Join Audio/Video Gadgets, Robot Gadgets
Splitter Bot Earphone Splitter lets one more listen in
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.
Robot Gadgets
Flossie, the Motorcyle-testing Robot
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.
Home Gadgets, Robot Gadgets
Choken Bako Robobitc Dog Bank
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.
Childrens Gadgets, Robot Gadgets
OLLO – Kids Robotic Action Kit
Could OLLO be the new LEGO? After all, we’re pretty much used to everything being in motion, where static building sets that require this thing called imagination from our kids might actually be out of vogue if the OLLO Action Kit is in vogue. The driving force behind the OLLO action kit is its motor, and it really depends on your imagination on what you are able to churn out.
Other building kits use motors, so what makes OLLO unique? you may be wondering. The difference is how OLLO pieces attach to one another. They attach with an innovative two-part rivet (one goes into the other and presses down to lock the pieces in place). And of course you can always undo the rivets (tool included) to build new and wilder things. The OLLO Action Kit is perfect for getting young minds interested in mechanics and building. OLLO is so much fun to work with, you might just have to buy two: one for the kids…and one for you!
Interested? They’ll set you back by $29.99 per set.
Remote Control, Robot Gadgets
AcceleGlove
Some of you might be too young to remember when the Nintendo Entertainment System tried to sell the world the Power Glove. I guess they thought people would want to wear something on their arm and look like a cyborg, but it didn’t sell that well, even with the not-so-subliminal ad in the movie The Wizard.
I believe that the Power Glove was one of the first attempts at motion control for video games, but motion control has made some leaps and bounds quite recently. A company known as AthroTronix has recently made some interesting motion control advancements with the Acceleglove.
The Acceleglove isn’t designed for video game entertainment, but it is more for robotics. You can watch the YouTube video after the jump if you want to see a “hands-on” demonstration.
Gaming Gadgets, Remote Control Toys, Robot Gadgets, Toys
Giant Grapples contolled by Tiny Wiimote
See the two gigantic yellow arms, with claws? Those are robot grapples, each with the power to lift 50 tons, and spin at 70 kilometers per hour (12 revolutions per minute).
I’m sure that control of these metal monsters must be difficult, but Simon Wittber from the Australian firm Transmin has greatly simplified it using a Wiimote for controls.
That’s right, the very device used to play WiiSports is now playing a new game! I have included a video of their demonstration that you can view after the jump, and it is something to see and hear.
Conceptual Gadgets, Robot Gadgets, Vehicle Gadgets
Project Nomad Leaps out of the Next Transformers Movie
Take a gander at Project Nomad, a wonderful and artificial horse. As you can see, it looks like a four-legged version of Bumblebee from Transformers.
When I saw this one, I knew it was too good to be true. Sure enough, it is still a concept, but the fact that Jason Battersby saw it fit to put it on paper is a step in the right direction for making all our dreams of riding a robot horse come true.
I’m sure that readers who follow my work know that I love to cover concept tech like this, especially when it seems so futuristic that it could never be built in my lifetime. This one has a very unbelievable feature: a GPS that knows where the plant life is. Project Nomad then eats up the vegetation, and uses it for fuel.
Miscellaneous Gadgets, Robot Gadgets
Self-Portrait Machine
When I was a kid, I had to do a self-portrait in the third grade. It wasn’t a pretty good likeness of me. If I wanted to do a self-portrait now, I’m certain it would be as good.
Perhaps this is why Jen Hui Liao invented a self-portrait machine. This device is designed to take a snapshot of the user, and then it will draw a picture of you.
You might wonder how this works. I’m not certain either, but if you thought that this device comes with some robot arm to draw for you, you’re half right. There is a robot arm, but the user actually handcuffs his or her wrist to it. You might want to check out the YouTube video after the jump to see it in action.
