Scientists from the University of Vermont and from the Cornell University have announced a new robot that is able to study the surrounding environment, re-adapt to it and even heal itself in the case of unexpected damage. As you can imagine those capabilities could prove really useful for missions on unknown or dangerous territory.

The process is not that simple. Apparently the robot is able to create a virtual model of itself on the internal computer that it carries. Every movement is then updated into the model so that the computer will be predict future actions and even compensate for specific malfunctions. Read the rest of this entry »

Industrial robot manufacturer Kuka has teamed up with Primal Rides, the Canadian amusement park ride designer in order to developed theme rides that are based on a robotic Kuka arm. Known as the Robocoaster, this is a pretty interesting piece of news as it can be safely said that the Robocoaster is the only rollercoaster in the world that will bring its riders for a wild, wild ride, with the ultimate objective - to make its riders puke.

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To make the most of the Robot category here at Coolest Gadgets and reach the tenth position, I present you the R100 Personal Robot – man’s best friend after beer, dogs, women. It is a strange looking robot made by the famous IT company – NEC.

I’m wondering if the persons in charge of building the R100 focused so much in giving the robot plenty of features that they forgot to make it look good and stylish in terms of colors. What I mean is that a blue, red and yellow stripe is not a good option - maybe that is why they accepted some original color scheme ideas. In terms of design and shape, it is understandable the decision to make it simple since it is easier to make it move around.
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The RoboMop is a neat robotic solution to cleaning smooth floors. It does look a bit cheap and plasticy but if it saves a bit of menial labor who cares what it looks like.
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So you’ve just moved into your brand new dream home, and have gone to great lengths to furnish it according to your preference. You take great pride in fixing nearly every single piece of furniture, painting the walls, selecting the right wallpaper (OK, I admit that is the uncrossable domain of the fairer sex), and even picking up the right fixtures so that everything blends in smoothly, providing a pleasant view for any eye that scans across the room. To complete the look, it is crucial that you purchase a couple of bric bracs at the very least in order to provide a touch of elegance, while offering the opportunity for new friends to strike up conversation in case they are not willing to share beyond their basic information. The Pianist Hand Concert gizmo is just the thing for you to get tongues rolling as the evening progresses.

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This is the coolest pencil sharpener I’ve ever seen (though I must admit I’ve not seen an abundance of cool pencil sharpeners), the walking robot pencil sharpener.

Just open its chest, insert a pencil, twist to sharpen, and remove your pointy pencil. By sharpening your pencil, you have secretly wound the 4″ robot’s power core and it will now begin walking toward you (or in whatever direction it’s facing). The shavings empty into the robot’s cranial chamber, which can be easily opened for emptying.

The Walking Robot Pencil Sharpener is available from Think Geek for $5.99, bargain!

Just in case you are a Star Wars super fan - unlike myself - the following droid (image on the right) is certainly a familiar image in your mind, I’m talking about the little R2-D2 robot in case you didn’t understand it yet, the blue robot that appeared on all the Star Wars movies so far and never changed the appearance or anything else for that matter.

This R2-D2 replica is not as smart as the original, but it can do a couple of interesting things such as:

• able to react to voice commands – this is probably a blessing from go because it’s the only thing that will obey your orders all the times, unless it runs out of batteries. There are over 40 voice commands that the R2 can obey, examples like “turn around” or “move forward two units” show his dedication to pleasure you.

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When it comes to workouts and having fun my Slam Man is pretty hard to beat (though I must admit I do neglect him some what). I’ve just seen the video of this robotic punch ball and it looks a fair bit cooler. Read the rest of this entry »