Here to begin the week with some robotic shenanigans, is this video sent in by our friend Robert Oschler…

Hello Judie,

The best way to start a Monday is with a smile. Pleo rides the Roomba, complete with matching surfing attire:

This video is from Pleo world member Maggie44n. Everyone can read more fun stories about her Pleos Linus & Schroeder on her plog.

Robert
RobotsRule.com

I’m in the midst of finalizing my Paris packing, but I wanted to share this tidbit from Robert Oschler before I leave…

Hey Judie,

I ran across this funny and heartwarming story of a family and their Robosapien V2.  I’d tell you more but I don’t want to ruin the surprise for you by giving you too much detail.  Take a moment and relax while reading this funny Robosapien V2 story that proves once again truth is stranger than fiction:

http://charlieinwonderland.com/?p=481

Thanks,
Robert

Those of us with kids will likely be able to relate.

It’s always a good robot day when Robert Oschler drops us a line, and today is no different. I had this little surprise waiting in my inbox this afternoon, and I couldn’t wait to share…

Hello Judie,

As part of a WowWee’s new “Insider Video” series, they released just minutes ago a pair of videos that give an advanced peek at some of Femisapien’s more advanced features. The first shows WowWee uber-inventor Mark Tilden showing just how easy and it is to script Femisapien simply by moving her body around (posing). The second shows how the scripting-by-posing can be used to create scripts that show truly intricate movements in the setting of a Femisapien fencing match. The Femisapiens aren’t really fighting each other since it’s all scripted and they are not tracking each others movements and then striking at a target, it does make the point strongly of just how nimble she is and just how easy it is to create fun skits with her that involve advanced body movements.

Note: The E.M.A. robot recently announced by Sega Robots is really WowWee’s Femisapien, which will be released shortly in the USA for a suggested retail of $99 (USD).

Continue Reading

Robert Oschler, the unparalleled guru of all things robotic, has just sent us a video of WowWee’s new robot, Wrex the Dawg. With a description like this, how could you not be tempted to peek?

Wrex The Dawg is WowWee’s new, hilarious, ill-mannered robot dog. With an appearance that resembles Frankenstein’s Dog if he were assembled from a disjointed set of junkyard parts, and a face not even a mother could love, you can’t help but laugh the moment you see him.  Some say comedy is the art of understanding the rules of a good drama and then breaking them.  If so, this robot dog breaks all of the rules.  He is absolutely terrible at being a dog and even worse at being a robot.   If it will make you laugh then Wrex will do it, and he doesn’t care how many rules he breaks along the way. He breaks down frequently on purpose. Some times he acts like a cat, other times he insults them.  He farts better than any robot alive and threatens to “tinkle on” nearly every object in your house (a groundless threat since Wrex The Dawg is without the necessary equipment, but it’s the thought that counts!) In short, Wrex The Dog is the silliest robot you’ll ever love!

Continue Reading

This came in today from Robert Oschler, our very own robotic mad scientist…

Hey Judie,

Here’s brand new detailed coverage on WowWee’s upcoming Tri-Bot robot, which we created after playing with him solid for several days:

We just released an In-depth video review that covers the important features and capabilities of the latest successor in WowWee’s Robosapien line of robots, the Tri-Bot. When you combine Tri-Bot’s ability to be driven merely by tilting his remote control along with his unique three wheel base, the net result is a simple to own and easy to love robot with amazing mobility not seen before in consumer robots. This YouTube video will show you these cool features, several of his fun and useful behavior modes, and tell you about the games Tri-Bot can play with you:

Continue Reading

It’s been a little while since I heard from Robert Oschler, the guru of all things robotic, but today I had a happy surprise in my inbox…

Hey Judie,

They don’t get any cuter than this.

Here’s a video that shows what happens when a Jurassic Park renegade robot dinosaur meets a family of Dolphins at Sea World.  The fun begins at the 2:00 minute mark when the dolphins crowd the exhibit glass to get a gander at Pleo:

The Pleo in the video is Pixie, who belongs to Pleo World member Siren.  Here’s a link to her Plog (Pleo blog).

Thanks,
Robert
RobotsRule.com

Say it with me now…awwww!

What’s the first thing you think of when you think of Microsoft? I bet it’s not simulated robotics leagues. But from now on it just might be, as today they are unveiling RoboChamps.

According to the information I received, “RoboChamps is built on top of the Microsoft Robotics Developer Studio(MSRDS) 2008 CTP, and uses that product’s robust, physics enabled simulation environment to remove the barriers of entry that exist for many today. This simulated league provides individuals with immersive 3-d environments, simulated versions of robots, and compelling scenario-specific challenges where they can win real robots.”

You have to be 18 to enter, but otherwise…game on.

Continue Reading

Ugobe is set to release their second software update this month for their robotic baby Pleosaur, which will make him (or her) “more animated, interactive, and expressive through a wider range of responses, motions, and sounds.”

As you’ll recall, the first update was on March 4th, and it was to “allow Pleo to be more animated, interactive, and expressive through a wider range of responses, motions, and sounds.”

I’m pretty impressed that Ugobe is cranking out their upgrades with such regularity.

Plindar has informed me that he would prefer I hurry up and do the upgrade, as he is all about expressing himself. If your Pleo is giving you the “me-too” eye, you can get your update here.

Continue Reading

I was impressed by the Sony QRIO robots in Beck’s “Hell Yes” video, but the new Akazawa PLEN has just taken robotics to a whole new level. According to AC Gears, a site that will have some to sell, his name is PLEN, “which is derived from the English word “Plain”, [as] he is highly adored for sleekness and simplicity.”

PLEN is “a limited edition and only 50 units will be made by Akazawa Japan. Further production depends on demand, making PLEN not only one of the most versatile, but also the rarest on the market.” Watch the video and then I’ll tell you how much this little guy is going to cost…

Continue Reading

I’ll be doing this to my Pleo, Plindar, a little bit later this week, but most of you with baby dino robots won’t want to wait. Ugobe has released its first update for Pleo, and it looks to be pretty significant.

According to Ugobe, this update will “will allow Pleo to be more animated, interactive, and expressive through a wider range of responses, motions, and sounds. ” All this without changing your Pleosaur’s personality.

Sounds great, right? Get it here.

Continue Reading