone-attent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/mind-reading-robotic-teachers-are-more-anyone-anyone-attent/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/30/mind-reading-robotic-teachers-are-more-anyone-anyone-attent/#comments Mind-reading robotic teachers are more... Anyone? Anyone? Attention-grabbing

You'd have thought that replacing a human teacher with a swanky robot would be enough to keep the kids interested, but apparently not. The University of Wisconsin-Madison found that supplying a robot teacher didn't in itself max out concentration. In one trial, they put a Wakamaru robot instructor in the classroom with only mediocre results. But then they switched it out for a robot that could read students' EEG signals to tell when they were enjoying Matthew Broderick daydreams, and which could then change its intonation or wave its metallic hands in response. That second robot resulted in far better scores when the students were subsequently quizzed about their lessons, proving once again that teaching is about more than preaching.

Mind-reading robotic teachers are more... Anyone? Anyone? Attention-grabbing originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 30 May 2012 06:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>educationhumanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotrobotrobot teacherRobotTeacheruniversity of wisconsinuniversity of wisconsonUniversityOfWisconsinUniversityOfWisconsonwakamaruWed, 30 May 2012 06:52:00 EST<![CDATA[Russian researchers build partial android for bizarre mind-transfer project (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/russian-android-robot-mind-transfer/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/russian-android-robot-mind-transfer/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/16/russian-android-robot-mind-transfer/#comments Image

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.

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

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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2045androidcybernetic organismCyberneticOrganismcyberneticscyborgdigital minddigital mindsDigitalMindDigitalMindshumanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotrobotrobotsrussiavideoWed, 16 May 2012 08:18:00 EST<![CDATA[Transforming robot effortlessly turns into a car, faces tougher maneuver into retail (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/transforming-robot-effortlessly-turns-into-a-car-faces-tougher/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/transforming-robot-effortlessly-turns-into-a-car-faces-tougher/http://www.engadget.com/2012/05/09/transforming-robot-effortlessly-turns-into-a-car-faces-tougher/#comments Image

Still bothered by the lack of automated transforming in the official Transformers toys? Then you'll likely want to head straight to the video below to see your dream realized. While details are a bit light, the robot on display was apparently built by Kenji Ishida and JS Robotics, and is just the latest in a series of transforming bots that Ishida has been working on (version eight, to be specific). About the only other detail revealed is that it makes use of 22 servo motors to turn from a car into a surprisingly mobile humanoid robot and, as you might expect, there's no word on any eventual commercial availability.

Continue reading Transforming robot effortlessly turns into a car, faces tougher maneuver into retail (video)

Transforming robot effortlessly turns into a car, faces tougher maneuver into retail (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 09 May 2012 06:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bothumanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotJS RoboticsJsRoboticsKenji IshidaKenjiIshidarobottransformertransformingvideoWed, 09 May 2012 06:33:00 EST<![CDATA[DARPA's next Grand Challenge to focus on humanoid robots]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/06/darpas-next-grand-challenge-to-focus-on-humanoid-robots/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/06/darpas-next-grand-challenge-to-focus-on-humanoid-robots/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/06/darpas-next-grand-challenge-to-focus-on-humanoid-robots/#comments DARPA's next Grand Challenge to focus on humanoid robots
DARPA's Grand Challenges have already helped put plenty of self-driving cars on (closed) roads, but it looks like the agency has something a bit different in mind for its next one. As first reported by Hizook, DARPA has apparently set its sights on humanoid robots as its next target -- specifically, robots that are human-like enough to navigate rough terrain, drive a vehicle and manipulate regular tools (the idea being to simulate assisting in an industrial disaster zone). What's more, participants will have to develop robots that can do all of that "semi-autonomously," with only "supervisory teleoperation" permitted. No word on a timeline for the challenge just yet, but DARPA will apparently have more to say when it makes things completely official within the next few weeks.

[Thanks, Travis]

DARPA's next Grand Challenge to focus on humanoid robots originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:34:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darpadarpa grand challengeDarpaGrandChallengegrand challengeGrandChallengehumanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotrobotroboticsrobotsFri, 06 Apr 2012 08:34:00 EST<![CDATA[Four HUBOs 'Come Together' for a Drexel Engineering MET-lab demo]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/hubos-play-the-beatles/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/hubos-play-the-beatles/http://www.engadget.com/2012/04/03/hubos-play-the-beatles/#comments Four HUBOs Robot Beatles cover band? Check. Students at Drexel University's Music and Entertainment Technology Lab (MET-lab) have developed software that allows HUBO robots to create tunes following a musical score. The Roboband plays the song without human control during the performance -- a demo that combines humanoid tech and creative expression research. Four HUBOs jam the arrangement of the Beatles' "Come Together" by MET-lab student Matthew Prockup on Ringo's mini-kit and three "Hubophones." Drexel and seven other universities in the States are part of a humanoid research collaboration with KAIST, the designer of the HUBO robot.

Four HUBOs 'Come Together' for a Drexel Engineering MET-lab demo originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>come togetherComeTogetherdrexeldrexel universityDrexelUniversityhumanoidkaistMET-labmusicrobotrobotsthe beatlesTheBeatlesTue, 03 Apr 2012 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[SAFFiR: the autonomous, firefighting humanoid robot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/saffir-autonomous-firefighting-humanoid-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/saffir-autonomous-firefighting-humanoid-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2012/03/11/saffir-autonomous-firefighting-humanoid-robot/#comments It took six years, but at long last, Anna Konda has a formidable firefighting partner. SAFFiR, also known as the Shipboard Autonomous Firefighting Robot, is being shaped by scientists at the Naval Research Laboratory. As the story goes, it's a humanoid robot that's being engineered to "move autonomously throughout the ship, interact with people, and fight fires, handling many of the dangerous firefighting tasks that are normally performed by humans." Outside of being stoic (and brawny) from tip to tip, it's also outfitted with multi-modal sensor technology for advanced navigation and a sensor suite that includes a camera, gas sensor, and stereo IR camera to enable it to see through smoke. We're told that its internal batteries can keep it cranking for a solid half-hour, while being capable of manipulating fire suppressors and throwing propelled extinguishing agent technology (PEAT) grenades. Wilder still, it'll be able to balance in "sea conditions," making it perfect for killing flames while onboard a ship. Of course, it's also being tweaked to work with a robotic team, giving it undercover powers to eventually turn the flames on the folks that created it. Paranoid? Maybe. But who are we to be too careful?

Update: Turns out, the same Dr. Hong that we had on The Engadget Show is responsible for this guy as well. It's the next step in evolution of the CHARLI humanoid, and the two photos seen after the break are credited to RoMeLa: Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory, Virginia Tech.

Continue reading SAFFiR: the autonomous, firefighting humanoid robot

SAFFiR: the autonomous, firefighting humanoid robot originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 11 Mar 2012 19:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>fireFirefightinggrenadehumanoidmilitarynavalNaval Research LaboratoryNavalResearchLaboratorynavyNRLPEATresearchrobotsafetySAFFiRscientistscientistsShadwellshipboardUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversityOfPennsylvaniaususaVirginia TechVirginiaTechwarwargadgetSun, 11 Mar 2012 19:22:00 EST<![CDATA[EMIEW 2 robot connects to the internet, wants to google your stuff (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/emiew-2-connects-to-the-internet-wants-to-google-your-stuff-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/emiew-2-connects-to-the-internet-wants-to-google-your-stuff-vi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/22/emiew-2-connects-to-the-internet-wants-to-google-your-stuff-vi/#comments

The adorable, metallic-haired EMIEW 2 has been given permission to go on the internet and it's going to use that privilege to find exactly where you left that stapler. First, the android uses its built-in camera to take a snapshot of objects and then queries the visual data online to recognise it. Then, as shown in Hitachi's recent demonstration, it teams up with an array of cameras dotted around a hypothetical office. These help the robot seek out specific objects and guide puny humans to what they need -- with some voice recognition thrown into the mix. Skeptical types can watch the robot find and destroy all that lost property right after the break.

Continue reading EMIEW 2 robot connects to the internet, wants to google your stuff (video)

EMIEW 2 robot connects to the internet, wants to google your stuff (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 22 Feb 2012 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidEMIEWEMIEW 2Emiew2hitachihumanoidinternetserviceservice botservice robotServiceBotServiceRobotvideoWed, 22 Feb 2012 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[NASA activates Robotnaut 2 on board the ISS, watch it live (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/nasa-activates-robotnaut-2-on-board-the-iss-watch-it-live-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/nasa-activates-robotnaut-2-on-board-the-iss-watch-it-live-vide/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/14/nasa-activates-robotnaut-2-on-board-the-iss-watch-it-live-vide/#comments
You've already seen it unboxed on board the International Space Station, and now you can watch as the crew of the ISS activates Robotnaut 2 and begins to put it through its paces. The robot was turned on just before eleven o'clock Eastern, but there's still plenty more to see -- head on past the break for the live stream. Naturally, you can also keep up with the robot's progress on its Twitter feed.

Update: And that's a wrap for today. Robonaut 2 has been powered down and put to bed, with additional tests planned for tomorrow. If you missed it, you can catch a video of today's activities here.

Continue reading NASA activates Robotnaut 2 on board the ISS, watch it live (video)

NASA activates Robotnaut 2 on board the ISS, watch it live (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 14 Feb 2012 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>humanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotissrobonautrobonaut 2Robonaut2robotspacespace stationSpaceStationvideoTue, 14 Feb 2012 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Hiroshi Ishiguro's android mannequin creeps out Japanese shoppers (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/hiroshi-ishiguros-android-mannequin-creeps-out-japanese-shopper/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/hiroshi-ishiguros-android-mannequin-creeps-out-japanese-shopper/http://www.engadget.com/2012/02/03/hiroshi-ishiguros-android-mannequin-creeps-out-japanese-shopper/#comments 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.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddisplayHiroshi IshiguroHiroshiIshigurohumanoidin-storeinteractiveJapanJapanesemannequinmodelpromotionretailrobotroboticsshopshoppingstoreTakashimiyavideowindowFri, 03 Feb 2012 06:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Canadian researchers aim to build a more life-like robot, one piece at a time]]>http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/canadian-researchers-aim-to-build-a-more-life-like-robot-one-pi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/canadian-researchers-aim-to-build-a-more-life-like-robot-one-pi/http://www.engadget.com/2012/01/23/canadian-researchers-aim-to-build-a-more-life-like-robot-one-pi/#comments
It may not be all that human-like in its current state, but a team of researchers at the University of Ottawa are promising that this robot will get there sooner or later. Dubbed "Pumpkin," the bot will apparently have its parts replaced piece-by-piece with more life-like counterparts over time, including parts that make use of a new artificial skin the researchers have developed. It not only includes the usual array of sensors that give the robot some degree of tactile sensitivity, but a network of tubes that circulate hot water to actually increase the temperature of the skin. According to the researchers, the eventual goal is to have a robot that appears and behaves naturally enough to make humans feel at ease when they're interacting with it, but it might get a bit worse before it gets better -- the next step is to replace the head with an anatomically correct model of the human skull, which will have the aforementioned artificial skin stretched over it.

[Thanks, Jeff]

Continue reading Canadian researchers aim to build a more life-like robot, one piece at a time

Canadian researchers aim to build a more life-like robot, one piece at a time originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Jan 2012 09:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artificial skinArtificialSkinbothumanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotrobotskinuniversity of ottawaUniversityOfOttawavideoMon, 23 Jan 2012 09:13:00 EST<![CDATA[Aldebaran Robotics announces Nao Next Gen humanoid robot (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/10/aldebaran-robotics-announces-nao-next-gen-humanoid-robot-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/10/aldebaran-robotics-announces-nao-next-gen-humanoid-robot-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/12/10/aldebaran-robotics-announces-nao-next-gen-humanoid-robot-video/#comments
Aldebaran Robotics' Nao robot has already received a few upgrades from both the company itself and other developers, but it now has a proper successor. Aldebaran took the wraps off its new and improved Nao Next Gen robot today, touting features like a 1.6GHz Atom processor and dual HD cameras that promise to allow for better face and object recognition even in poor lighting conditions. What's more, while robot's outward appearance hasn't changed much, it has also received a number of software upgrades, including Nuance voice recognition, an improved walking algorithm, and a number of other measures to cut down on unwanted collisions. As before, the robot is aimed squarely at researchers and developers, but the Aldebaran's chairman notes that the company is continuing to pursue its goal of providing a Nao intended for individuals -- a goal he notes is being aided by the contributions from its developer program. Check out the gallery below and the video after the break for a closer look.

Gallery: Nao Next Gen

Continue reading Aldebaran Robotics announces Nao Next Gen humanoid robot (video)

Aldebaran Robotics announces Nao Next Gen humanoid robot (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 10 Dec 2011 00:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aldebaranaldebaran roboticsAldebaranRoboticshumanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotnaonao next genNaoNextGennuancerobotvideoSat, 10 Dec 2011 00:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Honda's ASIMO robot sheds a few pounds, gets all autonomous on us (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/hondas-asimo-robot-sheds-a-few-pounds-gets-all-autonomous-on-u/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/hondas-asimo-robot-sheds-a-few-pounds-gets-all-autonomous-on-u/http://www.engadget.com/2011/11/08/hondas-asimo-robot-sheds-a-few-pounds-gets-all-autonomous-on-u/#comments
We've already seen it dance, sing and read minds, but Honda's ASIMO humanoid has now taken that one great leap into decidedly more dystopian territory. The revamped bot, pictured above (and apparently doing its best Herman Cain impression), was unveiled today in Japan, sporting a streamlined physique and scarily adept mind. In fact, Honda claims that its bot is now less "automated" than it is "autonomous" -- all thanks to new behavior control technology that allows it to move and make decisions on its own, independent of human operators. Its external recognition capability and set of onboard visual and auditory sensors enable it to rapidly process information about its environment, which the ASIMO then uses to plot its next move. Combining long- and short-term sensor data, the droid can predict human movements and automatically recognize voices or gestures. Because of this, Honda says, the ASIMO could be more easily integrated within social environments, and peacefully coexist with its human prey counterparts.

Physically, meanwhile, the robot's looking svelter than ever, having shed a full six kilograms. It can now run at a maximum speed of 9 kilometers per hour, jump up and down for as long as it wants, and even hop on one leg, should it ever need to. Plus, its hands are now more dexterous than ever, thanks to new independent finger control functions that allow it to handle the most delicate of tasks -- like pouring you a stiff one after work, or before your inevitable demise. Check out more images in the gallery below, or hop past the break for a video and accompanying press release.

Gallery: Honda Robotics ASIMO robot

Continue reading Honda's ASIMO robot sheds a few pounds, gets all autonomous on us (video)

Honda's ASIMO robot sheds a few pounds, gets all autonomous on us (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Nov 2011 02:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>ASIMOautonomousbotcoexistenceengadget awardsengadget awards 2011EngadgetAwardsEngadgetAwards2011finger controlFingerControlhandhondahonda roboticsHondaRoboticshumanoidRobopocalypseRobotApocalypsesensorvideoTue, 08 Nov 2011 02:39:00 EST<![CDATA[Boston Dynamics PETMAN portends the pending robot apocalypse]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/31/boston-dynamics-petman-portends-the-pending-robot-apocalypse/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/31/boston-dynamics-petman-portends-the-pending-robot-apocalypse/http://www.engadget.com/2011/10/31/boston-dynamics-petman-portends-the-pending-robot-apocalypse/#comments If the sight of Boston Dynamics' unstoppable Alpha Dog didn't convince you of the coming robot apocalypse, then perhaps a glimpse of its bipedal relative, PETMAN, will. Last time we saw the two-legged bot, It was walking well enough, but it lacked the humanoid visage needed to infiltrate and overthrow. In the time since, however, PETMAN has gotten a more anatomically-correct body and some arms -- giving it some push-up prowess to go with its jaunty gait. As the video below demonstrates, this robot isn't a T1000 just yet, but is seems certain PETMAN and its progeny will be running and leaping over us meatbags on the way to the top of the evolutionary food chain soon enough. So our anthropomorphic replacements are on the way, but there's no need for full-blown panic... yet.

Continue reading Boston Dynamics PETMAN portends the pending robot apocalypse

Boston Dynamics PETMAN portends the pending robot apocalypse originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 31 Oct 2011 14:33:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>at-stbipedbipedalboston dynamicsBostonDynamicshumanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotpetmanrobotrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypserobotsvideowalkwalkerwalkingMon, 31 Oct 2011 14:33:00 EST<![CDATA[Eliza is a doe-eyed, graceful dancing machine, lacks maniacal quality on the floor (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/eliza-is-a-doe-eyed-graceful-dancing-machine-lacks-maniacal-qu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/eliza-is-a-doe-eyed-graceful-dancing-machine-lacks-maniacal-qu/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/21/eliza-is-a-doe-eyed-graceful-dancing-machine-lacks-maniacal-qu/#comments Eliza Unlike the last batch of bots we've seen, Eliza is actually quite graceful. The cartoonish humanoid got its start as a guide, shuttling people around shopping malls and the Guangzhou Asian Games 2010 Experience Center. Now it's finally getting a chance to show off what it's got -- namely some ill dance moves. These four doe-eyed machines spin, perform complicated arm choreography in perfect synchronization, and pause to pose during this epic number. Clearly, the next step is for someone to teach them how to Dougie. Check out the videos after the break.

[Thanks, Robotbling]

Continue reading Eliza is a doe-eyed, graceful dancing machine, lacks maniacal quality on the floor (video)

Eliza is a doe-eyed, graceful dancing machine, lacks maniacal quality on the floor (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 21 Jul 2011 13:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>botbotschinadancedancingdancing botsdancing robotDancingBotsDancingRobotelizahumanoidmachinerobotrobotsvideoThu, 21 Jul 2011 13:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Nao robot grabs a head-mounted camera, puts your photographic skills to shame]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/09/nao-robot-grabs-a-head-mounted-camera-puts-your-photographic-sk/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/09/nao-robot-grabs-a-head-mounted-camera-puts-your-photographic-sk/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/09/nao-robot-grabs-a-head-mounted-camera-puts-your-photographic-sk/#commentsYou see, herein lies the problem. At a glance, Nao looks humane. Even kind. In fact, it's bruited that he's helped on a few missions in his day. But underneath, he's a cold-blooded talent snatcher, and thanks to a little push from one Raghudeep Gadde, he might just capture your vacation in a manner that's superior to your own. As the story goes, this here scientist at the International Institute of Information Technology in Hydrabad, India, converted the humanoid into quite the shooter. He strapped a camera on its dome, and then programmed it to follow a pair of iron-clad photographic guidelines: the rule of thirds, and the golden ratio. Purportedly, Nao does a ton of analysis before finally deciding on how to compose and capture a shot, and for his next trick, he'll run circles around your existing Lightroom actions. So much for perfecting your craft, eh?

Nao robot grabs a head-mounted camera, puts your photographic skills to shame originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 09 Jul 2011 17:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cameracamerashumanoidnaonao robotNaoRobotphotophotographyRaghudeep GaddeRaghudeepGadderobotroboticSat, 09 Jul 2011 17:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Hanako 2 robot acts like a human dental patient, makes us say 'aah' (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/hanako-2-robot-acts-like-a-human-dental-patient-makes-us-say-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/hanako-2-robot-acts-like-a-human-dental-patient-makes-us-say-a/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/30/hanako-2-robot-acts-like-a-human-dental-patient-makes-us-say-a/#comments
No, she's not in a state of shock, nor is she hunting for plankton -- she's simply waiting for the dentist to polish her pearly whites, just like any other conscientious robot. Known as the Showa Hanako 2, this humanoid was originally developed last year as a tool for dentists looking to practice new procedures. Now, engineers at Japan's Showa University have updated their dental denizen, adding a motorized head and replacing her PVC skin with a more realistic silicon coating. She also boasts speech recognition capabilities and can execute freakishly natural movements, including blinking, sneezing, coughing and, under more unsavory circumstances, even choking. See her in action for yourself, after the break.

Continue reading Hanako 2 robot acts like a human dental patient, makes us say 'aah' (video)

Hanako 2 robot acts like a human dental patient, makes us say 'aah' (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 30 Jun 2011 13:43:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>degrees of freedomDegreesOfFreedomdentaldentistdoctorhanakohanako 2hanako robotHanako2HanakoRobothealthhumanoidjapanlove dollLoveDollmedicinerobotshowa hanakoshowa hanako 2showa universityShowaHanakoShowaHanako2ShowaUniversitysiliconteethtrainingvideoThu, 30 Jun 2011 13:43:00 EST<![CDATA[Dual-armed Teutonic robot plays pool, carefully learns to hustle foolish humans]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/05/dual-armed-teutonic-robot-plays-pool-carefully-learns-to-hustle/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/05/dual-armed-teutonic-robot-plays-pool-carefully-learns-to-hustle/http://www.engadget.com/2011/06/05/dual-armed-teutonic-robot-plays-pool-carefully-learns-to-hustle/#comments
Sure, we've created interactive pool tables and digitally assisted billiards, but isn't it time we completely outsourced our pool-playing to brutally efficient robots? The Germans obviously think so, using this year's International Conference on Robotics and Automation to debut a dual-armed poolbot able to make "easier" shots about 80 percent of the time. Those misses sound a bit like hustling to us, and unlike Willow Garage's friendly PR2 robot, the German version has a suitably intimidating, industrial look. It's also a bit of a cheat, using an overhead camera to plan its shots. For the full lowdown on this shark, check the video after the break.

Continue reading Dual-armed Teutonic robot plays pool, carefully learns to hustle foolish humans

Dual-armed Teutonic robot plays pool, carefully learns to hustle foolish humans originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 05 Jun 2011 05:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>billiardshumanoidHumanoidRobotICRAInternational Conference on Robotics and AutomationInternationalConferenceOnRoboticsAndAutomationpoolpoolsharkrobotRobotsSun, 05 Jun 2011 05:09:00 EST<![CDATA[POLYRO humanoid robot can be built by you, looks more like K-9 than C-3PO]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/polyro-humanoid-robot-can-be-built-by-you-looks-more-like-k-9-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/polyro-humanoid-robot-can-be-built-by-you-looks-more-like-k-9-t/http://www.engadget.com/2011/05/04/polyro-humanoid-robot-can-be-built-by-you-looks-more-like-k-9-t/#comments
It may bear closer resemblance to an upright dog than a human (check out those ears!), but POLYRO here is the least frightening example of a do-it-yourself robot that we've seen to date. We're not sold on the humanoid's name as an acronym (oPen sOurce friendLY RObot), and the instructions and assembly photos are rather hit or miss, but this rollin' rover definitely scores some points for looks. Prepare to get down and dirty with a jigsaw, drill press, and "safety equipment," before the latest addition to your family is ready to roll across the living room floor on its iRobot base. Instructables has posted a full shopping list, including a 10.1-inch netbook, ROS (Robot OS), and a Kinect. If you're feeling brave, clear some time in the schedule and space in the garage after heading over to our source link.

POLYRO humanoid robot can be built by you, looks more like K-9 than C-3PO originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 May 2011 20:24:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>diydo it yourselfDoItYourselfhumanoidhumanoid robothumanoid robotsHumanoidRobotHumanoidRobotsirobotirobot createIrobotCreatekinectlinuxmicrosoft kinectMicrosoftKinectpolyrorobotrosTurtleBotubuntuWed, 04 May 2011 20:24:00 EST<![CDATA[Geminoids meet their human doppelgangers for a photo op you'll never forget (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/geminoids-meet-their-human-doppelgangers-for-a-photo-op-youll-n/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/geminoids-meet-their-human-doppelgangers-for-a-photo-op-youll-n/http://www.engadget.com/2011/04/06/geminoids-meet-their-human-doppelgangers-for-a-photo-op-youll-n/#comments
Three of the well-dressed individuals above are humans (at least they say they are). The other three are Geminoids -- lifelike robots created by professors Hiroshi Ishiguro and Henrik Scharfe in their image and that of one other willing assistant, all of whom got together for a little photo op last month. Creepy? You should see what else has come out of their lab. Video after the break.

Continue reading Geminoids meet their human doppelgangers for a photo op you'll never forget (video)

Geminoids meet their human doppelgangers for a photo op you'll never forget (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 06 Apr 2011 18:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atrgeminoidGeminoid DKGeminoid-FGeminoidDkgeminoidsgemioid hi-1GemioidHi-1humanoidhumanoidsosaka universityOsakaUniversityrobotvideoWed, 06 Apr 2011 18:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Aldebaran to create all-terrain disaster relief robots, make a hero of Nao?]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/aldebaran-to-create-all-terrain-disaster-relief-robots-make-a-h/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/aldebaran-to-create-all-terrain-disaster-relief-robots-make-a-h/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/22/aldebaran-to-create-all-terrain-disaster-relief-robots-make-a-h/#comments We've seen Nao bust a move and play a little footy, and now its creator is making plans to take its bots off-roading in the name of disaster relief. Aldebaran robotics recently announced its intention to invest in and develop a range of robots that can traverse rocky roads to help in hazardous situations, citing the tsunami in Japan as a catalyst for the move. The company's yet to state how it will make this happen, but says it's already made contributions to Cap Robotique, the "French cluster dedicated to the development and innovation in the field of service robotics." If you ask us, we're all for Nao gettin' a little dirt under its nails, as long as it can still serve Fosse. Full PR after the break.

Continue reading Aldebaran to create all-terrain disaster relief robots, make a hero of Nao?

Aldebaran to create all-terrain disaster relief robots, make a hero of Nao? originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Mar 2011 09:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aldebaranaldebaran roboticsAldebaranRoboticsall terrainall-terrainAllTerraindisasterdisaster reliefDisasterRelieffrancehumanoidjapanjapan tsunamiJapanTsunaminaorobotroboticsrobotsserviceservice robotServiceRobottsunamiTue, 22 Mar 2011 09:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Danish professor crafts a robotic twin: behold the Geminoid-DK (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/denmark-professor-crafts-a-robotic-twin-behold-the-geminoid-dk/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/denmark-professor-crafts-a-robotic-twin-behold-the-geminoid-dk/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/07/denmark-professor-crafts-a-robotic-twin-behold-the-geminoid-dk/#comments

Uncannily realistic telepresence humanoids aren't just for the Japanese -- this week, it was revealed that Denmark is home to a brand-new Geminoid -- the Geminoid DK. Modeled after professor Henrik Scharfe at Aalborg University, this Geminoid-F derivative was constructed by Kokoro and ATR, the very same organizations that built the last few we've seen. The more things change, the more they stay the same: DK pulls off the beard quite nicely, but it still looks downright creepy when it smiles, blinks and breathes. See for yourself in plenty of video footage, both above and after the break.

Danish professor crafts a robotic twin: behold the Geminoid-DK (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 07 Mar 2011 00:19:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Aalborg UniversityAalborgUniversitydenmarkgeminoidGeminoid DKgeminoid-DKGeminoid-FGeminoidDkHenrik ScharfeHenrikScharfehumanoidrobotstelepresencevideoMon, 07 Mar 2011 00:19:00 EST<![CDATA[World's first robot marathon gets off to a slow start, will likely stay that way]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/worlds-first-robot-marathon-gets-off-to-a-slow-start-will-like/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/worlds-first-robot-marathon-gets-off-to-a-slow-start-will-like/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/25/worlds-first-robot-marathon-gets-off-to-a-slow-start-will-like/#comments It might take them a good 92 hours longer than the fastest human runners, but a group of five pint-sized humanoids have officially embarked on the world's first full-length robot marathon. The Robo Mara Full, put on by Japanese robotics company Vstone, kicked off this week in Osaka, Japan, and will see the mechanized competitors through a 42 kilometer (26 mile) race, estimated to last several days. During the marathon, entrants will circle a 100-meter indoor track a total of 422 times with little help from their human coaches -- contact is only permitted during battery and servo replacement. Vstone's Robovie-PC led the pack at the outset, but with three days left to go, it's still any robot's game. You can check out a live feed of all the, uh, slow and furious action at the coverage link below, and get a full overview of the race, complete with embarrassing translation, by following the source link.

World's first robot marathon gets off to a slow start, will likely stay that way originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Feb 2011 13:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>humanoidhumanoidsjapanmarathonmarathonsosakaosaka japanOsakaJapanraceracesRobo Mara FullRoboMaraFullrobotrobot marathonrobot raceRobotMarathonRobotRacerobovierobovie-pcsportsvstoneVstone Robo Mara Fullvstone robovie-pcVstoneRoboMaraFullVstoneRobovie-pcworlds firstWorldsFirstFri, 25 Feb 2011 13:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Meka's M-1 Mobile Manipulator, a cuter Cody the spit bath robot (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/19/mekas-m-1-mobile-manipulator-a-cuter-cody-the-spit-bath-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/19/mekas-m-1-mobile-manipulator-a-cuter-cody-the-spit-bath-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/19/mekas-m-1-mobile-manipulator-a-cuter-cody-the-spit-bath-robot/#comments Remember Cody? The robot from Georgia Tech designed to give spit baths to the elderly and crippled? Well, Cody's got an attractive younger cousin named M-1, and for $340,000 this fine piece of machinery could be all yours. Built by San Francisco-based Meka Robotics, the M-1 Mobile Manipulator (based on Cody) runs on a combination of ROS and proprietary software and sports a Kinect-compatible head with a five megapixel Ethernet camera, arms with six-axis force-torque sensors at the wrist, force controlled grippers, and an omnidirectional mobile base. If the standard features don't fit your needs, Meka offers various upgrades, including four-fingered hands and humanoid heads, complete with expressive eyelids (à la Meka's Dreamer), ears, and additional sensor compatibility. These add-ons will of course cost you, but we think its worth it to have those big translucent eyes staring back at you. A rather touching demo after the jump.

Continue reading Meka's M-1 Mobile Manipulator, a cuter Cody the spit bath robot (video)

Meka's M-1 Mobile Manipulator, a cuter Cody the spit bath robot (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 19 Feb 2011 10:21:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artificial intelligenceArtificialIntelligencehumanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotm-1M-1 Mobile ManipulatorM-1MobileManipulatorM1mekaMeka M-1Meka Mobile ManipulatorMeka RoboticsMekaM-1MekaMobileManipulatorMekaRoboticsMobile ManipulatorMobileManipulatorrobotroboticsROSvideoSat, 19 Feb 2011 10:21:00 EST<![CDATA[Fujitsu's HOAP-2 robot wipes whiteboards clean -- humankind next in line? (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/fujitsus-hoap-2-robot-wipes-whiteboards-clean-humankind-next/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/fujitsus-hoap-2-robot-wipes-whiteboards-clean-humankind-next/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/18/fujitsus-hoap-2-robot-wipes-whiteboards-clean-humankind-next/#comments They've taught them how to flip pancakes and shoot arrows, and now they're teaching humanoids to erase your whiteboard. That's right, the same folks who brought you iCub in a feathery headdress are back at it with Fujitsu's HOAP-2, a humanoid robot that looks like it's related to the Jetsons' maid, and can wipe a dry erase board clean via upper-body kinesthetic learning. While scientists force the robot's arm through a number of erasing movements, an attached force-torque sensor records the patterns, allowing HOAP-2 to mimic its previous actions, and voilà! You've got a blank slate. Sure, this little guy looks perfectly harmless in comparison with the bow-and-arrow-wielding iCub, but replace that eraser with a switchblade and the human race is in a whole world of hurt.

Continue reading Fujitsu's HOAP-2 robot wipes whiteboards clean -- humankind next in line? (video)

Fujitsu's HOAP-2 robot wipes whiteboards clean -- humankind next in line? (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Feb 2011 04:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Arificial IntelligenceArificialIntelligenceEraserErasingFujitsuFujitsu HoapFujitsu Hoap-2FujitsuHoapFujitsuHoap-2HoapHoap-2HumanoidHumanoid RobotHumanoidRobotIcubItalian Institute Of TechnologyItalianInstituteOfTechnologyItalyJapanKinesisKinestheticteachingMachine LearningMachineLearningRobotRobot LearningRoboticsRobotLearningTokyo City UniversityTokyoCityUniversityVideoFri, 18 Feb 2011 04:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Fake robot baby provokes real screams (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/fake-robot-baby-provokes-real-screams-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/fake-robot-baby-provokes-real-screams-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/02/08/fake-robot-baby-provokes-real-screams-video/#comments Uncanny valley, heard of it? No worries, you're knee-deep in it right now. It's the revulsion you feel to robots, prostheses, or zombies that try, but don't quite duplicate their human models. As the robot becomes more humanlike, however, our emotional response becomes increasingly positive and empathetic. Unfortunately, the goal of Osaka University's AFFETTO was to create a robot modeled after a young child that could produce realistic facial expressions in order to endear it to a human caregiver in a more natural way. Impressive, sure, but we're not ready to let it suckle from our teat just yet.

Continue reading Fake robot baby provokes real screams (video)

Fake robot baby provokes real screams (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 08 Feb 2011 06:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AFFETTObabychildfacial expressionsFacialExpressionsheadHisashi IshiharaHisashiIshiharahumanoidjapanMinoru AsadaMinoruAsadaosaka universtityOsakaUniverstityrobotuncanny valleyUncannyValleyvideoYuichiro YoshikawaTue, 08 Feb 2011 06:58:00 EST<![CDATA[German robot hand takes a licking, apparently keeps on ticking (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/german-robot-hand-takes-a-licking-apparently-keeps-on-ticking/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/german-robot-hand-takes-a-licking-apparently-keeps-on-ticking/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/25/german-robot-hand-takes-a-licking-apparently-keeps-on-ticking/#comments Sadists at the German Aerospace Center's (DLR) Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics are showing off their latest development in anthropomorphic appendages: a robotic hand that can take a beating from a baseball bat and still give you the middle finger (or a thumbs-up, we suppose). Researchers apparently designed the limb to function like only a human hand can, and it seems they've done a decent job: it's got five independently functioning fingers, sports 19 degrees of freedom (one less than the real deal), and can even snap them phalanges -- oh no they didn't! It's also got the ability to exert a force of 30 newtons from its fingertips. So what makes it so resilient? The robo-hand has a built-in web of 38 tendons, which allow it to adapt its stiffness under different circumstances: a step away, its creators say, from rigid appendages of the past. There's a video of the hand taking a beating after the jump, but honestly, we'd prefer to see what happens when the hand fights back.

Continue reading German robot hand takes a licking, apparently keeps on ticking (video)

German robot hand takes a licking, apparently keeps on ticking (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 25 Jan 2011 19:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dlrgermanGerman Aerospace CenterGermanAerospaceCentergermanyhandhumanoidmechatronicsrobotrobot handRobotHandroboticrobotic handRoboticHandroboticsRobotsvideoTue, 25 Jan 2011 19:58:00 EST<![CDATA[PALRO robot masters English, will never shut up again (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/palro-robot-masters-english-will-never-shut-up-again-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/palro-robot-masters-english-will-never-shut-up-again-video/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/21/palro-robot-masters-english-will-never-shut-up-again-video/#commentsPALRO robot masters English, will never shut up again (video) When first we saw Fujisoft's PALRO robot doing its thing we were charmed but, as it didn't speak English, we had to adore it from afar. No longer. The little critter has obviously mastered our language quite quickly and can be seen below chatting with an even more robotic humanoid about such idle things as the weather, career aspirations, and just how great PALRO is. How great is PALRO? PALRO is really great -- but humble. Inside that barrel chest is a full-fledged PC with an Atom Z530 processor, 4GB of flash storage, and an Ubuntu kernel keeping everything in check. It's available as ever for educational and research institutions for about $3,600, but we're trying to get one ourselves. If we can get it to type prepare yourselves for many more posts about software based on real Japanese cutting-edge technology.

Continue reading PALRO robot masters English, will never shut up again (video)

PALRO robot masters English, will never shut up again (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Jan 2011 07:31:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atomenglishfujisofthumanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotinteljapanlinuxpalrorobotspeech recognitionSpeechRecognitionubuntuvideoFri, 21 Jan 2011 07:31:00 EST<![CDATA[Flow my tears, the newly-built robotic head of Philip K. Dick said]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/flow-my-tears-the-newly-built-robotic-head-of-philip-k-dick-sa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/flow-my-tears-the-newly-built-robotic-head-of-philip-k-dick-sa/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/12/flow-my-tears-the-newly-built-robotic-head-of-philip-k-dick-sa/#comments Yes, this is definitely a post (and video!) about a hand-built, robotic head of author Philip K. Dick, who died in 1982, leaving the world a trove of literature which could be turned into films like Blade Runner, Total Recall, Minority Report and A Scanner Darkly. Sadly, he did not leave a robotic head of himself. It may surprise you to find out that this is actually not even the first robotic head of Philip K. Dick, it's apparently the second. This newly-built robo-PKD is meant to replace one that was famously lost in 2006, and was built by Hanson Robotics and Dutch public broadcasters VPRO. The video after the break is creepy and amazing, but it's nothing compared to the VALIS Trilogy.

Continue reading Flow my tears, the newly-built robotic head of Philip K. Dick said

Flow my tears, the newly-built robotic head of Philip K. Dick said originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 12 Jan 2011 16:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>authorsawesomecreepyheadhumanoidliteraturephilip dickphilip k dickPhilipDickPhilipKDickrobotroboticscience fictionScienceFictionvideowritersWed, 12 Jan 2011 16:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Homemade robot has boring name, but likes to party]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/01/homemade-robot-has-boring-name-but-likes-to-party/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/01/homemade-robot-has-boring-name-but-likes-to-party/http://www.engadget.com/2011/01/01/homemade-robot-has-boring-name-but-likes-to-party/#comments Is all that bottle-poppin' and drink-serving getting in the way of you releasing your inner party animal this New Year's Eve? Fear not, dear readers, for our friends from Japan have built yet another humanoid service robot, only this time it was constructed using "off the shelf parts." While we're skeptical that the 'Shack has everything needed to build one of these for your stateside soiree, the THKR-4 (as he is not-so-affectionately known) was created to perform all of your mundane party tasks like opening the fridge, pouring drinks, and greeting guests. The robot won't be entertaining guests with a dance routine or kissing you at midnight, but it can give you a back-rub to keep you relaxed when that inevitable 'party foul' ruins your leather couch. Check out the video after the break to see the 'bot do its Mr. Belvedere thing.

Continue reading Homemade robot has boring name, but likes to party

Homemade robot has boring name, but likes to party originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 01 Jan 2011 05:45:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>humanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotpartyrobo onerobo-oneRoboOneservice robotservicebotServiceRobotTHKR-4videoSat, 01 Jan 2011 05:45:00 EST<![CDATA[HRP-2 humanoid robot learns to use obstacles to its advantage]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/26/hrp-2-humanoid-robot-learns-to-use-obstacles-to-its-advantage/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/26/hrp-2-humanoid-robot-learns-to-use-obstacles-to-its-advantage/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/26/hrp-2-humanoid-robot-learns-to-use-obstacles-to-its-advantage/#comments
There may be plenty of robots out there able to avoid or overcome obstacles, but we can't say we've seen too many that are actually able to use obstacles to their advantage. That's the claim to fame of this so-called HRP-2 robot built by researchers at Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology, however, which is able to detect objects around it and discern how they can be used to help it with a specific task -- like leaning on a table to help balance while kicking a ball, for instance. As New Scientist points out, whether intentional or not, the end result is a robot that behaves remarkably like an elderly person -- see for yourself in the video after the break.

Continue reading HRP-2 humanoid robot learns to use obstacles to its advantage

HRP-2 humanoid robot learns to use obstacles to its advantage originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 26 Dec 2010 11:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>HRP-2humanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotNational Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and TechnologyNationalInstituteOfAdvancedIndustrialScienceAndTechnologyNIAISTrobotvideoSun, 26 Dec 2010 11:07:00 EST<![CDATA[Cambridge developing 'mind reading' computer interface with the countenance of Charles Babbage (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/23/cambridge-developing-mind-reading-computer-interface-with-the/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/23/cambridge-developing-mind-reading-computer-interface-with-the/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/23/cambridge-developing-mind-reading-computer-interface-with-the/#comments
For years now, researchers have been exploring ways to create devices that understand the nonverbal cues that we take for granted in human-human interaction. One of the more interesting projects we've seen of late is led by Professor Peter Robinson at the Computer Laboratory at the University of Cambridge, who is working on what he calls "mind-reading machines," which can infer mental states of people from their body language. By analyzing faces, gestures, and tone of voice, it is hoped that machines could be made to be more helpful (hell, we'd settle for "less frustrating"). Peep the video after the break to see Robinson using a traditional (and annoying) satnav device, versus one that features both the Cambridge "mind-reading" interface and a humanoid head modeled on that of Charles Babbage. "The way that Charles and I can communicate," Robinson says, "shows us the future of how people will interact with machines." Next stop: uncanny valley!

Continue reading Cambridge developing 'mind reading' computer interface with the countenance of Charles Babbage (video)

Cambridge developing 'mind reading' computer interface with the countenance of Charles Babbage (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 23 Dec 2010 21:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cambridgecharles babbageCharlesBabbagecommunicationcomputingemotionemotionsgpshumanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotinterfacemind readingMindReadingnonverbal body languagenonverbal communicationNonverbalBodyLanguageNonverbalCommunicationpeter robinsonPeterRobinsonrobotroboticsrobotssatnavuncanny valleyUncannyValleyUniversity of CambridgeUniversityOfCambridgevideoThu, 23 Dec 2010 21:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Open source DARwIn-OP bot can be yours for just $12,000]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/open-source-darwin-op-bot-can-be-yours-for-just-12-000/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/open-source-darwin-op-bot-can-be-yours-for-just-12-000/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/17/open-source-darwin-op-bot-can-be-yours-for-just-12-000/#comments
A few weeks back we caught our first glimpse of the open source, modular DARwIn-OP developed at Virginia Tech's Robotics and Mechanisms Laboratory, also known as RoMeLa. Well, there's more information available now about the upcoming little bot, so here's what we know. Korean company Robotis is making available the bot's open source software, schematics, CAD and fabrication manuals, in addition to selling the fully assembled robots. DARwin-OP was unveiled recently at the IEEE-RAS International Conference on Humanoid Robots, and is built on a 1.6GHz Intel Atom Z530-based FitPC2i which boasts a 4GB SSD, 2GB of DDR2 RAM, 802.11n WiFi. Shipments of the 17.9-inch tall humanoid robots are being sent to universities first at a price of $9,600, and will run $12,000 at full retail. Hit up the source links for a far more detailed look at DARwin-OP's specs, and there's a video after the break.

Continue reading Open source DARwIn-OP bot can be yours for just $12,000

Open source DARwIn-OP bot can be yours for just $12,000 originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Dec 2010 18:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DARwIn-OPdennis hongDennisHonghumanoidhumanoidrobotlinuxrobotrobotsRoMeLavideoFri, 17 Dec 2010 18:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Athlete Robot runs just a few steps before falling down, does it with style]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/athlete-robot-runs-just-a-few-steps-before-falling-down-does-it/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/athlete-robot-runs-just-a-few-steps-before-falling-down-does-it/http://www.engadget.com/2010/12/15/athlete-robot-runs-just-a-few-steps-before-falling-down-does-it/#comments
Since 2007, researchers at Tokyo University's ISI Lab have been working on a prototype of a running robot, which we've seen several of in the past. Athlete Robot (as it is seemingly dubbed) is a little bit different though. While it hasn't outwardly been given the humanoid treatment in any significant way, technologically, it works very much like a human. As you'll see in the video below, early prototypes of the bot which were less 'human' like in design didn't function as well as the newer version, which boasts McKibben artificial muscles and a biologically correct musculoskeletal system. Now, the robot still can't run very far without falling over, but it's impressive to watch its movements nonetheless.

Continue reading Athlete Robot runs just a few steps before falling down, does it with style

Athlete Robot runs just a few steps before falling down, does it with style originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 15 Dec 2010 21:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>humanoidjapanlegsmusclesrobotrobotsrunnerrunninguniveristy of tokyoUniveristyOfTokyovideowalkingWed, 15 Dec 2010 21:58:00 EST<![CDATA[Meka, UT Austin researchers show off 'sociable' Dreamer robot head]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/29/meka-ut-austin-researchers-show-off-sociable-dreamer-robot-he/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/29/meka-ut-austin-researchers-show-off-sociable-dreamer-robot-he/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/29/meka-ut-austin-researchers-show-off-sociable-dreamer-robot-he/#comments
The folks at UT Austin's HCR Laboratory have been working on a Meka humanoid robot for some time now, but they've only just recently added one pretty significant component to it: a head. This so-called "Dreamer" isn't just your ordinary robot head, though -- described by the researchers as a "sociable humanoid head," the head is modeled on anime and comic characters, and promises to establish an "organic link to its biological counterpart, creating feelings of quasi-affinity in response to gestures and synthetic emotions." In other words, it's impressive enough to hold your attention while you interact with it, and it may very well creep you out a little. Head on past the break to check it out in action.

Continue reading Meka, UT Austin researchers show off 'sociable' Dreamer robot head

Meka, UT Austin researchers show off 'sociable' Dreamer robot head originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dreamerhcr labhcr laboratoryHcrLabHcrLaboratoryhumanoidmekarobotrobot headRobotHeadut austinUtAustinvideoMon, 29 Nov 2010 14:44:00 EST<![CDATA[DARwIn-OP humanoid revealed, ready to open source your robotics program]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/28/darwin-op-humanoid-revealed-ready-to-open-source-your-robotics/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/28/darwin-op-humanoid-revealed-ready-to-open-source-your-robotics/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/28/darwin-op-humanoid-revealed-ready-to-open-source-your-robotics/#comments The next version of the RoboCup-famous DARwIn bot is about ready to give the Nao a run for its money. The new DARwIn-OP from Robotis and Virginia Tech's RoMeLa (led by Dr. Dennis Hong, who joined us on the Engadget Show earlier this year) is just about to land, and the first pictures of the finished thing have started to circulate. While the bot is designed to perform, with sensors and servos suitable for higher-end robotics, the main thrust of the design is the open source and modular nature of the hardware and software. The bot can be purchased as a product from Robotis, but the CAD files are publicly available, and its plastic parts can be fabricated by the end user to save money (you do have a 3D printer, right?). Rumor has it the robot will retail for around $8,000, around half the cost of its closed source Nao competition. The full unveil of the robot is due at the IEEE-RAS International Conference on Humanoid Robots a couple weeks from now.

DARwIn-OP humanoid revealed, ready to open source your robotics program originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 10:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darwindarwin-opdennis hongDennisHongdr dennis hongDrDennisHonghumanoidhumanoidsopen sourceopen source hardwareopen source robotOpenSourceOpenSourceHardwareOpenSourceRobotrobocuprobotrobotisromelaSun, 28 Nov 2010 10:10:00 EST<![CDATA[Nao developer program kicks off: $4,800, robot included]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/28/nao-developer-program-kicks-off-4-800-robot-included/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/28/nao-developer-program-kicks-off-4-800-robot-included/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/28/nao-developer-program-kicks-off-4-800-robot-included/#comments
We've been following Aldebaran Robotics' Nao humanoid robot literally since it took its first steps, and it looks like interested developers will finally be able to get their hands on a bot of their own quite soon. To do so, they'll have to sign up and quality for the just-launched Nao developer program, which costs €3,600 (or roughly $4,800) and will initially be limited to just 200 participants. That hefty price does naturally include the robot itself, along with a complete software suite, and "privileged access" to Aldebaran Robotics' source code. Interested? Hit up the link below for the complete details.

Nao developer program kicks off: $4,800, robot included originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 28 Nov 2010 06:06:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aldebaranaldebaran roboticsAldebaranRoboticshumanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotnaonao developer programNaoDeveloperProgramrobotSun, 28 Nov 2010 06:06:00 EST<![CDATA[Choreographing a humanoid robot's dance routine is as easy as click and pull]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/03/choreographing-a-humanoid-robots-dance-routine-is-as-easy-as-cl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/03/choreographing-a-humanoid-robots-dance-routine-is-as-easy-as-cl/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/03/choreographing-a-humanoid-robots-dance-routine-is-as-easy-as-cl/#comments You may not be able to build an HRP-4C fembot in your average garage, but the programming would practically take care of itself -- not only does the AIST humanoid sing using off-the-shelf Yamaha Vocaloid software, its dance moves are click-and-drag, too. Roboticist Dr. Kazuhito Yokoi gave IEEE Spectrum an inside look at the HRP-4C's motion trajectory software, which works much like 3D animation tools: you position the limbs where you want them to start and when you want them to end up using keyframes, and the software takes care of the rest. The system's intelligent enough to generate a 6.7 second sequence from just eight keyframes, and it compensates for hazardous instructions, too -- if your haphazard choreography would tip her over or send limbs flying, it'll automatically adjust her moves. See how it works in a video after the break and hit up our source link for the full interview.

Continue reading Choreographing a humanoid robot's dance routine is as easy as click and pull

Choreographing a humanoid robot's dance routine is as easy as click and pull originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 03 Nov 2010 09:48:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AISTbehind the scenesBehindTheScenesdancedancingdancing robotDancingRobotHRPHRP-4chumanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotKazuhito YokoiKazuhitoYokoikeyframekeyframingrobotrobotsvideoWed, 03 Nov 2010 09:48:00 EST<![CDATA[SCHEMA robot shows off its conversation management skills in a group setting]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/schema-robot-shows-off-its-conversation-management-skills-in-a-g/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/schema-robot-shows-off-its-conversation-management-skills-in-a-g/http://www.engadget.com/2010/11/01/schema-robot-shows-off-its-conversation-management-skills-in-a-g/#comments SCHEMA is a conversational humanoid robot at Waseda University in Japan with some pretty serious skills. As you'll see in the new video they have posted (which is embedded below), SCHEMA is able to participate in a three person conversation without losing the plot, and is perfectly capable of understanding which speaker is which and what has been said by whom. It's an impressive performance, to say the very least.

Continue reading SCHEMA robot shows off its conversation management skills in a group setting

SCHEMA robot shows off its conversation management skills in a group setting originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 01 Nov 2010 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>conversationhumanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotrobotrobotsschemawaseda universityWasedaUniversityMon, 01 Nov 2010 12:01:00 EST<![CDATA[Murata Seiko and her male counterpart get upgrades, we get another look at their awesome skills]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/murata-seiko-and-her-male-counterpart-get-upgrades-we-get-anoth/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/murata-seiko-and-her-male-counterpart-get-upgrades-we-get-anoth/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/29/murata-seiko-and-her-male-counterpart-get-upgrades-we-get-anoth/#comments
 Murata Seiko, or Murata Girl, is a pretty impressive, attractive little piece of work. The unicycling, dress-wearing robot brings smiles wherever she goes, we're sure (when we had the chance to see her in person that was certainly the case). You may or may not have known that Murata also has a bike riding male counterpart called Little Seisaku? Well, they've both just gotten their upgrades for the year, and that, of course, gives us another opportunity to admire them in all their cuteness. While there aren't any videos of their improvements yet, we know that Murata Girl's now able to traverse an S-shaped balance beam in addition to her straight one, while Little Seisaku's charging capabilities have been upgraded (he can now do so wirelessly), and he's more efficient, too. Check out another shot below.

Continue reading Murata Seiko and her male counterpart get upgrades, we get another look at their awesome skills

Murata Seiko and her male counterpart get upgrades, we get another look at their awesome skills originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 29 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>humanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotjapanmuratamurata girlmurata seikomuratagirlMurataSeikopanasonicrobotrobotsunicycleunicyclesWed, 29 Sep 2010 12:30:00 EST<![CDATA[Impressive HRP-4 robot will make you bow in deference (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/17/impressive-hrp-4-robot-will-make-you-bow-in-deference-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/17/impressive-hrp-4-robot-will-make-you-bow-in-deference-video/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/17/impressive-hrp-4-robot-will-make-you-bow-in-deference-video/#comments
Japan's National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST) is back with the mighty impressive HRP-4 humanoid. Created in partnership with Kawada Industries, this 151-centimeter (5-feet) tall, 39-kilo (86-pound) walking followup to the HRP-4C, HRP-3 and HRP-2 robots (pictured in the background) was developed to help take over manufacturing duties from a rapidly aging Japanese work force. The highly mobile HRP-4 features 34-degrees of movement with AIST proprietary control software running on a Linux core. Things get weird at the 5:30 mark of the video embedded after the break when a human enters the stage for a good ol' fashioned stare down. Probably has something to do with his hot wife.

Continue reading Impressive HRP-4 robot will make you bow in deference (video)

Impressive HRP-4 robot will make you bow in deference (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 17 Sep 2010 06:29:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AISTHRP-4humanoidhumanoid robotHumanoidRobotkawadakawada industriesKawadaIndustrieslinuxrobotrobotsvideoFri, 17 Sep 2010 06:29:00 EST