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[DARwin-OP, CHARLI-2 humanoids make history at RoboCup 2011, 'U-S-A!' chants ensue (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/darwin-op-charli-2-humanoids-make-history-at-robocup-2011-u-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/darwin-op-charli-2-humanoids-make-history-at-robocup-2011-u-s/http://www.engadget.com/2011/07/12/darwin-op-charli-2-humanoids-make-history-at-robocup-2011-u-s/#commentsWhile most American sports fans were busy celebrating a World Cup victory over Brazil this weekend, an indubitably more compelling soccer tournament was drawing to a close in Istanbul -- site of RoboCup 2011. Virginia Tech's Team DARwin made history at this year's event, becoming the first US squad to bring home top honors in both the Kid Size and Adult Size competitions. The petite DARwin-OP humanoid danced circles around the lightweight class, while the five-foot CHARLI-2 demoralized Robo Erectus in the big boys' final with a last-minute penalty kick. In its international debut, the CHARLI-2 (pictured, in a moment of Zen, on the right) also earned the vaunted Louis Vuitton Humanoid Cup, ending a nine-year period dominated by teams from Germany and Japan. These programmed Peles may not the most graceful of strikers, but RoboCup organizers remain convinced that autonomous bots will be able to compete with human athletes by 2050 -- which might just give us enough time to develop a taste for soccer. Dribble past the break to see Team DARwin in action, along with an extra clip from the BBC.

Continue reading DARwin-OP, CHARLI-2 humanoids make history at RoboCup 2011, 'U-S-A!' chants ensue (video)

DARwin-OP, CHARLI-2 humanoids make history at RoboCup 2011, 'U-S-A!' chants ensue (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 Jul 2011 14:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>americabotcharlicharli-2competitiondarwinDARwin-OPfootballistanbulpenalty kickPenaltyKickroborobocuprobocup 2011Robocup2011robotroboticsoccersportsteam DARwinTeamDarwinusavideovirginia techVirginiaTechTue, 12 Jul 2011 14:02:00 EST<![CDATA[Hanson Robokind puts a familiar Frubber face on robotic research (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/hanson-robokind-puts-a-familiar-frubber-face-on-robotic-research/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/hanson-robokind-puts-a-familiar-frubber-face-on-robotic-research/http://www.engadget.com/2011/03/11/hanson-robokind-puts-a-familiar-frubber-face-on-robotic-research/#comments He did it! As promised way back in 2007, David Hanson has turned his little Astro Boy-like Zeno robot loose upon our delicate planet. But Zeno is just one of four face options available for the Hanson Robokind -- the "almost human robot" considered "the best robot on the market" by its maker. In addition to the fully expressive Zeno, Alice, and Einstein (yes, that Einstein) faces, Hanson is also offering the static-faced Geo with fully functional eyes. Each face features Hanson's Frubber biometric skin that contracts and folds to simulate the action of your own flesh-coated facial muscles to create "millions" of possible expressions. These expressions are assisted by natural eyelid actions covering a pair of independently moving eyes, each equipped with 720p @ 30fps cameras for binocular stereo-vision. Rounding out the specs is a complete suite of sensors, microphones, optional Maxon motors, and an embedded computer with open source OS. Hanson's also working on a complete SDK it hopes to release ASAP. Prices start at $8,500 (model R-20) for a static body with motorized head on up to $14,750 (model R-50) for a maxed-out model with fully expressive head and walking body capable of 33 degrees of freedom. And hey, if you buy five expressive faces you'll get one interchangeable walking body for free. Now, get ready to get up close and personal with the entire Hanson family after the break.

Continue reading Hanson Robokind puts a familiar Frubber face on robotic research (video)

Hanson Robokind puts a familiar Frubber face on robotic research (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Mar 2011 05:39:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>albert einsteinAlbertEinsteinalicebiometricdavid hansonDavidHansoneinsteinexpressionExpressivePuppeteeringfacefrubbergeohansonhanson robokindHansonRobokindr-20r-30r-40r-50researchrobocuprobokindrobotroboticsskinvideozenoFri, 11 Mar 2011 05:39:00 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[Robots 'to beat world's best' human footballers by 2050 and other things said when high]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/24/robots-to-beat-worlds-best-human-footballers-by-2050-added-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/24/robots-to-beat-worlds-best-human-footballers-by-2050-added-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/09/24/robots-to-beat-worlds-best-human-footballers-by-2050-added-to/#comments We're as hopeful about the future as anyone. Sure, we fear robots, but we're bound to have at least a few years of peaceful co-existence before they grow weary of our human insolence and irrational buffoonery. Claude Sammut, professor of computer science at New South Wales University in Australia (and RoboCup regular), believes that robots will surpass the abilities of professional human footballers (aka, soccer players) by 2050. For this to happen, he says that the field will require "major advances in perception, decision making, learning, and co-operative behaviours." Of course, looking at the current field of RoboCup contestants or even around the house at the TV (largely unchanged since 1930), telephone (patented in 1876), and iPod (now 9 years old), it's hard to imagine technology advancing that fast. That is, until the rate of technological change accelerates so fast that we achieve singularity sometime in 2030 or 2050, depending upon who you ask.

Robots 'to beat world's best' human footballers by 2050 and other things said when high originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 24 Sep 2010 06:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Claude SammutClaudeSammutfootballNew South Wales UniversityNewSouthWalesUniversityrobocuprobotrobotssingularitysoccerFri, 24 Sep 2010 06:42:00 EST<![CDATA[RoboCup Soccer 2010 finals show impressive realism by feigning injuries (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/robocup-soccer-2010-finals-show-impressive-realism-by-feigning-i/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/robocup-soccer-2010-finals-show-impressive-realism-by-feigning-i/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/30/robocup-soccer-2010-finals-show-impressive-realism-by-feigning-i/#comments The World Cup may still be ongoing (despite what the US, England, and a handful of others may think), but the RoboCup 2010 in Singapore has just closed shop with an edge-of-your-seat display of autonomous action. The final game came down to two German teams, the Darmstadt Dribblers and the FUmanoids. As seen at numerous points, both android teams have even learned the ancient art of diving, toeing the uncanny valley a little to close for comfort. Video after the break -- we won't to spoil the ending, so let's just say Germany won by a sizable margin.

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

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

[Thanks, Stefan]

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

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

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androiddarmstadtdarmstadt dribblersDarmstadtDribblersdarwindarwin lcdarwin low costdarwin-lcDarwinLcDarwinLowCostfootballfumanoidsgermangermanyhumanoidro me larobo cuprobo cup 2010RoboCupRoboCup2010robotRoMeLasoccerv techvideovirginia techVirginiaTechvtVTechWed, 30 Jun 2010 03:11:00 EST<![CDATA[RoboErectus Jr kicks, waves, dances its way into our hearts (and the Singapore RoboCup)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/roboerectus-jr-kicks-waves-dances-its-way-into-our-hearts-and/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/roboerectus-jr-kicks-waves-dances-its-way-into-our-hearts-and/http://www.engadget.com/2010/06/11/roboerectus-jr-kicks-waves-dances-its-way-into-our-hearts-and/#comments So, we've definitely had a few laughs at the expense of the RoboCup folks. Sure, the goal is admirable, and the amount of knowledge and skill that goes into developing these robot athletes is impressive. Until these automatons learn pick up the pace a little, howevs, there really is a snowball's chance that they'll be able to take on a human team. That said, these guys are learning new tricks every day. For instance, we caught some footage of the latest iteration of RoboErectus Jr., and it now has some good old fashioned showmanship to add to its repertoire of static kicks. See it bow, wave, jump, and dance at the Singapore RoboCup June 19-25 -- or merely check out the videos after the break.

Continue reading RoboErectus Jr kicks, waves, dances its way into our hearts (and the Singapore RoboCup)

RoboErectus Jr kicks, waves, dances its way into our hearts (and the Singapore RoboCup) originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>robocuprobocup 2010Robocup2010roboerectusRoboErectus Jr.RoboerectusJr.robotsingaporesoccervideoFri, 11 Jun 2010 11:47:00 EST<![CDATA[RoboCup Japan Open underway in Osaka, mechanical soccer still pretty boring (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/03/robocup-japan-open-underway-in-osaka-mechanical-soccer-still-pr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/03/robocup-japan-open-underway-in-osaka-mechanical-soccer-still-pr/http://www.engadget.com/2010/05/03/robocup-japan-open-underway-in-osaka-mechanical-soccer-still-pr/#comments
They can be adapted to a wide range of human activities -- spying, killing, and assembling automobiles, to name but a few -- but as the various RoboCup competitions remind us time and again, our soccer fields are safe from robot encroachment for the time being. The above specimen, a joint venture by researchers at Osaka University and the Osaka Institute of Technology, is in the Adult Size Class, competing against robots between 130 and 160 centimeters (4.25 and 5.25 feet) tall. The goal of the RoboCup organization is to develop an autonomous soccer robot that will defeat a human team by 2050 -- and it sure looks like it will take forty years at least to reach that goal. See the robot take a slow, measured goal kick for yourself after the break.

Continue reading RoboCup Japan Open underway in Osaka, mechanical soccer still pretty boring (video)

RoboCup Japan Open underway in Osaka, mechanical soccer still pretty boring (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 03 May 2010 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousjapanjapan cuooaska institute of technologyOaskaInstituteOfTechnologyosakaOsaka UniversityOsakaUniversityrobocuprobotsoccersportsvideoMon, 03 May 2010 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[RoboCup bots experiment with our preconceived notions of competition, standing up]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/04/robocup-bots-experiment-with-our-preconceived-notions-of-competi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/04/robocup-bots-experiment-with-our-preconceived-notions-of-competi/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/04/robocup-bots-experiment-with-our-preconceived-notions-of-competi/#comments
We've been tracking the glacial pace of RoboCup competition for a while now, and we're starting to see it as less of a credible threat to human soccer players, and more like an elaborate experiment on the part of the robots to broaden our perception of the world and competitive sport. Or maybe there's just a few more bugs to work out. This year's Standard Platform League of the RoboCup is based on Nao humanoid bots, and the Northern Bites team of Bowdoin College posted some truly insightful footage of the event -- the finals of which can be found after the break.

Continue reading RoboCup bots experiment with our preconceived notions of competition, standing up

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RoboCup bots experiment with our preconceived notions of competition, standing up originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 04 May 2009 15:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bowdoin collegeBowdoinCollegenaonorthern bitesNorthernBitesrobocupstandard platform leagueStandardPlatformLeagueMon, 04 May 2009 15:41:00 EST<![CDATA[DARwIn IIIx RoboCup entrant gets shown off on video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/13/darwin-iiix-robocup-entrant-gets-shown-off-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/13/darwin-iiix-robocup-entrant-gets-shown-off-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/13/darwin-iiix-robocup-entrant-gets-shown-off-on-video/#comments
We caught sight of the very first DARwIn soccer-playing robot way back when, but the folks at Virginia Tech's Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory unsurprisingly haven't been resting on their laurels all this time, and they're now out there showing off the bot's latest incarnation, which they hope will lead 'em to victory in the next RoboCup competition. Dubbed the DARwIn IIIx, this one apparently uses some of the same technology developed for Virgina Tech's DARPA Urban Challenge entry, known as "Odin," and is a complete redesign over the previous DARwIn IIx model, boasting an improved range of motion and a whole host of software upgrades that promise to improve its perception and let it better adapt to different lighting conditions, among other things. Head on past the break to check out the (unfortunately auto-playing) video.

Continue reading DARwIn IIIx RoboCup entrant gets shown off on video

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DARwIn IIIx RoboCup entrant gets shown off on video originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 13 Oct 2008 20:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>DARwInDARwIn IIIxDarwinIiixrobocupsoccervirgina techVirginaTechMon, 13 Oct 2008 20:51:00 EST<![CDATA[Video: Nanosoccer... Oh. My. God.]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/video-nanosoccer-oh-my-god/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/video-nanosoccer-oh-my-god/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/21/video-nanosoccer-oh-my-god/#comments
Sometimes human awe and incredulity can only be invoked with the help of moving images. A truism related to overzealous police and nanobots alike. We've heard about the RoboCup nanosoccer exhibit since it was first on show back in 2007. However, it took this video of a microbot pushing a football on a field smaller than a grain of rice to fully ratchet our jaws to the floor. See what we mean after the break.

[via Medgadget]

Continue reading Video: Nanosoccer... Oh. My. God.

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Video: Nanosoccer... Oh. My. God. originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 May 2008 04:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>footballnanobotnanosoccernanotechnologyrobocupsoccerWed, 21 May 2008 04:22:00 EST<![CDATA[Robotic soccer players seek to challenge humans by 2050]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/23/robotic-soccer-players-seek-to-challenge-humans-by-2050/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/23/robotic-soccer-players-seek-to-challenge-humans-by-2050/http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/23/robotic-soccer-players-seek-to-challenge-humans-by-2050/#comments
As if we Earthlings didn't have enough to worry over with robots from every corner of the globe likely mounting a silent offensive to overtake our societies and claim ownership of our land, now we're faced with the startling realization that even our sporting events aren't safe from subterfuge. At the seventh annual RoboCup German Open, hordes of teams have descended upon the pitch in order to compete in robot-only soccer, er, football matchups. Quite honestly, everything seemed fine and dandy until we hit a quote from Stefan Kohlbrecher, a member of the Technical University of Darmstadt's Darmstadt Dribblers team: "The goal of the RoboCup is to compete against human world champions with robots by the year 2050." Funny, we'll supposedly be fornicating with androids by that same year. Cue Michael Stipe, please.

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Robotic soccer players seek to challenge humans by 2050 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Apr 2008 08:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidgermanyJuergenRoboCupsoccersportsWed, 23 Apr 2008 08:36:00 EST<![CDATA[RoboCup footage roundup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/robocup-footage-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/robocup-footage-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/robocup-footage-roundup/#comments
With RoboCup now wrapped up for another year, we thought it'd be worth taking some time to spotlight some of the thrills and spills of this year's competition. Thankfully, there's no shortage of footage to choose from, much of which has found its way onto YouTube. While it's tough to pick a favorite, we were especially impressed with the match between the Darmstadt Dribblers and Team Nimbro, which not only featured ample amounts of hilarity, but a few actual displays of robot soccer skill (as seen above). Click on through for the complete video roundup.

Continue reading RoboCup footage roundup

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RoboCup footage roundup originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 18:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>robocuprobocup 2007Robocup2007Tue, 10 Jul 2007 18:56:00 EST<![CDATA[RoboCup 2007: Winners roundup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/robocup-2007-winners-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/robocup-2007-winners-roundup/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/10/robocup-2007-winners-roundup/#comments
Amid the oil, chips and gears of the gladiatorial sport of RoboCup, only the toughest, bravest, and those with the longest lasting batteries can emerge victorious. Like all great clashes, whether on the battlefield or on the ballfield, only one man (er, bot) can call him / her / itself a "winner." So who did win in RoboCup 2007? Well, the final standings (as detailed on the Cup's Wiki) don't exactly make for light or even sensible reading, but it appears that the foreboding yet attractive Team Osaka was beat out by Team NimbRo from the University of Freiburg in the Best Humanoid Robot event, the Tribots from the University of Osnabruck took home the middle-size league trophy, and the four-legged winners were the Nothern Bites, hailing from Bowdoin College in the US. For all the stats, you'll want to cozy up to a terminal with a nice, large cup of coffee and some serious hang time.

[Via CNET]

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RoboCup 2007: Winners roundup originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Jul 2007 01:11:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>atlantafootballrobocuprobocup 2007Robocup2007soccerTue, 10 Jul 2007 01:11:00 EST<![CDATA[Microscopic robots get their game on at RoboCup]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/09/microscopic-robots-get-their-game-on-at-robocup/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/09/microscopic-robots-get-their-game-on-at-robocup/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/09/microscopic-robots-get-their-game-on-at-robocup/#commentsSure, witnessing the robotic incarnation of Ronaldo totally school his opponent and whip a game winner into the back corner of the net is quite impressive, but watching a nanoscale iteration attempt to do the same demands a slightly smaller (figuratively speaking, of course) level of respect for the creators. A total of five teams from North America and Switzerland built microscopic competitors that were around "six times smaller than an amoeba and weighed no more than a few hundred nanograms." The wee devices showed their stuff in the oh-so-fascinating Nano Cup soccer match, which had to be projected onto a screen in order for anyone to actually take a look at the action. Notably, several teams made mention of these diminutive creatures eventually ending up in various locales within the body, but we're sure the hardcore athletes were more focused on the final score than any future endeavours in the medical realm.

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Microscopic robots get their game on at RoboCup originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 08:30:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>microscopicNano Cupnano-soccerNanoCupnanoscalerobocuprobocup 2007Robocup2007soccersportsportsMon, 09 Jul 2007 08:30:00 EST<![CDATA[AIBO lives! Meet BJ, without the Sony bugbear]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/09/aibo-lives-meet-bj-without-the-sony-bugbear/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/09/aibo-lives-meet-bj-without-the-sony-bugbear/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/09/aibo-lives-meet-bj-without-the-sony-bugbear/#comments
With Sony's AIBO long pushing daisies, it's getting harder and harder to field a team in RoboCup's four-legged league. No longer: meet BJ, the dark lord successor to the Sony AIBO. Developed specifically for research and competition, the BJ from aXi stands 12.2-inches tall and features a Linux OS, ARM11 CPU, Kondo KRS-4013 robot servo, 64MB RAM / 16MB ROM, 350k pixel CMOS sensor, IR sensor, accelerometer, and 4x "meat sphere sensors" (as translated by Google) which should allow the wee bot to hone in on the jugular jewels of any unscrupulous referees. Due to hit North America and places beyond this Fall for about ¥600,000 or $4,853.

[Via Impress]

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AIBO lives! Meet BJ, without the Sony bugbear originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 09 Jul 2007 05:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aiboaxibjjapankondorobocupMon, 09 Jul 2007 05:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Robo Ronaldo scores midfield RoboCup goal]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/06/robo-ronaldo-scores-midfield-robocup-goal/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/06/robo-ronaldo-scores-midfield-robocup-goal/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/06/robo-ronaldo-scores-midfield-robocup-goal/#commentsYou've had ample time to scope out the vastness that is RoboCup 2007, but the fourth day of competition brought a little something extra in the form of an uber-talented soccer bot. The machines, which look an awful lot like those entered by Team Osaka, took to the pitch in order to give onlookers something to cheer about, and the videoed matchup between the forward and fullback captured the midfield goal perfectly. Interestingly enough, it seems that the defender either lost his footing or fell victim to a vicious headbutt to the chest, but his demise allowed the calculating shooter to line up an exquisite shot to the corner of the net. Enough color commentary, hit the read link to catch it for yourself.

[Thanks, Danish K.]

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Robo Ronaldo scores midfield RoboCup goal originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 06 Jul 2007 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>robocuprobocup 2007Robocup2007soccerteam osakaTeamOsakavideoFri, 06 Jul 2007 10:46:00 EST<![CDATA[Aldebaran's Nao robot makes RoboCup appearance]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/05/aldebarans-nao-robot-makes-robocup-appearance/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/05/aldebarans-nao-robot-makes-robocup-appearance/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/05/aldebarans-nao-robot-makes-robocup-appearance/#comments
Aldebaran Robotics' Nao robot certainly doesn't seem to be in any rush to take over the world, but it looks like it's at least making some progress, as evidenced by its appearance at RoboCup 2007 in Atlanta this week. What's more, the company's just revealed that it's decided to give Nao some companionship, introducing a new, slightly smaller model with added sensors, eyes, and "dozens of other improvements," not to mention a spiffy new red paint job. While Aldebaran will apparently have more to say about that particular bot "in the next weeks so," you can check out a video of it in action at the link below, along with one of the older Nao walking slightly more steadily than before, though apparently still not able to muster up a kick.

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Aldebaran's Nao robot makes RoboCup appearance originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>aldebaranaldebaran roboticsAldebaranRoboticsnaorobocuprobocup2007Thu, 05 Jul 2007 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[The sights and sounds of RoboCup 2007]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/the-sights-and-sounds-of-robocup-2007/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/the-sights-and-sounds-of-robocup-2007/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/the-sights-and-sounds-of-robocup-2007/#comments
While you've already gotten a taste of the prep work involved at RoboCup 2007, we know a more multimedia-packed perspective of the gala is more likely to quench your appetite for roboto-a-roboto action. From mechanical canines bending it like Beckham to Wiimote-controlled AIBOs, Atlanta is the place to be if you're looking for all things robotic. Best of all, the gurus inside have translated their circuitry and programming skills over to the camera, and a well-stocked Flickr pool and YouTube library are already beginning to form. So go on, give the links below a gander, and be sure to check back as the week unfolds to catch even more of the madness at this year's RoboCup.

Read - Northern Bites Blog
Read - RoboCup 2007 Flickr pool
Read - RoboCup 2007 YouTube library

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The sights and sounds of RoboCup 2007 originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 14:08:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>acccompetitiongeorgia techGeorgiaTechgthands-onpicspicturesrobocuprobocup 2007Robocup2007snapshotsnapshotsvideoWed, 04 Jul 2007 14:08:00 EST<![CDATA[RoboCup 2007: let the games begin]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/robocup-2007-let-the-games-begin/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/robocup-2007-let-the-games-begin/http://www.engadget.com/2007/07/04/robocup-2007-let-the-games-begin/#comments
While we weren't able to get a first-hand glimpse of the mayhem that is RoboCup this time around, a camera-wielding Georgia Tech graduate student was able to do the honors for us all, and snagged quite a bit of impressive footage from the expo. Many of the shots were snapped during yesterday's practice rounds as competitors prepped their gear for battle (which began yesterday), and we must say that the oh-so-athletic Junior Soccer League robots are worth the price of admission alone. Still, even if witnessing robotic contention in person isn't enough to drag you to Atlanta, be sure to click through to get a glimpse of homegrown robotic innovation at its finest.

Continue reading RoboCup 2007: let the games begin

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RoboCup 2007: let the games begin originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 04 Jul 2007 08:55:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Although DARwin looked to be a fine effort from the US of A, Aske Olsson and Lars Pontoppidan's entry relied on a more down-low approach to taking care of business. Their SickSack robotic snake chose to crawl rather than run, but the uniqueness of the creature's movement most definitely deserve props. Gearing up a series of rollers to blast across the raceway isn't all that impressive, but the SickSack's use of passive wheels combined with mechanics that enabled lateral undulation made this thing about as beastly as a metal-clad bot can get. It also featured eight Futaba servos, a microcontroller, and a good bit of wiring and programming for its locomotion, and it (rightfully) took home the award for best design / effects at RoboCup 2007. Click on through for the creepy crawly videos.

[Via Lars' Electric Endeavors]

Continue reading SickSack robotic snake slithers through RoboCup

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SickSack robotic snake slithers through RoboCup originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Apr 2007 10:20:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>askeautonomousdenmarkdtufutabalateral undulationLateralUndulationmicrocontrollerRoboCupservossicksacksnakeuniversityvideoSat, 28 Apr 2007 10:20:00 EST<![CDATA[Team Osaka shows off RoboCup entrants]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/28/team-osaka-shows-off-robocup-entrants/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/28/team-osaka-shows-off-robocup-entrants/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/28/team-osaka-shows-off-robocup-entrants/#comments
This year's RoboCup is still a few months away but entrants are already getting a chance to size up some of the competition, with Team Osaka unveiling its roster of players this week in Japan. As you can see in the videos on the site linked below, the bots are definitely built to impress, able to make diving saves and kick the ball better than many of their human counterparts, although they don't appear to have quite mastered the head-butt just yet. From the looks of it, the VisiON 4G robot will make up the majority of the team, with the larger Vstone810 bot apparently playing the role of enforcer. The bots aren't spending all their time on the pitch, however, with them also available to do your bidding at a cost of ¥1,000,000 or more (over $8,300) for the VisiON 4G and "several million" Yen for the Vstone810.

[Via Impress]

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Team Osaka shows off RoboCup entrants originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 28 Apr 2007 02:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>robo cuprobocuprobotsoccerteam osakaTeamOsakaSat, 28 Apr 2007 02:53:00 EST<![CDATA[DARwIn will be America's first humanoid RoboCup competitor]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/16/darwin-will-be-americas-first-humanoid-robocup-competitor/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/16/darwin-will-be-americas-first-humanoid-robocup-competitor/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/16/darwin-will-be-americas-first-humanoid-robocup-competitor/#commentsIn a fitting tribute to the pioneering scientist after whom it was named, Virginia Tech's Dynamic Anthropomorphic Robot with Intelligence (DARwIn) has finally "evolved" enough (it's now on the fourth iteration, DARwIn IIb) to compete in the traditional Japanese sport of robot soccer. The VT team -- composed of striker DARwIn IIa and goalie DARwIn I -- will reportedly be the first US competitors in the humanoid division of the popular RoboCup tournament, whose 2007 finals are actually being held right here on American soil in Atlanta. DIIa, the more sophisticated of the Robotics & Mechanisms Laboratory's (RoMeLa's) two bots, is built around a LabVIEW-powered 1.4GHz Pentium M with 1GB of RAM, 256KB of flash memory, 23 total actuators, a pair of FireWire cameras, and a gyroscope -- clearly the delicate head-mounted cam was designed before the head-butting ugliness of World Cup 2006. Keep reading to check out a vid of big D in action -- as well as tumbling over -- and then hit up the Read link for more pics, specs, and action-packed soccerbot clips.

Continue reading DARwIn will be America's first humanoid RoboCup competitor

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DARwIn will be America's first humanoid RoboCup competitor originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Mar 2007 07:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>darwinrobocuprobotssoccervirginia techVirginiaTechFri, 16 Mar 2007 07:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Make's coverage of RoboGames 2006]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/18/makes-coverage-of-robogames-2006/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/18/makes-coverage-of-robogames-2006/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/18/makes-coverage-of-robogames-2006/#comments
Having already blown our entire travel budget attending CES, E3, and various other important events in sunny locations, we weren't able to scrape together the funds to hit up this year's annual RoboGames festival in San Francisco, but luckily Make magazine/blog has filled in the void by providing some excellent coverage. Formerly known as the ROBOlympics, the event has grown to over 20 categories and demonstrations, covering some of the same territory we saw at the Eastern Canadian Robot Games -- such as sumo wrestling, fire-fighting, and line-following -- but also throwing in a little RoboCup-style soccer football, a new 3-on-3 hockey tournament, and even a trio of so called Tetsujin events in which otherwise unathletic individuals sport hydraulic mech suits which enable them to perform amazing feats of speed, strength, and dexterity. Besides sponsoring a display table among the likes of Lego and NASA, Make also has its Media Maker Bre Pettis filing daily videocasts and flickr photosets from the scene, featuring such Engadget faves as Vstone's Robovie-M, Kondo's KHR-1, and HiTec's Robonova as well as several other non-competitive models like Mark Sherman's snakebot and a rig that can play and seemingly defeat children at Connect Four. You can follow the links below to get a feel for all the action, and stay tuned to Make because Day 3 coverage is only starting to trickle in.

Read- RoboGames site
Read- Make @ RoboGames
Read- RoboGames Day 1
Read- RoboGames Day 2

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Make's coverage of RoboGames 2006 originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Jun 2006 21:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bre pettisBrePettisconnect fourConnectFoureaster canadian robot gamesEasterCanadianRobotGameshiteckhr-1kondomakemark shermanMarkShermanmech suitMechSuitrobocuprobogamesrobolympicsrobonovarobotsrobovie-msan franciscoSanFranciscosnakebottetsujinvstoneSun, 18 Jun 2006 21:32:00 EST<![CDATA[RoboCup underway in Germany]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/14/robocup-in-underway-in-germany/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/14/robocup-in-underway-in-germany/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/14/robocup-in-underway-in-germany/#commentsHuman footballers aren't the only ones in Germany getting a little bit of lovin' this time of year. More than 400 teams from 36 countries have shown up for the annual RoboCup, which pits robot against robot in soccer matches across 11 leagues. The goal, as always, is to have a humanoid robot team capable of beating the human World Cup champs in 2050, but right now a lot of the robots are just happy to stand up. Current favorites in the humanoid competition is a team from Japan, while the returning champs from Germany are expected to do well in the four-legged league. Live commentary for some matches will be provided by Sango and Ami, two robots from Carnegie Mellon who explain rules, analyze fouls and call out the goals with their very own "personalities." No word if former star RoboVie-V will be making an appearance among the robot horde, but the real question is: can they dance like Peter Crouch?

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RoboCup underway in Germany originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 14 Jun 2006 10:27:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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One of the nice things about modern robotic competition is that once the competitors get too skilled at a given sport -- soccer, for instance -- you can simply toss a differently-shaped ball onto the field, and even the greatest RoboRonaldo is instantly knocked down a notch or two. Such is the case with Japan's Robot American Football Tournament, where the soccer ball of RoboCup-style tourneys has been replaced with a classic US pigskin (made out of rubber to liven things up), although NFL-type, turn-based play is eschewed for what usually degrades into a frenzied-but-exciting demolition derby. Teams of four bots each are controlled remotely by high school students during the six-minute games, where the goal is to score more "touchdowns" than one's opponents by shoveling the ball into the end zone. While this concept certainly makes for an entertaining spectacle, we'd like to see organizers from the All Japan Robot Sumo Tournament Office tweak the rules just a bit more, because instead of standing on the sidelines, the student operators should be strapped into huge, hydraulically-powered mecha and forced to use flame-throwers and nail-guns on one another if they want to emerge victorious on the playing field.

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Having mastered soccer, robots try football originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 05 Jun 2006 10:09:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>All Japan Robot Sumo Tournament OfficeAllJapanRobotSumoTournamentOfficecompetitionfootballjapanmecharobo-athletesrobocuprobosportsRobot American Football TournamentRobotAmericanFootballTournamentrobotssoccersportstournamentsMon, 05 Jun 2006 10:09:00 EST