ROBOTS DREAMS

WowWee Shows Off New Robot Plans at CES

Coming close on the heels of Christmas and New Years, the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas is always a great time to see what great new high tech gadgets we could have bought if we had only waited a bit.

It's also the time when companies trot out new product 'concepts' to see how the market reacts before they invest a lot of time and effort to commercialize them. Robots are no exception. For example, WowWee, the company that brought us robotic wonders like the original Robosapien, Robopet, and the disembodied singing Elvis head, is showing off a whole raft of new robot products at CES this year.

WowWee Robot Wars (Video)

Ever wonder what would happen if a strange alien robot suddenly landed on Earth? Where would they land? And what would they do? Who would protect us? Another robot? And who would protect us from that robot?

Apparently 'days77' down in Australia wondered. And, they didn't just idly day dream about it. They actually put in a tremendous amount of work and creativity, and came up with a very well done 9+ minute video. Definitely worth watching, and sharing with friends that like robots.

Giving Your Robosapien Some Eyes, and a Brain (Video)

We're currently doing an evaluation of some POB Technologies products, and are trying to decide which particular project would be best to demonstrate their power and capability. We have lots of different robotic platforms, some wheeled, some with tracks, and quite a number of humanoids, so the best project would involve one, or more, of our existing robots. And it should be something of practical use - something that can be applied to autonomous operation, tracking, or even just a simple fun project as long as it's not trivial or meaningless.

In going through the specs, manuals, downloads, and forums on the POB site, we ran across fairly detailed documentation showing a mash-up that uses the POB-EYE and related modules to give an original Robosapien robot vision and the ability to track objects.

Elmo-Sapien Lives! (Video)

 +

    = Elmo-Sapien!

Going on two years ago, we put out the challenge for someone to hack together Elmo and the Robosapien. The popular Robosapien at the time was the V2, but since then the RS Media, with it's personality editor capability has come out and has been just pleading for someone to do an Elmo-Sapien.

Well, we're happy to report that 'someone' just did....

RoboQuad Becomes RoboSpy with RoboDance and Skype (Video)

At first glance, the robot on the right looks like a standard RoboQuad from WowWee, that you could find at toy and specialty stores almost anywhere.

But, on closer inspection you might notice that this particular RoboQuad is equipped with a video camera mounted on the top of its head, and has been transformed into a really unique, remote controlled, spy bot.

Robert Oschler, the publisher of RobotsRule.com and developer of the popular RoboDance software application, has really outdone himself this time. He's equipped his RoboQuad with a video camera, Skype video conferencing ability, and can control the robot remotely from anywhere in the world using voice commands processed through RoboDance. He explains it all, and promises some interesting follow-on information, in the video below.

Homer-Sapien Robot Totally Out of Control (Video)

Shiny Shiny out of the UK is one of our favorite YouTube feeds, half because of the great gadgets and stuff they review, and half because of the really entertaining hosts, like Susi and Zara. Usually they manage to show off the product they're reviewing pretty successfully, though every once in a great while, things can unexpectedly go wrong.

And, when they go wrong, as they did during Zara's Homersapien robot review video below, they go really, really wrong. Nevertheless, Shiny Shiny shows you that too - which we have to totally respect them for. 

The Robot Sleeps Tonight (Video)

A couple years ago, when the original Robosapien robot, created by Mark Tilden, went on sale, there were no third party products. Actually, at that point, no one outside of the WowWee Robotics labs knew enough about the robot to even begin hacking it, or creating new software and accessories for it.

We bought one, and are very glad we did. Figuring out how to control it from our PC was a significant challenge that taught us a lot, though we wouldn't want to try doing it from scratch again. Fortunately now there are several million of the popular Robosapien robots out there, along with other robots in the series, like the RoboRaptor, and RoboPet. And, there are a number of third party solutions for Robosapien fans and addicts to chose from.

RoboPanda Demonstration (Video)

It's always hard to make any judgments about new products just based on reports from the big trade shows like CES since the hype is usually so thick you couldn't cut it with a knife. But now that all the excitement and media love-fest has calmed down a bit, we're starting to see better information come out that will eventually lead to a thumbs-up, or thumbs-down, purchase decision on some of the interesting robots scheduled to hit store shelves later this year.

One good example is the RoboPanda from WowWee. Initially we were fairly cold about it, but willing to wait for more details. After watching the latest demonstration video (included below) featuring the talented robot, we've warmed up a bit. It has definite potential, and may appeal to both customers that want to purchase one for their children or grandchildren, and to hackers like us that want a platform to modify and show off our own creativity.

WowWee RoboQuad Robot Neither Fish Nor Fowl (Video)

Shiny Media posted a video clip (see below) featuring the new RoboQuad robot from WowWee, and even had Mark Tilden explaining, or trying to explain, why the robot is so impressive or innovative. Unfortunately, after watching the video quite a few times, we still can't figure out it's appeal. It's not a robot fish, or bird, or monkey, or rock star legend, or even a spider robot.

It's certainly true, as Tilden points out, that it can walk sideways, and we'll take his word for the fact that it can walk on any surface - unlike most of the other WowWee robots. And it does come in a wide range of color selections - either black or white. Take a look at the video interview, and let us know what you think, and if you would pull out your plastic and buy one.

Robosapien Gets A New Paint Job, And A New Brain (Video)

What do you do with a world famous toy that sold millions of units worldwide, but has lost its "WOW" impact and seems more than a little dated only a few years after its introduction? 

If you're Mark Tilden, and the toy happens to be the record setting original Robosapien, then you find a popular character to license like Spiderman, give the robot a new paint job, and reprogram its brain with a new set of moves and sounds. And, if the character you license has another major movie set to be released at the same time, so much the better.

Santa Must Have Delivered A Lot Of Robots (Video)

Christmas has come and gone, but from the number of video clips showing up on popular video sharing sites like YouTube and Google Video, Santa's sleigh must have been totally overloaded with the popular Roboreptile robots from WowWee. A quick search on YouTube turned up numerous videos including one that featured a baby teething on the robot, another one where it scares the heck out of a cat and dog, yet another with it trying to climb on top of a floor vacuum, and lots of others.

Our favorite video of the bunch (see below), at least so far, has the robot exploring an office area, attempting to mate with a door, getting its head stuck between a door and the door jam, and then attacking a computer like there's no tomorrow.

Amazon Runs An Amazing 70% Roboreptile Robot Discount Christmas Special

We have no idea how long Amazon will be running this last minute Christmas special, but one of their December 22nd "Friday Sale" promotional items is a 70% discount on the extremely popular WowWee RoboReptile robot. We just checked out their website, and they claim to have the product in stock and that they can deliver.

Many thanks to Robert at RobotsRule for the heads-up.

RoboReporter Contest Prize: A Free Discovery Chromashift Roboreptile Robot

To kick off the new RoboReporter robot news website, Robert, the site publisher, is staging a contest and the Discovery Channel's online store has put up a Chromashift Roboreptile robot that will go to the contest winner. The RoboReporter concept is very simple and straight forward. If you like Digg, then you're probably going to love this new site. Registration is free and open to all comers. Registered participants submit new robotics related news stories, which are then 'voted-on' by other readers. The more popular stories quickly find their way to the top of the pile.

According to the RoboReporter contest rules, the Chromashift Roboreptile robot will go to the member that submits the highest number of valid posts during the month of November. You do have to reside in either the US or Canada - which unfortunately leaves us out of the competition.

So, don't just sit there. Get your browser over to the RoboReporter website, read the rules, register, and then start submitting pointers to new and exciting robot developments. They don't have to be about the Roboreptile or even a Robosapien - any robot related news story will be considered. Who knows? You might be lucky enough to take home a brand new Roboreptile robot.

Robosapien RSMedia Goes Starkers

While most of the Robosapien fans around the world still have to be content with the older Robosapien V2 version, some lucky folks in Australia have able to buy the brand new Robosapien RS Media model long before Christmas. And some of the more fanatic hackers haven't been content to just play with their new toy - they have completely disassembled it down to the individual components, motors, and springs.

Luckily  for the rest of us that aren't likely to see hide nor hair of the RS Media until long after Santa Claus has returned to the North Pole, hackers like "Carloz" have fully documented their RS Media uncloaking with great photos and commentary. If you're a devoted robot hacker, or even if you just have a passing curiosity about how Mark Tilden works his robotic wonders, you'll definitely want to check out this continuing thread on the Unofficial Robosapien Hacks and Mods Forum.

Robosapien RSMedia Hits Store Shelves in Oz

Australia is great place to roll out new technology. The people really seem to enjoy and appreciate the latest and greatest gadgets, they are used to paying a little more for imported technology, and they don't hesitate to give feedback about what they like and what they don't. Best of all - it's fairly remote and isolated, so if a new product unexpectedly falls flat on its face, the damage is minimal.

WowWee seems to be consistently using Australia as the test market for their latest robots. On Tuesday (October 10th), they introduced the new Robosapien RSMedia in Sydney complete with a host of well known Australian entertainment and sports personalities. It's going to be interesting to see how well the Oz market warms to the new robot, and how it impacts the introduction schedule for other countries.

Robosapien RSMedia Website Goes Live

 
Although the new Robosapien RSMedia robot designed by Mark Tilden won't hit store shelves until sometime in January, 2007, WowWee has already started to build some enthusiasm and awareness around it. Tilden has been showing it off, along with the RoboReptile, to the press in Europe, and a few days ago, the new RSMedia Official Website went live.  

The website is worth a visit, especially if you're a Robosapien fan. In addition to some general overviews and features lists, it also contains the full RSMedia user manual for the robot. We spent about an hour reading through the manual, and all we can say is 'complex'. It runs around 70 pages with table after table after table of listings showing all the button combinations necessary to get the robot to do what you want. Unfortunately the manual doesn't address a lot of our open questions - it probably shouldn't - so we'll have to wait until we can test and review the robot first hand.

Mark Tilden on the Robosapien RSMedia (Video)

Robots, whether we're talking about real world physical bots or cyberspace virtual bots, can be extremely useful things. In addition to our rapidly expanding robot collection on the second floor, we also benefit from a number of active search bots that we've loosed on the internet to alert us to the latest robot news and happenings.

So, we weren't surprised when one of our search bots turned up a new Youtube video interview  featuring Mark Tilden (see below) posted by ShinyMedia. The interview, which is billed as a 'one-minute video review' runs almost 4 minutes and covers quite a bit of ground including Tilden showing off both the RoboReptile and the RSMedia robots.

RoboReptile Captured On Camera (Video)

Ever since we first heard that Mark Tilden, the head of the WowWee Robotics group and creator of the best selling Robosapien robot, planned to introduce a new robotic reptile we couldn't wait to get our hands on one. According to some of the early news reports Tilden's RoboReptile creation is a major departure from his earlier friendly robot creations known for their ability to dance, burp, make semi-crude remarks, and even fart on command. This time around we were lead to believe that Tilden was going to set loose an aggressive, relentless, attacking demon that might scare some people, or even trigger some nightmares.

Thanks to the generosity of Robert Roschler, publisher of the Robots Rule website and forums, we didn't have to wait until the new robot hit the shelves here in Japan. Robert has created an excellent 3+ minute video review of the RoboReptile and has given us permission to share it with all our readers.

Korean Company To Introduce Bipedal Robot

Joining other Korean companies like Robotis/Bioloid and Hitec/Robonova-1, TAEJON_D2E Robotics - a start-up based in South Korea, has announced plans to market a new bipedal walker robot called the D2V-ZN.

According to an article in today's edition of The Korea Times, the primary advantage of the new robot as it enters the rapidly expanding hobby robot market is it's programmability and on-board intelligence.

Robosapien Shock

Well, it's late August already. Time for the toy companies to start rolling out all their latest goodies and 'must-haves' to start getting the Christmas holiday buying season momentum underway. According to an article posted on the popular Gizmag gadget website yesterday, WOWWEE Robotics is about to start deliveries of what should prove to be the most feature packed and shocking Robosapien robot yet.

Will Robots Learn Human Emotions? (Video)

No one is surprised when an older sibling becomes intensely jealous of a new baby in the family. The parents, naturally enough, seem to shower all their attention and love on the new arrival while the older child, who is used to being the sole center of attraction, often feels shoved aside or abandoned.

Of course robots, being the mechanical creations that they are, aren't subject base human emotions, like jealousy... Or are they?

Robot Replaces Humans For Critical Functions (Video)

We don't mind at all when robots are used to handle boring, hard, or dangerous work. In fact, we totally support it. After all, why put human beings in hazardous situations when we can design a robot to do the same job. Theoretically that will allow us mortals to pursue more creative tasks like designing, philosophy, artistic painting, and, most the most important human task of all - playing games. 

But what if it turns out that the machines are even better at it than we are, and seem to have just as much fun? Here's a glimpse of that scary future:

RoboReptile Robot Uncloaked

Some of us just like to play with robots. Others love to build them. Still others seem to live just to tear them apart and see what makes them tick. The new RoboReptile robot from WowWee only recently hit store shelves in a small number of countries, but dedicated fans not only ran out to buy a few, some of them have completely disassembled their new treasures, and have professionally documented what they found.

RoboReptile Robot User Reviews Starting To Appear

As we mentioned in a previous post, the RoboReptile robot is hitting store shelves in a few, limited countries, and it's likely to be quite a while before it becomes available here in Japan. Thankfully the folks that have already been lucky enough to snag one of the robots are starting to post detailed accounts of their experiences, including what they like and don't like. If you're considering buying one of the new robots, then you will definitely want to check out the extensive and detailed RoboReptile review posted on the Unofficial Robosapien Hacks and Mods Forum by Iguana from Sydney, Australia.

RoboReptile Invasion Delayed A Bit

Apparently the report that the new RoboReptile would be released 'world wide' this week was a little premature. The official release schedule that was recently posted on the RoboReptile website shows the new robot already available in Singapore and Taiwan. The New Zealand debut listed is June 26th, followed by Australia in early July, then several (but not all) European countries sometime in September. No mention is made of the UK, France, or US market release dates. [Thanks Carl]

RoboReptile Has Australian Roots

Creative artists and inventors find inspiration all around them, and robot designers are no different. According to a story just published in "The Sunday Mail", Mark Tilden, the creator of some of the world's best selling robots like the Robosapien and Roboraptor, found his inspiration for the new RoboReptile while watching television.

Robosapien Hits The Disco (Video)

Microbi didn't want his Robosapien V2 robot to get bored, so he loaded it up with fresh batteries, let it practice some new dance steps  a little, then the two of them headed off for a heavy night at the Discoteque. Luckily, all the action was captured on camera in the video below. . .

And The Robot Winner Is? (Video)

There are endless debates, usually in bars, over which fighter is better. If you could put Mike Tyson in the ring with Mohammad Ali, who would emerge triumphant? It’s no different with robots. Each robot has strong supporters and feels that their robot is unquestionably the best in the ring. For example, Matt Bauer obviously thinks he knows who would win a match between the Robonova and the Robosapien. . .

Robots Meet Eye To Eye - Robonova Checks Out The Robosapien (Video)

After his great initial experience with the Robonova-1, Matt Bauer just couldn't leave well enough alone or sit back to rest on his laurels. He just had to hack his brand new robot, and what better hack than to give it the gift of sight? And, if you hack your robot to add vision, then it has to have an appropriate 'target'. . .

A Gathering of Robots (Video Link)

NY1 - New York City’s “24–Hour Newschannel On The Web” has been running an interesting series of articles on the latest in consumer technology. The Valentine’s Day post and video (see links below) focus on robots like Robonova-1, LEGO Mindstorm NXT system, the P.E.A. BOT, and other new robot technology.

Roboreptile Robot Photos and Video Surface in France

The folks over at evolutionshops.com in France must have an inside track to Mark Tilden and the WowWee Robotics organization because they keep turning up new photos, videos, and seem to actually have been playing with a few of the newest robots like the Roboreptile.

RoboReptile Looks Like An Awesome Robot

The French blog, “Robosapien le blog” just posted a great new photo of the RoboReptile, scheduled to hit the store shelves early this summer.

Will Tilden And WowWee Robots Win Again?

The American International Toy Fair 2006 is a little more than a week away. Last year, the original Robosapien robot walked away with the "Most Innovative Toy of the Year" award. This year, the Roboraptor is in the running for the same award.

Around The Net: Taiwan Robosapien Control Hack

We don't speak Chinese, at least not yet - Japanese and English are enough of a challenge - but if you do, and want to take a look at what the Taiwanese have done with this Robosapien remote control hack, go for it and let us know what's up.

It appears that they have hacked the original Robosapien remote to add an RS232 interface and then control it from a PC or other processor.

Taiwan Robosapien Control Hack (Chinese)

Chat with the Robot

One of the reasons we like robots so much is that they present us with endless opportunities to learn and create new things, and have a tremendous amount of fun doing it. One of our friends, and premier robot hacker from ‘the land downunder’, Sprocket2cog, must feel the same way because he’s just rolled out the alpha version of sapienCHAT.

On The Boards: Robosapien Humor

The Robosapien online forums (there are quite a few of them now) tend to be meeting places for dedicated robot hackers to hang out and exchange their latest projects, successes and failures, and share technical information about circuit, sensor, and motor hacks. Recently however, some of the posters have been showing a real sense of humor and creativity.

Knock, Knock - Who's (in) There?

A very interesting Robosapien image was just posted on the French "Robosapien - le blog" weblog. We're not sure yet, since there is very little information included with the image, and what was included is all in French, but the image could hold some clues to the RSMedia robot design and features.

Rainbow Robots!

Tired by your mono-tone, plain vanilla robot? Have an uncontrollable urge to paint your Robopet to match your car, or your room? How about a three-tone, vivid Roboraptor? Or a . . .

Robert Does It Again! (Video)

First Robert Oschler wowed all of us by developing the Robosapien Dance Machine software that gave users the ability to control their Robosapien robot from their PC, and create action (dance) sequences. Then he raised the ante by adding voice recognition control. Now he’s in the process of expanding it yet again – this time to control all of the WowWee Robotics robots – and he’s allowed us to share a video with you that really shows off what his system can do.

CNN CES Video Coverage Includes LEGO NXT and Roboreptile

CNN’s Renay San Miguel was at the CES show in Las Vegas last week, and one of his video segments included a short peek at both the new LEGO NXT system, and the WowWee Robotics Roboreptile in action.

More CES Photos Of The WowWee Robots

Attendees at the CES show have started to upload some of their photos to the flickr.com website. Scanning through the recently uploaded photos we found several photos of the P.E.A.Bot and Roboreptile (see list of links after the break.)

Takes One To Control One!

Pavel Petrovic and Richard Balogh have managed to figure out how to control a Robopet using IR signals they send from – are you ready for this? – a LEGO Mindstorms RCX roving robot! With a little encouragement and nudging from Robot Robert Roschler, the designer of the Robosapien Dance Machine, they not only managed to crack the code, they’re sharing it openly on their website.

More On The New Robosapien Trio

One nice thing about the CES show is that exhibitors get bombarded over and over again by the press, analysts, and curious customers. So, as the show wears on, the exhibitors wear down, and sooner or later they let more and more information slip. . .

More On The WowWee Sneak Preview

Mark Tilden, the inventor of the Robosapien, has a long standing relationship with Solarbotics, and is in regular contact with the staff there. He recently shared some information with Knitsu about the next generation robots that were sneak previewed at the CES show.

WowWee or WowWhat?

CES – the Consumer Electronics Show has turned into the premier PR event of the year. Be there, or be square. You’re either there with something new and amazing to announce, or the press assumes that your company is rapidly fading away. So it wasn’t surprising to hear that Wowwee Robotics was giving a ‘sneak preview’ at the show – though the robot designs that were previewed seem really puzzling. . .

A Not So Simple Challenge

Okay, Santa came, left the presents under the tree, and vanished up the chimney. You've unwrapped your new robot, installed a boat load of batteries, fumbled with the remote control, and finally managed to get it to perform well enough to wow and amaze your friends. So, what's next? Are you ready to try a real challenge?

Mark Tilden On The Gadget Show

Mark Tilden, the father of the Robosapien, Robosapien V2, Roboraptor, and Robopet was interviewed by The Gadget Show - a great technology television program broadcast in the UK. But viewers outside of the UK weren't able to watch, but dedicated Robosapien fans  never let a little problem like that stand in their way. . .

Yes, Virginia, There Really Is A Robo-Santa

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; the stockings were hung by the chimney with care, in hopes that Robo-Santa soon would be there. . .

Award Winning Robo News Features Robosapien! (Video)

Kelvin Read produced and directed a really entertaining Robo News video featuring Robosapien and his pals. The video was so good that it ended up winning the Sapien-Nation Video contest. The Robo News video (included below) is a load of laughs. There are even some subtle touches of humor, like Robosapien’s classic newscaster tie.

Robosapien Handstands (Video)

A lot of folks have been posting photos of their Robosapien upside down, but then there’s always the debate about whether or not the photo was faked. One person says that the feet are resting against a wall, while the owner claims no way! So, why not do something to show it isn’t faked. . .

Robosapien Key To Shifting Data Centers

Live Journal shifted to San Francisco, and the move was so important that it required the personal attention and moral support of several key executives including Ben and Mena Trott (the founders of Six Apart, Movable Type, and Typepad) and one other familiar face . . .

Elmo-Sapien: The Hack That's Just Waiting To Happen

Wouldn’t it be great if your Robosapien V2 could say more than just the canned jokes and noises it comes with? What if you could have it say your name? What if you could load it up with a whole bunch of your own phrases and jokes?

Robot Fever - What's Next?

We've had a lot of fun with the original Robosapien, fooled and scared our dog with the Roboraptor, and just this week our Robopet arrived and will keep us busy for the next month or so. But what's next on our wish list? The Robosapien V2 is one option, but there are other interesting robot choices facing us. 

RoboArmy On The Move! Enlist Now!

The RoboArmy’s on the move! We’ve already got outposts on three continents (is Oz a continent or just a big island? I forget), and the forces are massing. The RoboArmy even has it’s own dedicated SWAT team of deep RoboHackers.

 

Zapped By A Raptor

How fast can a raptor run?

Apparently the answer is at the speed of light, or pretty darn close to it! That was demonstrated to us this Friday afternoon when a raptorlicious idea zipped from the US to Japan, out on to the internet, down to Australia, back out on to the internet, and back to Japan to hit us full in the face!

Robosapien vs. Robo-One: Battle Video

Ever wonder how a match between Robosapien and one of the Japanese Robo-One battle robots would turn out? A lot of people have, and Pete Covert of Team Cosmos managed to capture the action on video and was kind enough to share it with us.