Hasta La Gadget!

We’ve seen our fair share of Wall-E mods over the months, and yes, we’ve also seen an impressive papercraft creation or two. But frankly, we’ve never, ever seen a papercraft Wall-E, let alone a papercraft Wall-E that serves a purpose. TotoroYamada took the time to concoct what he describes as his own personal Mail-E, a servo-equipped paper robot that’s programed to check his inbox every few seconds and bust a move when a new message arrives. Cuteness overload is in full effect — just peek the videos after the break if you’ve any doubts.

Continue reading Papercraft Wall-E checks email, dances a jig when new message arrives

Filed under: Robots

Papercraft Wall-E checks email, dances a jig when new message arrives originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 22 Sep 2009 13:42:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

There is certainly no shortage of humanoid robots conspiring to attack your savings, but few look to offer the combination of tiny size and amazing dexterity of the Robovie-nano, the little guy from Vstone who is now shipping to would-be Dr. Frankensteins. He’s just 230mm tall (about nine inches) and weighs 575g (about a pound and a quarter), but looks to be at least as nimble as larger forebearers and is far cheaper than most, costing just ¥49,350 ($540) to start — less than a set of those sweet robot hands we spotted last week. For that you won’t get the optional “gripper shaft” mitts shown above, or the paintable Lexan bodywork he sports in the video after the break, but nobody ever said a robot needs clothes, right?

[Via Impress]

Continue reading Video: Vstone’s tiny Robovie-nano robot drives the lane, jumps, shoots, scores retail availability

Filed under: Robots

Video: Vstone’s tiny Robovie-nano robot drives the lane, jumps, shoots, scores retail availability originally appeared on Engadget on Fri, 18 Sep 2009 08:52:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

There’s “desperate for companionship,” and then there’s “just plain cool.” We’re going out on a limb here and suggesting that the scenario you see unfolding above is a case of the latter, with modder Carl developing a robotic partner that not only rides shotgun on this tandem bicycle, but also helps pedal. A PMG-132 electric motor is connected to Joules (that’s the robot, just so you know), and thanks to an array of nuts, bolts, joints and the promise of a better life in Carl’s garage, Joules has graciously agreed to help power the bike for as long as his owner decides to exercise. Trust us, there’s a truly touching video waiting for you after the break, and you’ll immediately lose five nerd points should you choose not to head down there and look.

Continue reading Video: Joules robot rides shotgun, helps pedal on two-person bicycle

Filed under: Transportation

Video: Joules robot rides shotgun, helps pedal on two-person bicycle originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 17 Sep 2009 21:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

It’s only been a few months since we heard from the whiz kids over at Boston Dynamics, and honestly, we’ve been waiting on pins and needles to see what miracle would emerge from its labs next. Said outfit has just been awarded a contract by Sandia to build the next generation of the Precision Urban Hopper, which will be a four-wheeled jumping robot that can navigate autonomously. When it rolls into battle, it’ll also be equipped with a single jumping leg, giving it the ability to hop over fences, giant humans, Gort or anything else that’s 25 feet tall. Best of all, testing and delivery is scheduled for late 2010, so if you were planning on getting on our bad side, you should probably have a look at the video past the break. Chances are you’ll be second guessing that urge.

[Via TG Daily]

Continue reading Video: Precision Urban Hopper leaps over fences, makes enemies cringe

Filed under: Robots

Video: Precision Urban Hopper leaps over fences, makes enemies cringe originally appeared on Engadget on Tue, 15 Sep 2009 10:46:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments

Is your poor robot getting by without digits? Without them the poor thing can’t greet others, catch ping pong balls, or dial up its cyber-shorties. You need the Melissa Hand from Crafthouse, a servo-driven mitt that’s just perfect for your little overlord-to-be. All five fingers open and close at the same time, so it’s not ideal for rude robo-gestures, but the videos after the break should give you an idea of what kind of trouble you can get into with the 60mm wide paw. The price? ¥60,000, or about $600. If that’s too rich you could always buy a single finger for around $50, but those who need the absolute best can spring for the so-called God Hand, a custom-made model that’s a bit smaller (45mm wide) and costs a whopping ¥180,000 — just shy of $2,000 for a set of left and right. For that kind of money we expect something a little more impressive.

[Via Boing Boing Gadgets, Impress]

Continue reading Video: Crafthouse’s Melissa robotic hand sounds sweet, looks menacing

Filed under: Robots

Video: Crafthouse’s Melissa robotic hand sounds sweet, looks menacing originally appeared on Engadget on Thu, 10 Sep 2009 08:53:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments