Skateboard
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ZELOX unveils DAP-equipped RC Skate-Botz
Here's another one from the Hong Kong Toys & Games Fair 2007, and as was the case on Marsilli's cellphone-controlled car, ZELOX's Skate-Botz are entirely more novel than useful, but we've got no gripes with that. Rather than strapping on the blades and hitting the pavement yourself, ZELOX figures you'll have a lot more fun (and conserve a lot more calories energy) dictating your own skate-equipped bot around the kitchen floor. The remote-controlled Skate-Botz seem to feature a bit more than inline fun, however, as each device is equipped with a flash-based MP3 player strapped on its leg, which can kick out tunes from the chest-mounted speaker or be detached for your own personal usage. Per usual, there's no word on future pricing or availability, but we wouldn't count on seeing these fellows on American soil for awhile anyway.[Via SlashGear]
Sony patents Segway-esque skateboard
It's not quite a hoverboard, but Sony looks to be set to take at least two wheels of the venerable earthbound skateboard (and apparently make up for them in size), if this recent patent its been granted is any indication. Known only as the "vehicle steerable by movement of center of gravity" for the time being, the board appears to be fairly similar in operation to the Segway, with the carrot-nosed rider simply required to lean slightly in the direction s/he wants to go to get the wheels' independent electric motors into gear. Those worried about the prospect of a motor-assisted face-plant will also apparently be able to opt for the relative safety of three of four wheels. Sony also seems to have other possibilities for the technology in mind, including a bicycle configuration and a two-boarded setup, with one foot controlling each. This just being a patent, of course, there's no indication as to when it'll actually be available or how much it'll cost.[Via New Scientist]
Downhill Jam screens
Yep, that's right. Spankin' new screens from Tony Hawk's Downhill Jam for the DS. What did you expect, fields of frolicking bunnies? Now if they were on skateboards, you might have something there ....Check after the jump for five new screens. No bunnies allowed.
PLEN keeps trim 'n fit with skating activities
We suppose it's not really fair compare to anybody, even a robot, to our atrocious skills on a skateboard, but it sure looks like PLEN could manage fairly well against us in a street challenge. Even in his time off, PLEN takes to a bit of roller skating, and we already know about his penchant for the dance. Sounds like PLEN is on a mission to set an example for today's young robots in physical fitness, but the $2,200 price tag is still a bit hefty. Still, at 9-inches and 1.54 pounds, PLEN is putting the hurt on most consumer-ish humanoids in the mobility department.[Via MobileWhack]
