Servo - July 2008

Robytes

can also pan, zoom, or modify the view in any direction. For a video demonstration that may affect your ability to keep lunch down, visit www.prosurgics.com/prosurgics_ endoassist.htm.

Uribot Tends Kobe Airport

Finally, the strangest application of robotics of late would be Dasubee, a bot designed specifically to clean urinals. One is already operating in the Kobe, Japan airport. An astute observer will note that it resembles an elephant. Designer Susumu Kanai revealed that this design was inspired by the pachyderm’s trunk, which resembles the powerful water cannon employed by the bot. The ears are handles, the eyes are the start and stop buttons, and its little yellow hat is the filler cap for the 13 gal ( 50 l)

tank. Reportedly, using specially developed antibacterial detergent, Dasubee can shine up a fouled privy in only 10 seconds.

If you’re still reluctant to buy one, consider that Kanai has included “a vacuum function to breathe in a scraper and the water of the floor to be able to wash the dirt scattered to the floor together on the function side.” (Something may have been lost in the translation.) You can pick one up for only one million yen (about $9,500). SV

Dasubee, the urinal bot and its proud operator. Photo courtesy of Impress Watch Corp.

STEER WINNING ROBOTS

WITHOUT SERVOS!

Perform proportional speed, direction, and steering with only two Radio/Control channels for vehicles using two separate brush-type electric motors mounted right and left with our mixing RDFR dual speed control. Used in many successful competitive robots. Single joystick operation: up goes straight ahead, down is reverse. Pure right or left twirls vehicle as motors turn opposite directions. In between stick positions completely proportional. Plugs in like a servo to your Futaba, JR, Hitec, or similar radio. Compatible with gyro steering stabilization. Various volt and amp sizes available. The RDFR47E 55V 75A per motor unit pictured above. www.vantec.com