ROBOTS DREAMS

Nissan Shows Off Bee Based Car Robot

With the annual CEATEC Japan trade show and exhibition coming up here next week, we've been putting together our 'must-see' list of robot technologies and products we want to check out first hand.

One exhibit that immediately caught our attention is the BR23C experimental robot car developed by Nissan. The key feature of the new robot car is its collision avoidance technology, which is based on advanced work done at the University of Tokyo Advanced Science and Technology Research Center.

Based on the personal space and collision avoidance strategies of bees, the robot design replaces the bee's compound eyes with laser coupled range finder cameras. This approach allows the robot to react dynamically to changing conditions without having to process complex models or sets of rules.

 

Robots Set To Battle It Out in Chicago

The International iHobby-Expo, scheduled for October 16th through the 19th at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (Rosemont, Illinois) will feature a special "Robot Battle Zone" with robot competitions, knowledgeable robotics enthusiasts and experts, and several well known robot kit vendors.

Active members of ChiBots, the Chicago Area Robotics Association, will provide most of the staffing for the Robot Battle Zone, and Royce Pipkins, the current ChiBots president, will be giving an on-the-show-floor workshop on the 18th to introduce the public to the challenge and joy of participating in hobby robotics.

Pop Quiz Hotshots!

This simple phrase appears on the package of a new robot product. Which product, and who is the well-known robot manufacturer?

 

Autonomous Cows Use Astronaut Machines (Video)

We generally think that robotic systems that adjust to the needs of their users, and allow the users complete free will, are pure science fiction and won't appear for decades to come. It's easy to understand how robots can be put to good use on automobile assembly lines, or other industrial applications. What's harder to accept is the use of robots with beings - organic creatures with feelings and self determination.

Yet, there are valid examples, some that have been in active use for a decade or longer, that provide a glimpse of the possibilities, and what our future may hold. The Lely Astronaut Robotic Milking System (video below), first introduced in 1992, allows each cow complete freedom to decide when it wants to be milked, or graze, or lay down.

According to the company website, the robotic system was ",,, with the needs and wants of the individual cow in mind... the cow visits the robot, from its own free will, as often as she likes." The result is higher milk yields, higher quality, and much happier cows.

We're not trying to imply that human beings are cows, or can be compared to them. Still, this type of successful robot implementation is highly encouraging, especially as we consider future medical and health care applications for robotics.

12th KondoCup Robot Soccer Competition Photos

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Originally uploaded by Tempusmaster.

The 12th KondoCup Robot Soccer compeition was held September 20th, 21st at the Kondo RoboSpot facility a few minues walk from JR Akihabara station.

We were able to take it all in on the second day when the Open Class robots took the field. Pretty darn exciting, especially when the final match of the day went into sudden death shoot-off's to determine the chamionship team.

Our raw KondoCup Robot Soccer photoset with all the action was just posted on Flicker.

Enjoy!