It’s been awhile since I’ve seen some robot technology catch my eye. The NuVation Robot (aka “Flexis AC Face-off”) got my attention today while skimming around on youtube. Nuvation won the People’s Choice Award for its Flexis AC Face-Off demonstration, which incorporated a robot using Freescale’s 32-bit ColdFire processor and Flexis AC microcontrollers. The robot played air hockey against human opponents using machine vision assistance from overhead cameras. I have to say, this robot works as advertised and is very impressive. Check out the video…

In the past I’ve seen hand built robots that can solve the Rubik’s cube. I’ve been impressed by their terminator like appearance, sophisticated programing and implementation (as seen here). Until I stumbled onto TiltedTwister.com. These guys took the Lego Mindstorm (which is a toy under $250) and gave it a shot of steroids… Barry Bonds would be proud.

“An ultrasonic sensor detects its presence and starts to read the colors of the cube faces using a light sensor. The robot turns and tilts the cube in order to read all the faces of the cube. It then calculates a solution and executes the moves by turning, tilting and twisting the cube.”

Performance Highlights:

• Scanning the cube: 1 minute

• Calculating a solution: 20 – 40 seconds

• Executing the moves: 1 – 5 minutes. Average 4.5 minutes (60 faceturns)

• Average total time: 6 minutes

See this amazing device in action:

Via TiltedTwister.com

$244 for the Lego Mindstorm
LEGO Mindstorms NXT

The ConnectR enables real-time virtual visits over the Internet. Equipped with high-quality audio and a video camera, the robot is located on-site in the home of the “host” party. Using a computer keyboard, mouse or joystick, the remote (“visiting”) party can drive the robot around and interact with those on-site, virtually participating in activities at home or wherever the device is located (for example, in the home of your grandchildren). The on-site host party can also direct the robot’s movements with a remote control.

	ConnectR features high quality two-way audio and a video camera to connect both parties over the Internet. The camera system provides both wide-angle and close-up viewing. The zoom level is 16.7x from the widest view to the narrowest. In addition, the camera features 220 degrees of tilt, enabling complete control of the viewing angles.
	The user-friendly interface lets you connect to and control the robot from any Windows XP-enabled PC. Using a computer keyboard, mouse or joystick, you can drive ConnectR around in any direction to see, hear and interact with whomever you want. The people at home can also use the included remote control to “call” out and connect to you while you are away so that you are always in the loop.

iRobot ConnectR

Cleaning your gutter couldn’t be any easier than this! The iRobotLooj is the tank like that moves in both forward and backward directions and the 3-stage auger spins in both directions. Using the wireless handle/remote, you control the direction of the robot and the 3-stage auger to ensure that Looj covers the length of your gutters and propels debris away from your home.

Product detail

• Three stage auger system dislodges, lifts and tosses wet mud and leaves out of your gutter and away from your home.
• Waterproof up to 2 feet of water for operation in wet gutters and easy hose-off and cleanup.
• Complete control over forward and backward movement of the robot and bi-directional rotation of the auger to ensure debris is thrown away from your roof and home.
• Only 2 inch high so the robot easily passes under gutter straps
• Remote control also acts as the robot handle for easy storage and carrying. Also includes a holster and belt for transporting the robot

Holster for greater convenience.

iRobot Looj 130 Gutter Cleaning Robot w/Holster

He might be pocket-sized, but this miniature high-tech humanoid robot packs a huge punch. i-SOBOT is a 6.5-inch bot that features voice command recognition and can speak a vocabulary of over 200 words and phrases. What’s more, he can dance, perform his own special karate moves complete with self sound effects, and can motor forwards, backward, side-to-side or diagonally. He’ll even lay down when he’s had enough and get back up again when it’s time to go. Hours of fun for anyone. Heck, he can even shoot a bow and arrow (second video).

See him in action:

$299 – i SOBOT Humanoid Robot (TK105)

Stay ahead to messy floors and rugs with the touch of a button! Smart and efficient Irobot 560 Roomba Vacuum Robot lifts an amazing amount of dirt, dust, pet hair, cat litter, crumbs and other debris from your carpets and hard floors. The vacuum sucks up the debris into a large bag-less dustbin. Also the vacuum’s cleaning head automatically adjust to transition from wood, tile, and linoleum to carpets and rugs. To mark off limit areas, simply place a virtual wall at a doorway or other opening and adjust the infrared beam setting to the distance of the opening. The unit automatically detects the beam and will not cross it.

Product Features

• Vacuuming robot picks up dirt and debris with the touch of a button
• Easy-to-empty bag-less dustbin; fine-filtration system traps allergens
• Anti-tangle technology; gentle-touch bumper system; built-in cliff sensors
• Self-charging Home Base, 2 Virtual Wall Lighthouses, an extra filter, and more included
• Measures 16-3/4 by 21 by 5 inches; 1-year limited warranty

$349.99
iRobot 560 Roomba Vacuuming Robot, Black and Silver

Ahhhh yes… If you’re planning to go see the Transformers Movie when it comes out, then you at least need to wear some Transformers apparel. Aside from dressing up like a Transformers character and asking everyone for candy, this T-shirt would be cool enough to wear without looking like a total Transformers fanatic. Each T-shirt features the Autobot or Decepticon logo that lights up and animates.

Features:

• EL Lit Glowing T-Shirts feature either the Autobot or Decepticon Logos
• Battery Pack fits in small interior pocket inside shirt
• Button on battery pack controls Animation style
• 2 AAA Batteries Required
• Battery pack is removable, shirt must be hand washed

$34.99 – ThinkGeek T-Shirts

Excuse my excitement, but this video is freaking amazing. Robot technology is moving so fast and I’m not sure what to make of it. This video is from the ROBO-ONE 11 robot competition held in Tokyo this past weekend. This mid-sized robot makes quick work of climbing a latter, just about running across a platform and then jumps rope! Just have a look… You will not be disappointed: