Boston Dynamics’ Latest Humanoid Robot Is Better Coordinated Than You

Say hello to Pet-Proto. Manufactured by Boston Dynamics, which makes robot versions of everything from fleas to horses, it’s a humanoid robot that can run, jump and climb over objects—probably a damn site better than you’re able. More »

Human-Faced Robot Misses Its $300 Cost Target By a Mere $11,200 [Video]

When David Hanson first unveiled his Zeno humanoid robot toy back in 2007, he anticipated selling them for around $300. A goal that was apparently a little optimistic, since five years later the first production versions are ready with a staggering price tag starting at $11,500. More »

Nao humanoid climbs spiral staircase, breakfast in bed is around the corner (video)

Nao humanoid climbs spiral staircase, breakfast in bed is around the corner (video)

Robots can clean your pool and pick up after your lavish dinner parties, but what use is Mr. Nao when you’re ringing for a nightcap from the comfort of your second-floor bedroom? Okay, so we’ve seen the odd bot take a journey up some stairs, but how many cyborgs are prepared to scale flights that twist and turn? Researchers from the University of Freiburg’s Humanoid Robots Laboratory have demonstrated a Nao humanoid capable of climbing spiral staircases, which, of course, are more challenging to scale than their non-curving counterparts. A laser range scanner on the top of the robot’s head provides a global estimation of the bot’s position, and the humanoid uses a 3D model of the staircase to match up with the images it captures on each step. This system lets it get a good enough grip on its geography to successfully detect stair edges and make it to the top with nary a trip. Take a look for yourself in the video below.

Continue reading Nao humanoid climbs spiral staircase, breakfast in bed is around the corner (video)

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Nao humanoid climbs spiral staircase, breakfast in bed is around the corner (video) originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 24 Jul 2012 23:33:00 EDT. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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