Hasta La Gadget!

The latest contraption to separate the cookies and cream from Oreo cookies is a robot named HERB, Carnegie Mellon’s butler ‘bot. He was built for performing household tasks, and what task could be more important than separating Oreo cookies?

HERB prefers the cream over the cookie, even though he’s a robot. Watch HERB work his magic on some Oreos in the latest Oreo Separator video. The team at Carnegie Mellon had HERB try a few different methods before they found the right way to do it.

At one point he can be seen stabbing the cookies with a kitchen knife. I’m glad that didn’t work – the idea of a robot with a razor sharp knife doesn’t sit well with me. Eventually they settled for the grab and twist method. I love how he pronounces the word Oreo. It sounds a bit like the HAL 9000.

[via Geekosystem]

High school students from all around New York competed in the FIRST Robotics Regional Championship at the Javits Convention Center. FIRST stands for “For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology.” These students constructed robots and competed with each other in order to take the 1st place spot and secure their position at the FIRST Robotics National Championship in St. Louis. These events are meant to show students the importance of science and technology.

Joel Bianchi, the coach of the Harlem Knights, stated, “They struggle with seeing how some of the things they learn in school, like math or science, are really applicable or important.” By constructing the robots for this event, the students are able to see the practical uses of math and science in the real world. Julia Lapino, the captain of the Cyber Warriors, stated, “You see technology very often, like phones and stuff. We don’t think about it, but once you learn how to build it, you appreciate it so much more.”

This year’s competition, the students had to implement flying discs into their robots. The game was called “Ultimate Ascent” and robots had to shoot their discs as far as possible, and also climb up the pyramids on the field in order to score points for their teams. Students were given six weeks to construct their robots. During the competition, the students would work from pits in order to apply any last-minute changes and alterations to their robots before they’re sent off to battle.

The competition encouraged creativity. The students were met with a lot of problems while constructing their robots, and they had to think “outside of the box” in order to come up with solutions. During the event, there were little issues that plagued their robots, causing stress among the students, but in the end, it was a great learning experience. The FIRST program is working to encourage students to venture into careers related to technology and science. Some students who participate at these competitions are even offered internships with the corporate sponsors of the event.

[via NY1]

High school engineers construct disc-shooting robots for competition is written by Brian Sin & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.

Your local bartender might have a thing or two to say about the Bartendro robot mixologist, especially in these economically trying times, and to be made redundant at the workplace because of technology is definitely quite a bummer. The thing is, the Bartendro robot mixologist does not look as though it is going to replace the bald man behind the counter, wiping glasses, anytime soon, considering how one of the main draws of a local pub would be the bartender himself who lends a shoulder to cry on during times of trouble among its clientele, as well as offers some sagely advice from time to time.

Still, to see a robot function as a bartender is something else, but do not expect the Bartendro to be some sort of protocol droid like C3PO which you see in Star Wars. No sir, it will seem to be more of a contraption, but is a robot at the very base. Thanks to the presence of a Raspberry Pi processor, it is capable of crafting up a wide range of cocktails, as long as it carries the relevant information in its database.

The Bartendro robot is said to be able to handle up to 15 bottles of booze and mixers simultaneously, and is capable of dispensing precision cocktails in a swift turnaround time of under 10 seconds. Of course, the lack of a human touch will not see the Bartendro take over the human bartender duties anytime soon, but I suppose at clubs where folks just want to get a shot of their favorite poison without having to go through the motions of talking to other folks, will find some solace in the presence of the Bartendro.

Other than the Raspberry Pi processor, the Bartendro robot mixologist will also comprise of other parts such as peristaltic pumps, custom electronic dispenser boards, and food-grade tubing. Capable of churning out 200 cocktails in an evening, you can be sure that this is one robot which will not hit on your girlfriend, but neither is it capable of breaking up fights. Fancy getting the Bartendro? You will have to fork out a rather handsome $2,499 for it.

Source
[ Bartendro robot is an interesting mix, pardon the pun copyright by Coolest Gadgets ]

The Curiosity rover has been in an especially precarious position since late last week, when a memory glitch forced it into a safe mode while NASA prepared a backup and diagnosed the trouble. We’re glad to report that the worst is over. Scientists have confirmed that the rover left safe mode on later on Saturday and started using its high-gain antenna for communication a day later. However, it’s not quite out of the woods yet — if Mars had woods, that is. The backup is still taking on the information it needs to assume full responsibility, and NASA wants to evaluate the suitability of the one-time primary computer as the new backup. Nonetheless, all the early indicators point to Martian exploration going back on track within days.

Filed under: Robots, Science, Alt

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Source: Jet Propulsion Laboratory

Neato Robotics has unveiled the new XV Signature series robot vacuum cleaner. The company has also unveiled the XV Signature Pro with both new models featuring the company’s square front, low-profile design. The robotic vacuum cleaners are both designed to be able to go under furniture and into corners to pick up the most dirt and pet hair possible.

The vacuum cleaners are programmable allowing them to come on and clean on the schedule the owner programs. The vacuums can be set up for daily cleanings, spot cleanings, and will begin to clean instantly at the press of a button. Both of the robotic vacuum cleaners use advanced laser-guided navigation to map the room.

Using that information, the vacuum cleaners are able to choose the smartest cleaning path and the tech avoids stairs as well as furniture. The vacuum can return to its charging station to recharge its batteries and remember where it stopped cleaning allowing it to return after the batteries are full. The XV Signature series promised to pick up 50% more dust than previous models.

The high-powered vacuum picks up dirt, debris, pet hair, dander, and microscopic fibers. The vacuum will work on carpet, wood, tile, and rugs even if those rugs have fringe. The vacuum has integrated filters to remove allergens from the air in the home and particles down to 3 µ in size. The vacuum series use bagless designs. The XV Signature Pro will sell for $449 while the XV Signature sells for $399. The difference between the two models appears to be that the Pro has a combination brush and a blade brush for superior cleaning on multiple surface types.

[via Neato Robotics]

Neato Robotics XV Signature vacuums debut is written by Shane McGlaun & originally posted on SlashGear.
© 2005 – 2012, SlashGear. All right reserved.