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[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[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[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[FURO robot waitstaff lull Koreans into a sense of complacency]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/furo-robot-waitstaff-lull-koreans-into-a-sense-of-complacency/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/furo-robot-waitstaff-lull-koreans-into-a-sense-of-complacency/http://www.engadget.com/2010/07/07/furo-robot-waitstaff-lull-koreans-into-a-sense-of-complacency/#comments
Service robots are nothing new (and neither are dancing robots, for that matter) but unlike our old friend CAFERO, FURO has something of a human face. Of course, this is supposed to soothe and reassure us, but like the old robo-teddy we're pretty much convinced that this is yet another harbinger of doom. Developed by Future Robot of Korea (not to be confused with Furo, the Japanese robotics manufacturer) this guy can take credit cards and features a touchscreen display and that ominous, disembodied cartoon head. And it will do a two-step for you if you're nice! Video after the break.

Continue reading FURO robot waitstaff lull Koreans into a sense of complacency

FURO robot waitstaff lull Koreans into a sense of complacency originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 07 Jul 2010 11:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>customer service robotCustomerServiceRobotfurofuture robotFutureRobotkorearobotrobot apocalypseRobotApocalypseservice robotServiceRobotvideoWed, 07 Jul 2010 11:28:00 EST<![CDATA[Robosoft Kompai takes care of your elderly so you don't have to (video)]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/robosoft-kompai-takes-care-of-your-elderly-so-you-dont-have-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/robosoft-kompai-takes-care-of-your-elderly-so-you-dont-have-to/http://www.engadget.com/2010/03/10/robosoft-kompai-takes-care-of-your-elderly-so-you-dont-have-to/#comments This one has been quite a long time in coming, but Robosoft's service drone has finally made it off the drawing board, collected a catchy name, and headed off to the big world to seek its fortune as an R&D platform. Kompai is a personal assistance bot built around speech -- it understands basic instructions and requests and offers appropriate responses with its own monotonic style. It'll serve as a note and shopping list recorder, a calendar, a music player, or a video conferencing tool for when old grandpappy needs to call his doctor. If you think having a programmable hunk of mobile metal that's permanently connected to the net in your house is a good idea, look out for OEMs picking up the design during the Intercompany Long Term Care Insurance Conference taking place next week. And if you just wanna see a bug-eyed bot talk to an old dude, click past the break for the video.

[Thanks, Erico]

Continue reading Robosoft Kompai takes care of your elderly so you don't have to (video)

Robosoft Kompai takes care of your elderly so you don't have to (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 10 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>assistanceassistantbotdroneelderlyelderly assistantElderlyAssistantkompaipersonal assistantPersonalAssistantrobosoftrobotserviceservice robotServiceRobotvideoWed, 10 Mar 2010 09:01:00 EST<![CDATA[KIST Mahru-Z waits on you very, very slowly]]>http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/18/kist-mahru-z-waits-on-you-very-very-slowly/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/18/kist-mahru-z-waits-on-you-very-very-slowly/http://www.engadget.com/2010/01/18/kist-mahru-z-waits-on-you-very-very-slowly/#comments
We've seen KIST's Marhu robot tooling around here before, but now they're showing off the latest models, the Mahru-Z (with some help from Mahru-M), in some super useful scenarios. Mahru-Z and M have been successfully demonstrating their service abilities by carrying cups of tea, and retrieving toast from toasters and delivering it as well. The Z-version bot is a bit shorter than previous iterations, and also sports different, more dextrous arms. He stands about 4 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 122 pounds. Both bots are networked and use 3D object recognition in their task completion. Overall, the improvements to the Mahru bots are iterative, but it sure is great to hear that one day we'll have someone to bring our breakfast to us in bed. Video is after the break.

Continue reading KIST Mahru-Z waits on you very, very slowly

KIST Mahru-Z waits on you very, very slowly originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:14:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bipedal robotBipedalRobotbotkistkoreamahrumahru zMahruZrobotrobotsserviceservice botservice robotServiceBotServiceRobotMon, 18 Jan 2010 18:14:00 EST<![CDATA[Hawk WiFi robot is probably more fun to hang around with than your friends]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/hawk-wifi-robot-is-probably-more-fun-to-hang-around-than-your-fr/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/hawk-wifi-robot-is-probably-more-fun-to-hang-around-than-your-fr/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/12/hawk-wifi-robot-is-probably-more-fun-to-hang-around-than-your-fr/#comments Hawk is a humanoid, autonomous, wireless, and handsome robot made by Canadian company Dr. Robot. He's got WiFi, a GPS navigation system, dual cameras in his moveable, animated head, and a host of other cameras and sensors that keep him trucking along. Designed with education in mind, Hawk's skill set is a bit limited, but his hands are pretty impressive. Hawk is on sale now, and while there's no price listed for the bot, base parts of the robot are in the range of $5,000. Video of Hawk beating the skins after the break: yes, we're aware of the fact that he's not exactly John Bonham but, then again -- neither are any of your friends, right?

Continue reading Hawk WiFi robot is probably more fun to hang around with than your friends

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Hawk WiFi robot is probably more fun to hang around with than your friends originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 12 May 2009 11:47:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>autonomousbotcanadadr robotDrRoboteducational robotEducationalRobothawk robotHawkRobotservice robotServiceRobotTue, 12 May 2009 11:47:00 EST<![CDATA[Fukitorimushi cleaning bot is just like a pet -- only cleaner, quieter, better behaved, and more pillow-shaped]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/07/fukitorimushi-cleaning-bot-is-just-like-a-pet-only-cleaner-q/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/07/fukitorimushi-cleaning-bot-is-just-like-a-pet-only-cleaner-q/http://www.engadget.com/2009/05/07/fukitorimushi-cleaning-bot-is-just-like-a-pet-only-cleaner-q/#comments
Panasonic recently unveiled a new kind of cleaning robot at the Tokyo Fiber Senseware Expo in Milan. Called Fukitorimushi, the small service bot is covered in Nanofront, a nanofiber polyester fabric which can absorb oil and pick up small paricles of dust. It moves a bit like an earthworm, crawling about the floor using several light sensors to root out the dirt, and can navigate itself back to its charging station when it needs more juice. Designers of the spiffy little guy seem to think that owners will bond to it as if it were a pet. No word on when these dudes will be commercially available, but we'll let you know as soon as we score one of our very own -- we're thinking about calling it Sal. There's a video of it doing its rather unnerving business after the break.

[Via Robots.net]

Continue reading Fukitorimushi cleaning bot is just like a pet -- only cleaner, quieter, better behaved, and more pillow-shaped

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Fukitorimushi cleaning bot is just like a pet -- only cleaner, quieter, better behaved, and more pillow-shaped originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 07 May 2009 23:13:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>cleaning robotCleaningRobotFukitorimushimilannanofibernanofibersNanofrontnanotechnanotechnologypanasonicrobotrobotsservice robotServiceRobottokyotokyo fiber senseware expoTokyoFiberSensewareExpoThu, 07 May 2009 23:13:00 EST<![CDATA[NEDO's Advanced Robotics project enters second phase, boasts totally sweet bots]]>http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/23/nedos-advanced-robotics-project-enters-second-phase-boasts-tot/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/23/nedos-advanced-robotics-project-enters-second-phase-boasts-tot/http://www.engadget.com/2009/02/23/nedos-advanced-robotics-project-enters-second-phase-boasts-tot/#comments
NEDO, an administrative institute in Japan, has been working on what it calls the "Project for Strategic Development of Advanced Robotics Elemental Technologies" since 2006. The project has now entered its second phase, and boasts some pretty impressive looking bots. Murata Machinery's robotic delivery system (pictured above) which is designed to help in places like hospitals, delivering medications late at night so that nurses and aids don't have to spend a lot of time on such tasks. The company plans to test it and monitor the bot in use at hospitals in order to verify its effectiveness. We don't know about you, but the idea of this guy visiting us late at night when we're feeling low in a hospital is either really awesome or terrifically creepy. Either way, we fully expect this guy to have a starring role in The Phantom of the Opera any day now. Hit the read link to check out the other participants in the project.

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NEDO's Advanced Robotics project enters second phase, boasts totally sweet bots originally appeared on Engadget on Mon, 23 Feb 2009 21:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The University of Science and Technology in Taiwan's announced that they're putting on a very special performance of The Phantom of the Opera on December 27th, in which the two leads will be played by robots. The lead bots (named Thomas and Janet) can both walk, and have silicon facial "muscles" that help them mimic human expressions and mouth movements. There will be two additional robotic thespians, Ringo, a jazz drummer, and Pica, a painter, that move on wheels. The Center for Intelligent Robots at the University says that while they've developed the robots for entertainment purposes, they plan to move toward applying them in service fields. As if upstaging Sarah Brightman with a robot isn't service enough already.

[Thanks, Tim]

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Taiwan casts robots in Phantom of the Opera, Lloyd Webber seen kicking himself repeatedly originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 12 Dec 2008 13:35:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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We heard that Pal Technology's REEM-B would be "fully revealed in Q1 2008," and while things seem to be running ever-so-slightly behind, we can't gripe too much. The creature was recently shown off in Abu Dhabi, where onlookers swooned and secretly crushed on the totally macho being. Its creators have also announced that the 1.47-meter tall robot was the last prototype to be formed, as it has plans for a commercial venture "in the near future." The overriding goal for REEM-B is to have it act as a service bot for the elderly and disabled, and considering that it has no qualms reacting to voice commands and "engaging in simple conversations," we'd say it's pretty well suited to do just that. Check out the video after the break to see it in action.

[Thanks, Saad]

Continue reading Pal Technology's REEM-B humanoid shown off in Abu Dhabi

Pal Technology's REEM-B humanoid shown off in Abu Dhabi originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:50:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>Abu DhabiAbuDhabihumanoidPal TechnologyPalTechnologyREEM-Bservice botservice robotServiceBotServiceRobotFri, 13 Jun 2008 14:50:00 EST<![CDATA[Robosoft shows off Microsoft Robotics Studio-based service robot]]>http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/28/robosoft-shows-off-microsoft-robotics-studio-based-service-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/28/robosoft-shows-off-microsoft-robotics-studio-based-service-robot/http://www.engadget.com/2008/05/28/robosoft-shows-off-microsoft-robotics-studio-based-service-robot/#comments
It looks like France's Robosoft is keen on getting its robots into as many places as possible, with it now following up its RobuCab and RobuDog with a service robot designed to help the elderly and disabled. Like the RobuDog, this one makes heavy use of Microsoft Robotics Studio, and provides just about all the features you'd expect from a 24-hour monitoring bot, including daily reminders, remote teleconferencing abilities, scaring off of house pets, and alerts if the patient falls or is in trouble. The company apparently even hopes to add cleaning capabilities to the mix, although there's no indication as to when the robot will actually be put into service. Head on past the break for a glimpse of it in action.

Continue reading Robosoft shows off Microsoft Robotics Studio-based service robot

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Robosoft shows off Microsoft Robotics Studio-based service robot originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 28 May 2008 12:07:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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While we thoroughly enjoyed hearing of EMIEW's (presumably) short-lived career as a hotel clerk, it looks like Hitachi's EMIEW 2 has some seriously large aspirations. In a recent demonstration in Hitachinaka, the two-wheeled robot wowed onlookers as it received commands wirelessly and happily ran office errands without too much trouble. The creation, which stands some 31.5-inches tall and weighs 29-pounds, did crash into a desk and stand motionless momentarily while being previewed, but developers didn't hesitate to inform the crowd that kinks were still being ironed out. Nevertheless, it was able to avoid obstacles while rolling about, understand and respond to human speech and move around for an hour before needing a recharge. The company refused to spill details surrounding its eventual price and release date, but we're hearing there may soon be an open spot in Scranton that this fellow could certainly fill.

[Via Inquirer]

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Hitachi's EMIEW 2 humanoid runs errands, could easily replace Michael Scott originally appeared on Engadget on Wed, 21 Nov 2007 16:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>androidEMIEWEMIEW 2Emiew2hitachihumanoidserviceservice botservice robotServiceBotServiceRobotWed, 21 Nov 2007 16:00:00 EST<![CDATA[Fujitsu's Enon is your robotic museum guide]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/21/fujitsus-enon-is-your-robotic-museum-guide/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/21/fujitsus-enon-is-your-robotic-museum-guide/http://www.engadget.com/2007/09/21/fujitsus-enon-is-your-robotic-museum-guide/#comments
Kyotaro Nishimura is a mystery writer from Japan with his very own museum, which now -- thanks to Fujitsu -- has a shiny new guide robot. The droid in question, a friendly helper named Enon, will autonomously move to the entrance of the museum to greet guests, will guide visitors through the exhibits by using gestures (and its chest-embedded LCD screen), and will play video greetings from Mr. Nishimura, amongst other tasks. This iteration of bot (called a "service robot" by Fujitsu) is just the first in a planned long line of human-esque, automatons. The company hopes to introduce security and package transport bots in the future. The future looks bright, humans.

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Fujitsu's Enon is your robotic museum guide originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 21 Sep 2007 12:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>droidenonfujitsuKyotaro NishimuraKyotaroNishimuramuseum guideMuseumGuideservice robotServiceRobotFri, 21 Sep 2007 12:02:00 EST<![CDATA[University of Tokyo crafts tea-grabbing humanoid to serve you better]]>http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/01/university-of-tokyo-crafts-tea-grabbing-humanoid-to-serve-you-be/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/01/university-of-tokyo-crafts-tea-grabbing-humanoid-to-serve-you-be/http://www.engadget.com/2007/03/01/university-of-tokyo-crafts-tea-grabbing-humanoid-to-serve-you-be/#commentsIf you've got a domesticated service bot around to flip your channels and chase away any uninvited intruders, there's not too much else a lonely, elderly individual needs from a fellow humanoid, but researchers at the University of Tokyo are crafting more lifelike and more agile servant bots nevertheless. In an effort to create a tactical team of droids ready and willing to serve the aging population of Japan, the team is working with Kawada Industries Inc. to create friendly robots that can assist folks with around the house chores such as pouring tea and cleaning the dishes. Several models were out and about during a recent demonstration, as one wheeled bot delivered beverages to its master, and other renditions responded to human movements and the bevy of sensors installed in the floor and sofa of a room. Essentially, the team is attempting to seamlessly integrate robotic life with our world, and they're already prepared to feel a lashing from privacy advocates who will protest the embedded camera systems that the robots feed off of. Still, we'd rather have a potentially Big Brother-equipped servant to make sure our favorite dramas get recorded than no one at all.

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University of Tokyo crafts tea-grabbing humanoid to serve you better originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 01 Mar 2007 10:25:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>humanoidjapansensorsensorsservantserviceservice botservice robotServiceBotServiceRobotteaTokyoUniversityUniversity of TokyoUniversityOfTokyoThu, 01 Mar 2007 10:25:00 EST