2nd Kondo Land Robot Steeplechase Competition
101223 Kondo Land Robot Contest 262
Originally uploaded by Robots-Dreams.
The 2nd Kondo Land robot steeplechase event kicks off this Sunday (January 23, 2011) at RoboSpot. The competition features multi-legged robots trying to navigate a challenging, almost impossible, obstacle course and having a heck of a lot of fun and surprises along the way.
We plan on attending and will post about the action on Robots Dreams. But, if you can't be there, or just can't wait, Kondo plans to live stream the entire event via the Kondo Robot UStream channel. The broadcast will probably start around 11:00 and run until 17:00 Japan Standard Time, with a short break for lunch.
Chrome Kid: Little Humanoid Helper With A Big Heart (Video)
When we think about humanoid robots evolving to the point that they can be useful and practical assistants in the home, clinic, or senior center, large, usually heavily funded robots developed by major institutions immediately come to mind. At the same time a lot of useful work to advance the state of the art, and to inspire public imagination and acceptance, is being done at the hobby level.
While individually funded robot projects like Doka Harumi may lack the resources of a university laboratory, their builders are able to emulate a significant percentage of the functionality at just a mere fraction of the cost.
A great example is Chrome Kid, a child-sized humanoid robot developed by KupaKuma. Of course, "Chrome Kid" is a generic name used for a group of their robots sharing the same spirit and character that compete regularly in events as diverse as the major ROBO-ONE competitions, KondoCup Robot Soccer, Wonderful Robot Carnival, and many others.
For the 3rd ROBO-ONE Humanoid Helper Project event held at the end of December, 2010, Chrome Kid was reincarnated roughly the same height as a very young elementary school boy, not quite capable of dealing with challenges like full sized refrigerator doors. Instead, Chrome Kid greeted party guests, asked them to take a seat, then retrieved hot towels from an electric heating cabinet in the kitchen and politely offered them to the guests. He also planned to serve them cake, but unfortunately the clock ran out before he could complete his tasks.
You may notice a slight "growth" on Chrome Kid's shoulder - a video camera used by the operator located in another room completely out of sight to guide the robot.
In addition to the project challenges, entrants also have to face a very knowledgeable cross-examination by the judges. While the judges are always supportive, sometimes their questions can be rather pointed, but everyone takes it as constructive criticism.
Japanese Robot Makers May Be Big Winners
Some analysts are expecting strong benefits for Japanese robot makers triggered by the current economic situation, especially inflation in Asian economies.
"Japanese robot and machinery makers could be winners this year as Asian manufacturers, faced with rising wage costs and surging prices for energy and other commodities, seek to boost efficiency and cut labor dependency by automating their production lines..."
What they don't mention is the possibility that in the longer term, as production becomes more and more automated, those same production lines may move back to the US and Europe. As the percentage of total product manufacturing and distribution cost attributed to labor drops, off shoring manufacturing will become less and less attractive while other factors, like shipping, communications, responsiveness, and support will play a bigger role in corporate decision making and strategic planning.
Robot makers to win from Asia inflation: report
RoboDance Support Opportunity – Please Help
Robert Oschler has done a fantastic job of single-handedly developing the RoboDance application that allows users of almost every WowWee robot, and some other manufacturers robots like the popular Takara/TOMY iSOBOT, control their bots remotely using their computer, voice, WiiMote, and even mind control using the Emotiv EPOC EEG headset.
For four consecutive years Robert labored diligently to produce each annual feature packed new RoboDance release, funding everything out of his own pocket and contributing all the work to the open source community so that everyone would benefit. It's been a labor of love.
But, as wonderful and powerful as love is, we all still need food, warmth, and a roof over our heads. Even robots have to pay for electricity to recharge their batteries and oil to lubricate their joints. So, to help "keep the lights on" and continue RoboDance development, Robert has put out a call for support.
There are several ways supporters can help. Robert has a number of Internet domains up for sale, including one that should be extremely attractive to anyone in the Google Android community. It's a great chance to lock down a strong domain while supporting a very worthy cause. Or if you prefer just click on the donate link on the RoboDance Fundraiser page and send Robert as much as you feel comfortable giving. I'm sure he will welcome, and acknowledge, all contributions no matter how big or small.
http://www.robodance.com/fundraiser.php
Feeding Robots
feeding robots
Originally uploaded by - Lala -.
Or, robots feeding...
The bow tie and necktie are cute touches. 
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