With the advancements made in robotics and technology these days, we wouldn’t be too surprised to see that robots might end up as our caregivers one of these days, and the RIBA robot nurse is definitely a step in the right direction. Patients who wake up from a nasty accident to see RIBA tending to them might get a shock, thinking that they are in another parallel universe at first – after all, ugly nurses are one thing, but a robotic bear nurse? That’s totally whacked out! RIBA stands for “Robot for Interactive Body Assistance” and was developed by researchers at Japan’s Institute of Physical and Chemical Research (RIKEN) and Tokai Rubber Industries, Ltd. (TRI). It’s main purpose would be to assist nurses by lifting patients in and out of their beds and wheelchairs, alongside providing assistance on and off the toilet. The 180 kg robot bear can handle weight of up to 61 kgs, and was designed after a bear to put patients at ease instead of a more human-looking model.

Source: Pink Tentacle

Robonica is a start-up that is looking into new ways of robotic entertainment and aims to redefine the entertainment robotics market later this fall by rolling out a whole new range of products that come with the tagline, “The Rise of Robotic Gaming.” This new range will merge elements of robotics, R/C vehicles and electronic gaming, making them stand out from the current crop of entertainment robots that is able to offer meaningful and structured gameplay regardless of whether one is alone, with friends or through online interaction.

A smart, fully programmable and highly agile two-wheeled robot, Roboni-i is the first entertainment robot to offer unlimited play patterns. The state-of-the-art robot features 16 sensors and four processors, RF remote control and Zigbee peer-to-peer RF protocol allowing for competitive gameplay with real-world robots. It also comes packaged with game accessories and six action games enabling players to form a playing field and use the gaming controller to select a game as they enter a new dimension of interactive, real-world robotic gameplay. Whether alone or with friends, they will need to beat the odds, race against time, manage resources, neutralize threats, execute special effects and collect bonus points to improve score. The Roboni-i’s online gameplay is out of this world. By plugging Roboni-i into the PC, players enter a virtual world where they can create profiles, participate in virtual missions, play online games and interact with friends who are online at the same time. Its Advanced PC-based Command Center Software allows users to program every facet of the robot’s behavior, edit games and upload performance data.

The following online sources – ToysRUs.com, Amazon.com, BarnesandNoble.com and more will be the first to get hold of Robonica’s offering, followed by retailers Hammacher Schlemmer, Edmund Scientific and other specialty shops.

Press Release

Maybe I have seen too many Terminator and Matrix movies, but this shot of the human going inside of a robot just gives me the creeps.

The fact that the attached YouTube video that you can watch after the jump is called “Human Body Shredding Machine” doesn’t help. Clearly, I need to get over my robot issues and see that this robot rescuer, or Robocue, could truly save a life.

The basic concept behind this is that the Robocue can get to places that would be too dangerous for a human to get to. It is equipped with many sensors and cameras for remote operation up to 100 meters away, and the conveyor belt feature is equipped to put the injured human in a safe place for transport.

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I’ve never run across someone that didn’t adore the movie WALL-E.  So it’s no surprise that there would be small random WALL-E inspired items.  Here’s a tiny whimsical flash drive that has a keychain attached to it.  Which means you get to store files on it and show it off on your keys when it’s not plugged into the computer.  Not only is it WALL-E, but it’s WALL-E clinging tightly to a fire extinguisher.

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As city streets grow more and more crowded, it is more difficult for delivery trucks to get through them. The solution is to deliver the packages through the sewers.

Yes, that network of tunnels designed to move human waste from our homes could be used to bring packages to our homes. All of this is possible with the proper application of robots.

Some researchers are working on inventing the Urban Mole. Instead of digging through the dirt, the Urban Mole is designed to carry packages such as signed documents, groceries, and Amazon.com orders. Of course, there are limits, and my source has said it can probably deliver nothing bigger than a shoebox.

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Even tiny robots can be extremely useful and this is one of them, not to mention he’s incredibly cute too.  Not so cute that no man would be ashamed of carrying him around though, which is a difficult balance to walk.  However, robots can usually get away with looking just a little on the cute side, while still being considered awesome.  The tiny white robot doesn’t do a whole lot, but he will help you share your music with one other person.  That is, instead of carrying portable speakers and forcing everyone around you to listen in.

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I’m certain that a lot of you are seeing some science-fiction vision just by just looking at a picture of a robot on a motorcycle, but it is not what you think.

The good news is that this is not some artistic vision, or concept gadget, but Flossie the robot has been built, and is in use right now. Yes, I realize that Flossie is the worst name for a robot since “Robbie”, but you have to admit, it is as skinny as dental floss.

Anyway, Flossie was developed by technicians at Castrol, and is designed to test out throttle response, gear shifting, and clutch drag. She (should I call it a she?) does this on a stationary bike, mind you, so she doesn’t ever go on the open road. Catch a video of it after the jump.

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Not everyone is allowed to have a dog in their home, which is disappointing at times.  For those that miss having an over excited pooch, this bank might help you out.  I know, it’s just a bank, but it’s the cutest bank I’ve ever seen.  It has an adorable robotic dog on top that will never fail to make you chuckle at least a little.  Especially the way he gobbles up the coins you drop in his bowl.

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