Discovery Exclusive Joebot Robot

Prepare to be wowed by Joebot, an amazing achievement in advanced robot technology. This walking, talking interactive buddy is full of comedic banter and packed with tons of features for endless hours of fun! Equipped with infrared vision and the ability to detect both sounds and obstacles, Joebot responds to voice commands and can be set in a number of modes.

Joebot features: Program and record Joebot to perform a sequence of motions and actions of up to 40 different steps. LED indicator lights in face, chest, and arms indicate his mood and thoughts. Set to multiple, interactive modes for hours of fun, including:

• Battle mode: Using his hand LEDs, Joebot will pretend to shoot down anything that comes in his path.
• Patrol mode: Let Joebot wander around freely as he inspects and makes comments on his environment and surrounds.
• Guard mode: Intruders, beware! Joebot can stand guard to scan and listen for any trespassers.
• Talk mode: Learn more about Joebot’s life as a robot, plus get tips and advice on how to use him.
• Game mode: Go head-to-head with Joebot in a Simon Says-type game. Copy his moves and see how long you can keep up!
• Dance mode: Watch as Joebot show off his moves!

Equipped with built-in microphone for voice command control no remote needed. Initiate commands first by saying “Robot” followed by directions, such as “Forward!”, “Go left!”, or “Stop!” IR sensors provide ability to “see” any object within 15 inches (40cm) directly in front of him. Bring home the robot that’s certain to be the life of any party!

WowWee Robosapien Humanoid Toy Robot with Remote Control

While the Robot Systems Technology Branch at NASA’s Johnson Space Center continues to develop its humanoid Robonaut, one NASA scientist has worked to take many of the same basic capabilities and introduced Robosapien!

Robosapien is a full function, programmable, fast moving robot controlled by wireless remote control. High-tech but easy to use, Robosapien features:

• Real multi-speed fast dynamic walking, running, and turning.
• Fast, full function arms with two types of grippers.
• 67 pre-programmed functions including pick-up, throw, kick, sweep, dance, fart, belch, rap, and half-a-dozen different kung-fu moves.
•  Speaks fluent international “caveman.
• Programmable “reflexes” to touch, pickup, kicks, or sound.
• Up to 84 program steps, with 4 program modes for advanced operations.
• No computer required, all functions handled by ergonomic remote control.
• Runs on regular batteries (not included) for over 6 hours.
• Three demonstration modes: Disco dance, Rude behavior, and Kung Fu Kata.

Simple enough for kids, advanced enough for adults, it’s like a video game character for the home. Developed by Mark Tilden, a robotics physicist who has worked for NASA, DARPA and JPL through Los Alamos National Laboratory. He developed the basics for biomorphic robotics in 1988; Robosapien is the first commercially available robot based upon this principle.

LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 (8547)

Take LEGO to the next level with MINDSTORMS NXT 2.0. Combining the versatility of the LEGO building system with a microcomputer brick and intuitive programming software, this building kit enables you to construct robots that see, speak, feel, and move. Designed for ages 10 and up, the 2.0 robotics tool set features everything you need to create and program your first robot in approximately one hour. After that, you can create an endless lineup of robots that do what you want–if you can dream it, you can build it.

• The intelligent NXT LEGO brick features 32-bit microprocessor, a large matrix display, 4 input and 3 output ports, and Bluetooth and USB communication link
• Three interactive servo motors
• Four sensors: Ultrasonic Sensor, 2 Touch Sensors and the all-new Color Sensor
• Color Sensor has triple functionality: distinguishes colors and light settings, and functions as a lamp
• Easy-to-use software (PC and Mac) with icon-based drag-and-drop programming and 16 fun building and programming challenges All the LEGO® elements (612 pcs) you need for creating incredible robots Building instructions for 4 new amazing robots
• Personalize your robots with the Sound and Icon editors
• Share your project files with your friends with the Pack-N-Go project packager
• Batteries not included

Schylling Classic Windup Robot

The Schylling Classic Windup Mini Robot Stands 3″ Tall. Wind him up and he walks forward. Measures 3″ tall. Recommended for collectors. Ages 8 & up. A lot less cool than the other robots above, but also a lot less expensive!

This year’s Consumer Electronics Show for Robots made the glitter of Las Vegas shine even brighter with home cleaning robots, robotic masseuses, robo pets, robo men and telepresence systems.

One of the most popular robotic exhibits of the CES of Robots in 2011 was the iRobot new home helpers. The Roomba 700 series has the most innovative features with three dimensions in its cleaning system.

• Advanced heads in models that pick up dust more efficiently
• AeroVac Series that maximizes suction to pick up hair
• Two Hepa type filters to collect allergens, dust mites and mold spores
• Dirt detectors that utilize acoustic technology to sense debris of all sizes
• Soft touch bumper to prevent scuffing on home furnishings and walls.
• Full bin indicator lights
• Programmable touch pad

At this point iRobot says that the Roomba is now an upgraded version with more suction power to pick up fine dirt and dust particles. The power of suction has been improved by a margin of 20%. This is due to the computer software that operates the Roomba with an added 50% more life to the battery. The price is not out of reach for the average household either as the retail value is listed at $450 dollars.

The Scooba washer is an amazing robotic home helper that would be a dream come true to have in the home or the business. Imagine getting the house or the office cleaned without having to hire a service or spend the time breaking the back to do those all important tasks of mopping the floor. To make the home sparkling clean, the floors will be kept at white glove status with the Scooba robot.

This is a round cylindrical robot that measures 6.5 inches in diameter and 3.5 inches in height. It is compact enough to get around all the most difficult areas to reach, including the base of the commode. The latest innovation in sanitation of floors, the Scooba 23, uses iAdapt; Responsive Cleaning Technology which is the same technology used in the Roomba 700 Series. This software system makes the robot monitor the area with sensors that update the processor more than 60 times per second to ensure the floor is completely cleaned.

The Scooba uses a dual reservoir system keeping the cleaning solution and the water separate. The scope of one cleaning session is up to 14 square feet of various surfaces such as tile, smooth sealed hardwood or linoleum. iRobot feels that, because the Scooba does not reuse any dirty water, it is farmore sanitary than a mop. The retail value is $300 dollars.

Taking steps beyond cleaning, there is the dilemma of showing up at work in person or at other meetings in locations far away from an office headquarters. For this problem there is the frontier of telepresence robotics. iRobot has implemented the iPad of all things, in its latest version of a telepresence robot. The robot is called AVA, which suggests the word Avatar.

This robot has the appearance of an iPad at the top of a pedestal that moves up and down and rolls around just as the Roomba moves, but it transports the computer representation of a remote operator’s eyes, ears, voice and brain, essentially. For example, should a busy CEO of a company like Colin Angle of iRobot, need to participate in a meeting in his other headquarters in the Silicon Valley in Mountainview, California from his office located on the East Coast, he can. He simply needs to connect to an interface via the web and have his AVA power up and tour the site.

These robots were shown to peer and move about at the CES 2011, lurking as they might appear to do with lights, signaling when the camera was on, with a voice projecting from it and the image on the screen of Colin. Colin’s employees react in various ways but will be viewed from the desk, some 3000 miles away.

It is thought that telepresence robots could develop enough to do the work of people in offices as they run them from other locations, doing tasks of various level of mechanical engagement, including manual labor. Although iRobot does not classify the AVA as a telepresence robot, the function is very much the same as others of previous design.

The AVA looked heavy and slow and did not seem to be highly mobile. iRobot is encouraging developers to design applications that can be used with the AVA so it can be made to perform a wide variety of tasks and useful work. The AVA is considered to be a prototype that is meant to seed of the imaginations of those within the world of industrious software development life cycle project planning.

The book starts off well enough with background, but as soon as the author hits the more modern developments, she focuses on Mobile Robots and Humanoids. She has left out manipulators and redundant robots, as well as the difficulties and challenges ahead with respect to these areas, which tie in strongly with the areas she did focus on.

It is obvious the author decided to talk to only a handful of researchers, leaving out lab and groups whose contributions have been equal, if not more, in the field, such as The Robotics Institute at Carnegie Mellon (disclosure: I am not affiliated to that program in any way). Had the author prefaced her take on the state-of-the-art accordingly, the reader might get a better sense of the vastness and scope of the field, but to an unsuspecting or lay reader, this book might just end up providing some insight into only a few aspects of robots. In the end, the author leaves enough behind to make this book not quite are worthwhile a read as one would have liked.

More Details

Robots fascinate us, and they have become increasingly important in post–World War II industry and space exploration. Where did the idea for such devices come from? What varied uses do they serve in our world, and where do they seem to be headed? Lisa Nocks traces the history of the robot, from the earliest concepts in ancient myth to mechanical toys of the Enlightenment, from the Jacquard punch card loom in the Industrial Revolution to Japanese car-making devices, and from rovers on Mars and the latest developments in artificial intelligence to the service robotics of the twenty-first century. This volume includes a timeline of important events, a glossary of terms, descriptions and statistics of robot labs and companies around the world, and a helpful bibliography of primary and secondary sources for further research.

Yes, Alphie The Learning Toy Robot – who better to explore the world with than someone who is new to it?  The ALPHIE robot is on a field trip from his home planet and, with a kooky grin and funny faces, its his mission to introduce your child to learning!

There’s practically nothing this little dynamo doesnt want to talk about – from letter sounds and shape sorting to patterns, cause and effect, vocabulary development and much more, your ALPHIE figure is a whole big classroom in one little portable robot buddy. As his buttons light up, and as he sings and plays music, your child’s brain is stretching, growing and helping turn him or her into a super-duper learner and problem-solver!

Educational fun on-the-go is as easy as can be, too, with this little guys handled noggin and storage spot for his cards in his backpack. There’s a whole lot to discover when youre a preschooler and this ALPHIE figure shares one of the most important lessons, too: learning is tons and tons of fun! Robot figure comes with 30 double-sided cards.

Hasbro first started in 1923. Hasbro, Inc. is a worldwide leader in children’s and family leisure time products and services with a rich portfolio of brands and entertainment properties that provides some of the highest quality and most recognizable play and recreational experiences in the world.

Funny Books About Robots

• How To Survive a Robot Uprising: Tips on Defending Yourself Against the Coming Rebellion – This is what they call a modern classic. If a future time traveler came back, I’m sure they would say it was an old classic – as in it’s going to be around for a while. Unless the robots do eventually rise up and burn all books found offensive to robots. Better get this one while you still can!
• Gearheads : The Turbulent Rise of Robotic Sports [Paperback] – This is a book about robotic sports in the future. It’s a hilarious read that would really make a good movie. (Any directors or movie people out there reading?) This is not going to be for everyone, but if you like battling robots (and funny humans) you should check this book out.

There are other funny (and even hilarious) robot books out there, but we want to hear from you before we spill the beans on the rest of our list. So, if you have a favorite funny book about robots – or even including a robot – leave a comment below and let us know. We love to hear from you – humans only – no spam robots!

Thanks.

The Zhu Zhu Pet Hamsters, released by SEGA Toys are newest fad among boys and girls alike. From a parent’s perspective, these are a great alternative to real-life hamsters. These toys are one of the first robotic toys that are response to their environment. Hamster tubes, available for separate purchase, are a great way to see just how much these hamsters can do. Not only do they run, scurry, and spin on wheels in their hamster play set, but they also run across the floor to different rooms! They may be next to your child one moment, then in the kitchen the next. There are two modes available for playing with the hamsters, nurturing and adventure mode. With the nurture mode, the hamsters respond to petting on their fur and nose with cooing and purring. In adventure mode they have great intelligent audio and mechanical responses to various environmental stimuli. These toys are expected to be the best toy of the year!

The LEGO Mindstorms NXT 2.0 is a great toolkit, perfect for any child ready to become an expert engineer. Not only will kids enjoy the great new modes of this upgraded robot, but they will enjoy putting it together and programming the system themselves! The best part about it is that it only takes 30 minutes to completely program! This newest model from LEGO’s line of customizable robotics contains 619 pieces, including sensors and motors, for assembly. With a 32-bit microprocessor, 4 input and 3 output cords, and Bluetooth and USB communication link, the intelligent NXT 2.0 is compatible with PC and MAC software. The innovative drag-and-drop software is an exciting new feature of the improved robotics. Children can personalize their robot with the Sound and Icon editors, share their projects on the LEGO site, and view the projects of others.

Finally, the WowWee Tribot Robot Toy is a dual toy, acting as a remote controlled robot or an autonomous bot, depending on which setting is most suited for your child. This talkative and animated bot is mounted on a three-wheel base with turning capabilities. The LED eyes, eyebrows, and pop-top head gives this robot real-life features. The most interesting feature is that the robot can be programmed to take a series of steps through your house or outside. The game modes are great to play with and keep your child entertained and happy! The downfall to this great robot is that it requires 8 AA and 3 AAA batteries. If your child plays with it constantly, the batteries themselves might get costly. However, the joy of having his/her very own robot might just be worth it!

What do you think of the Walkin’ Sticks Robot? Personally, I think it’s one of the coolest robots I’ve seen in a while. Would be cool to see it walk over other surfaces – like cement – for more of a contrast maybe? Other than that, very cool job!

Leave a comment below and let us know what you think of this robot.

1. The Robot from Lost in Space.

Best known for its incredibly quotable line, “Danger, Will Robinson, danger!”, this robot was a charming and bizarre sort of Lassie to the directionally challenged Robinson family. Armed with super strength and some fun weapons, this robot nevertheless often displayed human-like tendencies, like sadness and laughter.

2. Rosie from The Jetsons.

Another holdover from a time when technology was seen as a generally wonderful thing, Rosie is an endearing house robot that serves the Jetson family. She is outdated, but beloved by the family much like a pet. A believer in strict discipline and the occasional bit of sage advice, Rosie is a silly bit of fun that entranced children everywhere.

3. The Daleks.

First seen in the 1963 Doctor Who serial entitled The Daleks, these fearsome robotic creatures that resemble trashcans with plungers attached to them have become the longest running scifi villains of all time. They are perhaps the first time that technology was portrayed as a potentially bad thing, showing that the very definition of a robot is something that has no humanity.

4. The Terminator.

Going through four movie incarnations and a television show, the Terminator is actually an entire mythos created by the 1984 movie. Often acting as an agent of the nefarious robotic SkyNet, the Terminator is a nearly unstoppable machine often intent on nothing but the destruction of humankind. Though occasionally, good Terminators are also present, having been reprogrammed by someone in the future to help try and save the world, these fearsome robots show the true potential that robots have to be destructive instead of helpful and have us constantly asking ourselves how much technology is really too much?

5. Data from Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Portrayed with brilliance by Brent Spiner, Data is a sentient android that serves as second officer and chief operations officer aboard the U.S.S.Enterprise. His brilliance at computation helped the crew in day to day tasks, but he often struggled with the nuances of human emotion and motivation. This character allowed the series to often reflect on what it means to be human. Later in the series, Data received an “emotion” chip that could let him experience some kind of simulation of human emotions. Ironically, this often only complicated matters and could even make Data an unreliable member of the crew when they needed him most.

What’s next for R2D2? Only time (and George Lucas) will tell. In the meantime, sit back and enjoy R2D2 at his best.

The Genibo-QD is designed differently than other robot toys. One of the great features is the application programming that allows you or your child to design their own functions and reactions. It’s great for teaching kids about technology and allowing them to be creative when playing with their own programmed puppy.

Another unique feature of this robot is the integrated wireless LAN that allows the robot to be programmed on a computer to do all the different functions, and then have them sent wirelessly to their robot instantly. It’s easy for a kid to program the toy themselves on a computer and send it to their robot to do instantly.

Inside of the robot are 11 touch sensors, a speaker, and hardware to recognize visual and audio cues. With the included remote, it can be sent to do different functions wirelessly, which make it a really fun toy for kids to learn the basics of programming and using their own robots.

There is no need to buy batteries either with the Genibo QD Robot Dog, because it includes a docking charger and rechargeable batteries that recharge fast, and don’t even need to be taken out to charge them. If you like pets and like robots, this may be the combination for you.