December 22, 2004

HUBO, a Korean "humanoid robot," has been born

The HUBO, a Korean "humanoid robot," will be officially unveiled Jan 6 2005, after loads of sweat by a team at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) who completed the project in one year. Joining the ranks of the Honda ASIMO, the HUBO not only features increased mobility, is has voice recognition and synthesis faculties and perfect vision in which its two eyes move independently of one another. As the race heats up for the uber humanoid robot, it should be mentioned that the HUBO has individually moving fingers which the ASIMO lacks. The HUBO can slow-dance and shake hands with people by using its 41 joints. Does the HUBO appreciate cheers ?

- Seen at Gizmodo

MORE

December 18, 2004

Gold Robosapien Robot

Vis-a-Vis JP is offering a limited edition Gold Robosapien Robot for 15,750 Yen. The Robosapien Robot has 67 basic functions including, bi-pedal walking motion, turning, kicking and dancing all which you can set on an easy-to-use remote. Height 34 cm, & weighs 2.1 kilometers. No release date set.

- MORE via it.media.co.jp

December 17, 2004

Sony QRIO

Sony held a pre-show of sorts at the Sony Building, JP, for upcoming 2004 QRIO Japan technology park event (DEC 18). Sony's 2ft QRIO was on display in all its mobile glory. With Honda's recent announcement of the Next-Generation ASIMO with increased mobility, It is pretty cool to look at what Sony has done since 1997 when the line was launched. Pretty cool stuff Ogle at the Qrio playing golf, running, posing etc. Should put a smile on your face. Pictures & video worth a 1000s words.

By the way this is my 1000th post. Yeah.

- Video & Images via Impress.co.jp
-

Robot Chromosomes

Kim Jong-Hwan from the Robot Intelligence Technology Lab in Korea claims to have created genes (wide term could be bad translation) that a robot can pass on to other robots giving personality traits, etc., basically you get one of these robots - it reproduces like crazy and you get the seed of chucky - I kid. Kim says "if we design the chromosomes quite safely, then we can avoid such a bad situation." How on earth do you use the word if - I am not convinced that the robot would umm kill me in my sleep - ah maybe it's the translation. Kim developed 14 artificial chromosomes (software system) that he says will determine robots' "personality." The information -from one robot - can be easily be sent to other robots. - MORE

- Seen at ubergizmo

December 8, 2004

Sanyo Roborior

OK Sanyo has announced the 'Roborior' a big glowing lump robot that houses a Foma cellular phone to send out pictures and information to you say a burglar tries to run off with your Pucci outfit. I think is cool to add security but shouldn't a security camera not be visible, maybe they are using the concept that no one would believe a glowing lump could do any damage, I think anyshots you get from the 'Roborior' will probably be of your intruders under arm.

- $2,700

via ubergizmo

- MORE

December 5, 2004

Toyota i-foot and i-unit

Toyota has announced plans to have their i-foot and i-unit prototypes do really cool stuff at EXPO 2005 AICHI, JAPAN Pavilion. Toyota is hard at work on creating products to enhance mobility, sure the Camry is great but what's the next progression -- right. The i-foot is designed to help the disabled get around and climb up stairs -- you climb onto the i-foot and navigate with a joystick. Great - hopefully it comes in smaller sizes or you need to move to a mansion with high ceilings and wide doorways, could you imagine Granny walking around Manhattan via the i-foot? The i-unit is intended to expand human abilities and possibilities. I am not sure what that means. Cool - MY i-unit you can customize the i-unit -- a personalized recognition system can provide information and music, and body color can be customized, according to your preferences and emotions.

- via GIZMODO

PRESS RELEASE