Have you been to the SheekGeek robotics store yet? The company, run by an aquaintance of mine, Adam Harris, sells educational robotics kits. Adam says,


Their WASP kit looks really good for beginners. Check ‘em out!


(more…)

Reuter’s has a video piece about some of the latest robot gadgets to hit Japan. Included are the ZMP Nuvo, Sony’s Quiro, Honda’s Asimo, and Tmsuk’s new Samurai robot. I didn’t realize that Sony was considering selling Quiro much like it does the Aibo.


(more…)

People love to anthromorphize robots. I’m not sure why, but they do, and because of this the Smith family is now selling Roomba costumes at myRoomBuds.com. Greg Smith (the father) says,



When I asked about how the business got started, Greg said that the children, age 14, 11, 8, and 6, got their love of robots from working around BattleBot builders, "including Carlo Bertocchini with BioHazard and Donald Hudson with EastyBeast."


This story has already generated a lot of buzz, and has been picked up by Engadget and BoingBoing. I hope the kids can keep up with the demand!



(more…)

 Well, it’s about time! iRobot has finally released instructions for interfacing to the serial port of your Roomba (pdf)! All Roomba’s made after October 2005 have the electronics and software for controlling the robot via serial port already installed. Owners that purchased a 41xx and 42xx series Roomba prior to October 2005 will be able to purchase the necessary electronics via iRobot’s page, starting Jan 1, 2006.


Also of note is that using the serial interface (SCI) isn’t covered by support and any modifications to the robot will void the warranty.


Finally, a company that’s embracing hacking!


(more…)

Here’s an audio presentation by Theo Jansen at PopTech 2005. Jansen is the creator of the amazing beach creatures that we’ve covered before (which happens to be our most popular post). Jansen talks about his creatures and how he started creating them. Unfortunately, there seems to be a significant visual aspect to the presentation that you’ll just have to use your imagination for.


The presentation is 36 minutes long and quite interesting if you’re interested in genetic algorithms, computer guided evolution, and just plain ingenuity.


(more…)