Servo - February 2009

Robytes

MSU students Kyle Koepf and Jonathan Luckhardt stare in simulated amazement at their creation. Photo by Jennifer Orlando.

(Its name is derived from the Zamboni, which performs a similar operation on ice.)

Measuring only 5 x 5 x 2 in ( 12. 7 x 12. 7 x 5 cm), it uses a suction fan to attach itself to a window and then moves across the surface on wheels and scrubs the pane with felt pads. Somehow it requires no solvents or paper towels to do the job.

Powered by AA batteries, it seems only a matter of time until Billy Mays starts hawking them on TV. But act now, and you'll get two Winbonis for only $29.99, plus we'll throw in a free Doorknob Snaffler, six whoopee cushions, and the "Elvis's Favorite Polkas" CD.

Animated version of the US Air Force's planned spy bugbot.

these sent out in a swarm,” he explained. “If we know there's a possibility of bad guys in a certain building, how do we find out? This would fill that objective.”

By identifying and assaulting adversaries more precisely, the robots would also help reduce or avoid civilian casualties. You don't need to put in titanium window screens anytime soon, though, as Parker doesn't expect to have bird-sized ones in operation until 2015, with insect-scale models following in 2030.

A Bot for Your Bathroom

The Airyusha Robotan toilet paper holder.

Finally, we wrap up with this month's most inane and pointless new product. It's not a robot, but it announces to your visitors (at least the ones who have sampled your Spam, bean, and habañero pepper burritos) that you are in a robot frame of mind. Devised by Japan's Airyusha Co. Ltd. ( www.air yusha.com), it may not be high-tech, but it is "made from high-quality, heavy-duty ceramic with vibrant colors," and it is said to work with all kinds of toilet paper. It even comes complete with a roll of 100% recycled paper "so you can start using Robotan right away." You can pick one up for only $49.99 at www.audiocubes.com. SV

MAVs to Bug Misc. Bad Guys

Building on the old “if I could be a fly on the wall” concept, the US Air Force is working on a swarm of flying spybots that can sneak into sensitive locations, record voices, transmit video, and perhaps even fire miniature weapons. Stories of such micro aerial vehicles (MAVs) have been around for a while, but this particular application has just recently been confirmed by Greg Parker, one of the researchers at Wright-Patterson AFB.“The way we envision it, there would be a bunch of