Etch A Sketch Clock (video)
This is great. It’s an Etch A Sketch hooked up to a laptop and a few robotic dials that automatically draw the time. Every minute it takes a bow to erase itself.
[Make]
Add comment March 7th, 2008
Posts filed under 'Robots'
World’s First MRI Guided Neurosurgical Robot Arm (video)
Unbeknownst to me, and probably 99% of the population, surgery under the guidance of a live operating MRI was impossible due to the magnetic fields. The NeuroArm is the world’s first MRI-guided neurosurgical robot allowing for microscopic surgeries. The NeuroArm’s motors were designed and built using ceramics, enabling it to work within magnetic fields and allowing surgeons and scientist to navigate and see how the brain is impacted during surgery.
More info here.
Video after the ‘leap’
Add comment February 22nd, 2008
Robot Porters Arrive At Japanese Airport
The only thing better than traveling first class would be first class with no baggage to haul around. Starting this month in Japan’s Kita Kyushu airport the reality maybe closer then you think. Robotic porters will be available during select afternoon hours and can carry just over 100lbs of luggage. Travelers either speak or input their desired point of destination via the on screen map. I’m guessing the phone is for calling taxi, limos or other airport services. Currently the robot porters are limited to taxi or bus stops. Pair this technology with the RFID luggage tracking I mentioned earlier this afternoon, and your bags might just magically show up at your hotel or house.
More pics after the ‘leap’
Via Digitalworldtokyo via DVice
Add comment February 14th, 2008
New Elmo Toy Sure To Draw Rabid Parents
Fisher-price announced a new Elmo toy today, the Elmo Live. For $60 he sounds like a God send to parents looking to preoccupy their children. Hell, he even sounds mildly entertaining to me, and I am on the verge of turning 30. Set for release in October 2008 (right before the Holiday shopping season), the new Elmo will “actually be speaking as his mouth opens and closes just like the real Muppet, Elmo, from Sesame Street. His mannerisms are right on target as his head bobbles back and forth as he speaks. He waves his arms, sits and stands, even crosses his legs, all the while telling stories and jokes…”. I’m waiting on video and additional details to see if it truly is an animatronics like experience or pure hype.
Video after the ‘leap’
More info here.
Add comment February 14th, 2008
Pleo ‘Love Bug’ Download Arrives Just In Time For Valentines
Perhaps it’s pure coincidence, but Ugobe introduced a new download today for the Pleo life like dinosaur, and it reeks of Valentine sappiness. Download, copy onto an SD card, insert and watch Pleo “sulk when left alone but pet him … he wiggles, coos, and sighs happily. Cuddle Pleo and his heart beats with joy as he purrs and nuzzles. Pet him just so; he’ll profess his love and blow kisses. Whistling when he sees something he likes, this baby dino is quite a flirt!”
Available here.
Add comment February 13th, 2008
Ugobe Delays Pleo Release
I just received an email from Ugobe informing me that the Pleo will be slightly delayed. No word on how back dated orders will be, but Ugobe has some what guaranteed that the preorder folks (first hatch) will still receive theirs by the holidays. The delay, according to Ugobe, is due to a slight redesign of the Pleo’s battery. Originally the battery was built into the life like dinosaur, but now you’ll be able to remove it for charging and have multiply batteries going to increase consecutive ‘play time’. I’ve read on a few other sites that Ugobe was running into battery charging issues that had something to do with overheating - Ugobe partially admits to this in the linked email - and hence why they’ve moved its charger outside of it’s belly.
Caleb (founder and designer) promises to post some videos of the Pleo to keep folks eager and excited.
Email notice here.
You can purchase it here for $350.
Not familiar with the Pleo? Check out their Pleoworld site.
3 comments September 11th, 2007
New Ugobe’s Pleo (Video) Goes “Wassup”
I’m not going to make any grandiose claims about this new Pleo video. Hard to tell if its real, but from where I stand it looks legit. Plus, who or how did they get three of them? If you recall the “True” Budweiser commercials then you’ll get the vid.
7 comments August 8th, 2007
Ugobe Sells Out of Pleo
I am afraid so. I had a prebuy ticket but like an apprehensive idiot held out thinking I might jump on the iPhone bandwagon. You can still purchase the green guy at select retailers, though.
Amazon seems to have them for Preorder ($349 w/ Free Shipping) and might be a better bet since their 30 day return policy ’seems’ to apply - Ugobe only offered a 14 day return policy and it had to be defective (my major apprehension).
4 comments July 23rd, 2007
Transformers Opens Tomorrow - Limited Release Until July 3rd
I don’t know if they’ve kicked up the release date to help drum up publicity, but you’ll be able to catch Transformers the movie today (day early). Just hit up Fandango to see where it’s playing. I’m sure millions of dorks thousands of dorks will rush to the theaters to catch Optimus and Megatron square off. My Mom got rid of my Transformers - can you sense the bitterness (and lack of ‘collector items in my possession).
Go here for Transformer movie times on July 2nd.
4 comments July 2nd, 2007
First Ever Pleo (life like robotic dinosaur) Video
You’ve probably heard of the Pleo by now. It was supposed to be released March ’07 but has been pushed back to Summer ’07 due to some engineering problems (sort of guessing), and Caleb and team’s desire to seek perfection (I think they decided to add yet another sensor). We still don’t have the official release date or price, but this video will no doubt attract even more buyers and knock your socks off at the same time. If you sign up for their newsletter you’ll get preorder rights before the general product.
Video here.
4 comments March 23rd, 2007
