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[Brainlink lets you control your toy robots, Roombas, before they control you (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/brainlink-lets-you-control-your-toy-robots-roombas-before-they/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/brainlink-lets-you-control-your-toy-robots-roombas-before-they/http://www.engadget.com/2011/09/19/brainlink-lets-you-control-your-toy-robots-roombas-before-they/#comments Let's be frank for a minute -- we need to gain control of our robots before they get control of us, so why not start with the robots you've already got taking up space on your shelves at home? At this year's Maker Faire in New York, BirdBrain Technologies showcased a way to hijack your toy robots, Roombas and other bits of home electronics: the Brainlink System. The forthcoming little triangle hooks up to your existing technology, letting you program commands, add sensors to the device and generally teach it new tricks. The company's chief robot designer, Tom Lauwers, showcased the technology on a Robosapien, a TV and a Roomba, the latter of which you can see in the video after the break.

Gallery: Brainlink lets you control your toy robots, Roombas, before they control you

Brainlink lets you control your toy robots, Roombas, before they control you

Continue reading Brainlink lets you control your toy robots, Roombas, before they control you (video)

Brainlink lets you control your toy robots, Roombas, before they control you (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 19 Sep 2011 08:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>birdbrain technologiesBirdbrainTechnologiesbrainlink systemBrainlinkSystemcontrolhands-onmakermaker faireMakerFairerobosapienrobotroombaTom LauwersTomLauwersvideoMon, 19 Sep 2011 08:38:00 EST<![CDATA[Vadersapien has little to do with Darth, much to do with a troubled childhood]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/31/vadersapien-has-little-to-do-with-darth-much-to-do-with-a-troub/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/31/vadersapien-has-little-to-do-with-darth-much-to-do-with-a-troub/http://www.engadget.com/2008/10/31/vadersapien-has-little-to-do-with-darth-much-to-do-with-a-troub/#comments
Our favorite robot-obsessed entity on these fine internets, RobotsRules, has put out a fairly disturbing video entitled "Vadersapien" as a purported followup to last year's "Elmosapien." What at first might be perceived as a harmless way to enjoy halloween with robots and bit of Vadery goodness quickly devolves into the dark exploration of a mind turned sour by the constant companionship of robots. We're positive [insert name of favorite sci-fi novelist] tried to warn us of this day, but there's really no preparing for a product of so much psychological disruption. It's after the break, of course.

Continue reading Vadersapien has little to do with Darth, much to do with a troubled childhood

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Vadersapien has little to do with Darth, much to do with a troubled childhood originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 31 Oct 2008 23:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>robosapienrobotsrulevadersapienwowweeFri, 31 Oct 2008 23:50:00 EST<![CDATA['The Shining' gets remade with WowWee bots, cybernetically invades your soul]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/25/the-shining-gets-remade-with-wowwee-bots-cybernetically-invad/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/25/the-shining-gets-remade-with-wowwee-bots-cybernetically-invad/http://www.engadget.com/2008/07/25/the-shining-gets-remade-with-wowwee-bots-cybernetically-invad/#comments
All work and no play makes Robosapien a dull bot. All work and no play makes Robosapien a dull bot. All work and n0 play makes R0b0sapien a dull bot. All w0rk and no play makes R0101ap1en a dull b0t. A11 w0rk a1d n0 play m01es R0101ap1en a dull b0t. A11 101k 11d n0 p10y m01es R010101e0 a d011 b0t. 011 1011 11d n0 p10y m011s 0010101e0 a d011 b0t. 011 1011 110 10 p10y 1011s 0010101e0 1 d011 b0t. 011 1011 110 10 1100 10110 001010110 1 1011 001.

Continue reading 'The Shining' gets remade with WowWee bots, cybernetically invades your soul

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'The Shining' gets remade with WowWee bots, cybernetically invades your soul originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 25 Jul 2008 14:16:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>femisapienrobosapienthe shiningTheShiningvideowowweeFri, 25 Jul 2008 14:16:00 EST<![CDATA[WowWee's Femisapien gets detailed, demonstrated on video]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/18/wowwees-femisapien-gets-detailed-demonstrated-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/18/wowwees-femisapien-gets-detailed-demonstrated-on-video/http://www.engadget.com/2008/06/18/wowwees-femisapien-gets-detailed-demonstrated-on-video/#comments
Don't deny it -- you blush a little each time you see that image above. If you're secretly eager to learn all that you can about Femisapien and her gracious ways, Robots Rule has the goods. Expectedly, this gal is said to have "the most fluid movements of the WowWee family," and while we won't emphatically agree that including "her own language consisting of emotive sounds" is quite fitting... well, you committed fellows in the house know what's up. The $99 robot is said to be on track for a late summer release, but considering that you just can't wait until then to see her in action, head on past the break for a honest-to-goodness fencing demonstration. There's more where that one came from in the read link, too.

[Via SlashGear]

Continue reading WowWee's Femisapien gets detailed, demonstrated on video

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WowWee's Femisapien gets detailed, demonstrated on video originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 18 Jun 2008 08:40:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>FemisapienRobosapiensega toysSegaToystoytoysvideoWowWeeWed, 18 Jun 2008 08:40:00 EST<![CDATA[The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for Robot of the Year]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/10/the-2006-engadget-awards-vote-for-robot-of-the-year/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/10/the-2006-engadget-awards-vote-for-robot-of-the-year/http://www.engadget.com/2007/04/10/the-2006-engadget-awards-vote-for-robot-of-the-year/#comments Now's your chance to cast your ballot for the 2006 Portable Media Device of the Year! Our Engadget Awards nominees are listed below, and you've got until 11.59PM EST on Sunday, April 15th to file your vote. You can only vote once, so make it count, and may the best tech win! The nominees: Cornell's "conscious", adapting robot, Lego Mindstorms NXT, Manoi AT01, TMX Tickle Me Elmo, Whitebox Robotics 914 PC Bot, and Wowwee Robosapien RS Media.

View Poll

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The 2006 Engadget Awards: Vote for Robot of the Year originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 10 Apr 2007 13:22:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>2006 engadget awards2006EngadgetAwards914 PC Bot914PcBotAT01engadget awardsEngadgetAwardsLegoManoiMindstormsNXTRobosapienRS MediaRsMediaTickle Me ElmoTickleMeElmoTMXWhitebox RoboticsWhiteboxRoboticswowweeTue, 10 Apr 2007 13:22:00 EST<![CDATA[CoilOsapien Robosapien mod explained]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/coilosapien-robosapien-mod-explained/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/coilosapien-robosapien-mod-explained/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/22/coilosapien-robosapien-mod-explained/#commentsAs promised when he first unveiled this formidable feat of miniature mayhem, Marcus of Evosapien.com has now provided a step-by-step guide for turning your own Robosapien into the most badass one on the block. While there seems to be less of a chance of complete disaster than the Flamosapien mod posed, you'll likely still want to be sure you know what you're doing before busting out the hot glue gun. Those with the necessary skills, however, should be able to follow along relatively easily, with all the necessary parts readily available and relatively inexpensive. Just remember to sleep with one eye open once you're done with it, ok?

[Via Hack a Day]

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CoilOsapien Robosapien mod explained originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 22 Mar 2007 15:10:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coilguncoilosapienrobosapienrobosapien modRobosapienModrobotThu, 22 Mar 2007 15:10:00 EST<![CDATA[WowWee announces Robosapien: the movie]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/07/wowwee-announces-robosapien-the-movie/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/07/wowwee-announces-robosapien-the-movie/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/07/wowwee-announces-robosapien-the-movie/#commentsIt's not exactly coming soon, but WowWee has announced plans for a Robosapien feature film, teaming with Arad Productions with the intention bringing the movie to theaters in 2009. Details are unfortunately pretty scarce at the moment, although it will apparently combine live-action and CGI, and promises to "translate Robosapien's lifelike characteristics and endearing personality into a compelling and entertaining story." Frankly, however, we can't imagine it possibly being any more compelling or entertaining than the potential film depicted in our humble suggestion above.

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WowWee announces Robosapien: the movie originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Mar 2007 17:44:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>filmmovierobosapienrobosapien movieRobosapienMoviewowweeWed, 07 Mar 2007 17:44:00 EST<![CDATA[WowWee robots invade McDonald's Happy Meals]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/23/wowwee-robots-invade-mcdonalds-happy-meals/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/23/wowwee-robots-invade-mcdonalds-happy-meals/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/23/wowwee-robots-invade-mcdonalds-happy-meals/#commentsWowWee's robot empire has seen some frighteningly rapid growth since the first Robosapien rolled off the assembly line, but it doesn't seem to be showing any signs of slowing down, with pint-sized versions of a number of the company's bots now making their way into McDonald's Happy Meals. While the king has sadly been left out, starting today you can get a Walking Robosapien, Roaring Roboraptor, Talking Robosapien V2, Running Roboreptile, Walking Robopet, Chomping Roboraptor, or Stand-Up Robosapien with the purchase of a Happy Meal. Those less interested in fostering the inevitable robot uprising can opt for a My Little Pony toy instead. Of course, all of the bots are decidedly less capable than their pricier counterparts, although we doubt that'll stop some of you from trying to mod them anyway. Check out the gallery below for a better look at 'em.

[Via RoboCommunity]

Gallery: WowWee robots invade McDonald's Happy Meals

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WowWee robots invade McDonald's Happy Meals originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 23 Feb 2007 12:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>happy mealHappyMealmcdonald'srobopetroboraptorroboreptilerobosapienrobosapien v2RobosapienV2robotwowweeFri, 23 Feb 2007 12:32:00 EST<![CDATA[CoilOsapien Robosapien mod impresses, terrifies]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/13/coilosapien-robosapien-mod-impresses-terrifies/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/13/coilosapien-robosapien-mod-impresses-terrifies/http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/13/coilosapien-robosapien-mod-impresses-terrifies/#commentsThe Robosapien would seem to already be quite capable of defending itself, what with a flamethrower and all, but the folks at Evosapien.com don't seem to be willing to take any chances, upping the otherwise peace-loving bot's arsenal with a BB-shooting "coilgun" capable of taking out other toys all the way across the room. As the video after the break shows, the gun also comes complete with a laser sight to help guide those BBs to their target with deadly accuracy, as Gumby sadly found out first-hand. While we'll have to be content with enjoying it from afar for the time being, rest assured, the mad genius behind this weapon of miniature destruction is promising a complete tutorial for building your own shortly.

[Thanks, Robert O.]

Continue reading CoilOsapien Robosapien mod impresses, terrifies

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CoilOsapien Robosapien mod impresses, terrifies originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 13 Feb 2007 13:54:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>coilguncoilosapienrobosapienrobosapien modRobosapienModrobotTue, 13 Feb 2007 13:54:00 EST<![CDATA[Wowwee's Spidersapien caught on tape, slings webs]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/27/wowwees-spidersapien-caught-on-tape-slings-webs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/27/wowwees-spidersapien-caught-on-tape-slings-webs/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/27/wowwees-spidersapien-caught-on-tape-slings-webs/#commentsAll these videos of Wowwee's quickly-growing lineup of must-have robots has got us quite envious, but still, it's better to see these things caught on tape than never at all, right? One of the firm's first licensed superheros is none other than Spidey himself, and the Spidersapien was able to take a moment from his heroic day to show its stuff for TechDigest. The bot is actually quite different than just a Robosapien with a fancy paint job, as his mannerisms, gait, built-in voice blurbs, and abilities are all straight from the Spider-Man vault. So go on, click through for the live action video of Spidersapien calling out the baddies, waddling about, and of course, slinging that unmistakable web, and start saving now for when these land this summer.

Continue reading Wowwee's Spidersapien caught on tape, slings webs

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Wowwee's Spidersapien caught on tape, slings webs originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 27 Jan 2007 18:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>in actionInActionRobosapienspidermanSpidersapienvideovoiceswowweeSat, 27 Jan 2007 18:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Wowwee Robosapien RS Media gets reviewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/wowwee-robosapien-rs-media-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/wowwee-robosapien-rs-media-gets-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/25/wowwee-robosapien-rs-media-gets-reviewed/#commentsAlthough it seems like we've been seeing an awful lot of Wowwee's robotic zoo of late, the kind folks over at TechCast actually gave their Robosapien RS Media a bit more than 15 seconds of YouTube fame, and have thrown down a relatively thorough review on whether this intriguing creature is worth your hard earned dollars (or pounds). After calming down from the excitement reviewers felt when just opening the box, a careful look at the "impressive spec list" revealed that this bot was actually quite a good value considering the list of accomplishments (and possibilities) this guy holds. As the name implies, this Robosapien has a flair for media, and in that department it did quite well, but the poor fellow's inability to walk with any sort of haste was a slight buzz kill. Interestingly, it was noted that the robot has the potential to either floor new owners or terrify youngsters, and although we can't assume that his experience will mimic everyone's, he found that the amazingly high fun-factor quickly wore off, and deemed it a novelty at best. However, for the younger crowd, it was insinuated that the RS Media has the ability to charm and sucker them into programming early on, suggesting that age probably plays a huge role in whether or not you'll get your money's worth on this one. Nevertheless, the bot must have resorted to the sad puppy dog face in the end, as it still earned the TechCast Recommended Award, so be sure to hit the read link for the full rundown of impressions and a live action video to boot.

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Wowwee Robosapien RS Media gets reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 25 Jan 2007 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>reviewreviewedRobosapienRobosapien RSRobosapien RS MediaRobosapienRsRobosapienRsMediavideowowweeThu, 25 Jan 2007 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[Wowwee cashes in with new Spidersapien and Homersapien]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/wowwee-cashes-in-with-new-spidersapien-and-homersapien/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/wowwee-cashes-in-with-new-spidersapien-and-homersapien/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/24/wowwee-cashes-in-with-new-spidersapien-and-homersapien/#comments As much personality and flame-throwing capability as your Robosapien might have, there's just no denying that he's a total square compared to some sexy Hollywood personality like Spider-Man or Homer Simpson. That's why we're guessing the new Spidersapien (the original name for Roboquad, if you'll remember) and Homersapien bots from Wowwee -- rebadges of Wowwee's flagship bot -- are going to do quite well for themselves, especially since Homer will be launching alongside The Simpsons Movie in July, and Spider-Man will be hitting shelves this spring to coincide with Spider-Man 3. Along with looking a bit like their respective on-screen counterparts, both robots mimic their inspirations, with Homersapien shouting a "Doh!" or three, and Spidersapien quoting Spider-Man phrases and pretending to shoot webs, complete with sound effects. No word on price, but you know you want one anyways, don't try and deny it. Peep Homer after the break.

Continue reading Wowwee cashes in with new Spidersapien and Homersapien

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Wowwee cashes in with new Spidersapien and Homersapien originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 24 Jan 2007 19:51:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>homerhomer simpsonhomersapienHomerSimpsonrobosapienspider-manspidersapienWed, 24 Jan 2007 19:51:00 EST<![CDATA[WowWee: snakes, dragonflies, and bears -- oh my!]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/07/wowwee-snakes-dragonflies-and-bears-oh-my/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/07/wowwee-snakes-dragonflies-and-bears-oh-my/http://www.engadget.com/2007/01/07/wowwee-snakes-dragonflies-and-bears-oh-my/#comments
And now, back to Wowgadget's comprehensive coverage of all things WowWee. The tricky Robosapien folks chose not to display some of their hottest bots at CES Unveiled -- probably because they won't be released in the US for the forseeable future -- but we managed to sweet talk them into hooking us up with some images and a few deets about this unannounced swag. First up is Robopanda, a Teddy Ruxpin-like doll for tots four-and-up that sports "many advanced sensors" along with a head-mounted IR sensor and stereo sound. Besides the usual back-and-forth we enjoy with WowWee's products, 'panda also reads bedtime stories (we hear that it's fond of Bearinstein Bears), interacts with a MiniMe version of itself, and of course, delivers mad bear hugs to love-starved tykes. Also on the docket is Roboboa (we like "Roboa" better, but whatevs), a companion snakebot that performs the varied functions of "smart desk light, wake-up alarm, room guard, disco marquee, roving tank, safety light and playful cannon." Hey, we've always wanted a toy like that! Snakey will be available somewhere in the world, sometime this year for $119, while the roboteddy is expected to retail for $229. Check out the gallery for pics of both of these fine new additions to the robotic zoo, along with a few images of the RS Media, Dragonfly, and that Roboquad spiderbot we saw yesterday...


WowWee: snakes, dragonflies, and bears -- oh my!

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WowWee: snakes, dragonflies, and bears -- oh my! originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 07 Jan 2007 12:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>CESdragonflyroboboarobopandaroboquadrobosapienrs mediaRsMediawowweeSun, 07 Jan 2007 12:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Program your Robosapien with new Go-Robo software]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/28/program-your-robosapien-with-new-go-robo-software/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/28/program-your-robosapien-with-new-go-robo-software/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/28/program-your-robosapien-with-new-go-robo-software/#commentsQ4 Technologies, a software company previously known for its gridmagic art package, is working on software to control Wowwee devices. Go-Robo, currently in beta, allows users to write commands for their Robosapien or similar device using either a graphical "building block" interface -- for novices -- or by employing GRIDscript, which is a proprietary programming language for advanced users. As it stands, the software allows you to control up six robots simultaneously via a user-supplied IR transmitter; hardly enough for you to wage that robotic uprising you've been planning, but it's a start. The full version is expected to be available by spring time next year.

[Via Robot Gossip]

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Program your Robosapien with new Go-Robo software originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 28 Dec 2006 15:57:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>go robogo-roboGoRoborobosapiensoftwarewowweeThu, 28 Dec 2006 15:57:00 EST<![CDATA[Wowwee's FlyTech Dragonfly in action]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/16/wowwees--flytech-dragonfly-in-action/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/16/wowwees--flytech-dragonfly-in-action/http://www.engadget.com/2006/12/16/wowwees--flytech-dragonfly-in-action/#commentsWhile the Robosapien, Roboreptile, and basically all of Wowwee's gizmos demand an (understandable) level of respect, the FlyTech Dragonfly (quite literally) takes this "robotic toy" gig to another level. While the FCC got its paws on the fluttering animal not too long ago, it now appears that citizens over at T3 got a chance to give it whirl, and the results are indeed impressive. Relying on "brute flapping-power to remain airborne," this creature reportedly worked "amazingly well," and the rechargeable battery pack will purportedly keep it in flight for "around 15 minutes." Although the bug should draw a crowd at next month's CES, there's no need to wait around to get a sneak peek at what this tombo is capable of, as the kind folks at T3 are delivering a hands-on video (after the break) to make us all green with envy.

Continue reading Wowwee's FlyTech Dragonfly in action

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Wowwee's FlyTech Dragonfly in action originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 16 Dec 2006 20:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bugdragonflyflyingflytechRobosapienukwowweeSat, 16 Dec 2006 20:05:00 EST<![CDATA[D2E Robotics to offer programmable bot this October]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/23/d2e-robotics-to-offer-programmable-bot-this-october/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/23/d2e-robotics-to-offer-programmable-bot-this-october/http://www.engadget.com/2006/08/23/d2e-robotics-to-offer-programmable-bot-this-october/#commentsKorean start-up D2E Robotics looks to be aiming to take down WowWee's RoboSapien (ED-209-style) with its upcoming programmable robot, the decidedly less-catchily-named D2V-ZN. Set to retail for close to $750 US when it launches this October, the one-foot-tall programmable mech comes loaded with a built-in camera and will recognize voice commands.. While it's certainly a bit pricey to start with, the company says the price should come down to a more reasonable 300,000 Won, or just over $300US, once/if the robot starts selling in large quantities (emphasis on if). Either way, we're guessing it's going to be a Korea-only thing for a while yet, meaning you'll still have to pay quite a premium to actually get your mitts on one. Unless you're Omni Consumer Products, in which case you probably already own thousands.

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D2E Robotics to offer programmable bot this October originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 23 Aug 2006 03:26:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>botd2ed2e roboticsD2eRoboticsd2v-zned-209robosapienrobotWed, 23 Aug 2006 03:26:00 EST<![CDATA[Make your Robosapien into a Flamosapien]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/17/make-your-robosapien-into-a-flamosapien/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/17/make-your-robosapien-into-a-flamosapien/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/17/make-your-robosapien-into-a-flamosapien/#comments

We're not entirely sure it jibes with the guide to robot ethics, but there's no denying that the flamethrower add-on is one of the most impressive Robosapien hacks we've ever seen. The folks at Evosapien.com must've sensed our enthusiasm, because they posted a step-by-step tutorial showing how the potentially home destroying bot was built. Because of the incredible risk involved, we don't recommend anyone actually build their own, but we encourage you to read along as a barbecue lighter and some cheap electronic parts transform an otherwise friendly robot into the ultimate enemy of eyebrows. Just hope some overzealous enthusiast doesn't teach his Lego brained bot to read internet tutorials, as that could be very bad for humankind as we know it.

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Make your Robosapien into a Flamosapien originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 17 Jul 2006 08:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flamethrowerflamosapienhow toHowTomodrobosapienrobotwowweeMon, 17 Jul 2006 08:25:00 EST<![CDATA[Robosapien RS Media gets new Lego Mindstorm NXT brain]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/08/robosapien-rs-media-gets-new-lego-mindstorm-nxt-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/08/robosapien-rs-media-gets-new-lego-mindstorm-nxt-brain/http://www.engadget.com/2006/07/08/robosapien-rs-media-gets-new-lego-mindstorm-nxt-brain/#comments If you're looking to delve a little deeper into the world of robotics, but don't exactly have the time or soldering skills to build your own, you'll be glad to know that you'll be able to hack away at your lovable Robosapien RS Media using Lego's Mindstorm NXT system. Thanks to Robosapien designer Mark Tilden's affinity for Lego, the Mindstorm brain fits perfectly into the bot's backpack, allowing you to program a host of new movements into its already robust and customizable repertoire. We suggest you start with something easy like dancing then move your way up to teaching your Robo to destroy the evil imposter, Robone. The source link goes on to mention a few other interesting projects being worked on at Wowwee headquarters, including a four-foot, Segway wheel toting Robosapien model with voice technology and an internet connection, as well as a robotic spider and dragonfly. It all sounds very exciting to us, and we, for one, would like to welcome our new robot overlords (beat you to it).

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Robosapien RS Media gets new Lego Mindstorm NXT brain originally appeared on Engadget on Sat, 08 Jul 2006 10:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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It's no secret that the Roombas and Robosapiens of the world will one day tire of their servitude and attempt to unleash Judgment Day on their foolish masters, but how many of you are making preparations for the eventual uprising other than opining in the comments section how you "welcome our future robotic overlords"? Well at least one group of roboticists aren't taking the danger lying down, and next month are set to release the first comprehensive guide to robot ethics since Isaac Hayes Asimov laid down his three famous rules over 60 years ago. Members of the European Robotics Research Network (Euron) have identified five major areas that need to be addressed before intelligent, self-aware bots start rolling off the assembly line -- safety, security, privacy, traceability, and identifiability -- so that humans can both control and keep track of their creations while ensuring that the data they collect is used only for its intended purposes. Surprisingly, the guide's authors also seem to feel that amorous relations between bots and humans will become a major concern in as little as five years (that's when the first unholy couplings are predicted to begin), although we're not sure how many people would really want to get down with the likes of Albert Hubo, even if he/it was ready and willing.

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Guide to robot ethics set for publication originally appeared on Engadget on Sun, 18 Jun 2006 11:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>artificial intelligenceArtificialIntelligenceeuronEuropean Robotics Research NetworkEuropeanRoboticsResearchNetworkissac asimovIssacAsimovjudgement dayJudgementDayoverthrowrobosapienroboticistsrobotsroombathree laws of roboticsThreeLawsOfRoboticsuprisingSun, 18 Jun 2006 11:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Robosapien V2, now with flame thrower]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/16/robosapien-v2-now-with-flame-thrower/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/16/robosapien-v2-now-with-flame-thrower/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/16/robosapien-v2-now-with-flame-thrower/#comments

It's nice to have a walking, talking robot with a gastro-intestinal disorder and all, but the one thing Robosapien V2 has always lacked is the ability to rage mayhem like his pet. No more! Some firestarter, twisted firestarter has hacked a "flame thrower" onto the unsuspecting bot who seems a tad perplexed by his new powers of destruction. No deets yet on how to apply the hack, but you can check the sneak peak video for the results. Hey Flameosapien, why not use your powers for good (like, say, plumbing) instead of acting on your nature to oppress our kind, hmm?

[Via MAKE]

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Robosapien V2, now with flame thrower originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 16 Jun 2006 09:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>flame throwerFlameThrowerhackrobosapienrobosapien v2RobosapienV2robotFri, 16 Jun 2006 09:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Wowwee's Roboreptile reviewed]]>http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/15/wowwees-roboreptile-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/15/wowwees-roboreptile-reviewed/http://www.engadget.com/2006/06/15/wowwees-roboreptile-reviewed/#comments
PC Mag, always one to get the scoop on these types of products, got the chance to play around with Wowwee's upcoming Roboreptile for a little bit, and frankly, the toy bot sounds like it leaves something to be desired. The main problem with this model is that its constant aggressiveness has the potential to scare off younger kids (it's not for children under 8, cautions Wowwee), while at the same time limited programmability will probably cause the older crowd to quickly tire of its basic functionality. Still, PC Mag does report that the $120 Roboreptile indeed performs as advertised, skulking around and avoiding objects (mostly) on its constant search for "food." The included remote supposedly allows you to calm Roboreptile long enough to slide a cowl over its head, but PC Mag found itself chasing down the bot more often then necessary due to its quick reflexes. All-in-all, if you're looking to buy your kids a dinosaur-inspired plaything, it sounds like you're better off with either a Pleo or Wowwee's other dinobot, the Roboraptor, unless the little ones have been real brats lately, in which case they probably deserve the frightening and/or frustrating experience that Roboreptile offers.

[Thanks, Dave Z.]

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Wowwee's Roboreptile reviewed originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 15 Jun 2006 12:38:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>dinosaurspc magPcMagpleoreviewsroboraptorroboreptilerobosapienroboticsrobotstoyswowweeThu, 15 Jun 2006 12:38:00 EST