bots IN BRIEF
STAYING IN (iPod) TOUCH
Robovie mR2 is a 30 cm tall humanoid robot developed at Japan’s ATR Robotics and
Communication Laboratories. It sports 18 joints (three in each eye, three in the head,
four in each arm, one in the back), 18 servo motors, CCD sensor 3. 4 MP camera, two
microphones, and a mono speaker (2W). The real trick is the communication channel is
established through an iPod Touch that you need to place into its chest. It is not only
possible to control this little companion by touching the screen of the iPod Touch but
also via Wi-Fi (802.11b/g) or Bluetooth. According to ATR, it can communicate the info from your iPod Touch to you by his
gestures. Unfortunately, it is not commercialized yet. However, ATR states they are considering that.
GIVE THEM A HAND
Launched at the International Society for Prosthetics and
Orthotics (ISPO) in Leibzig, Germany by the UK-based company
Bebionic, this myo-electric hand fully integrates a wireless chip, 19
different silicone skin tones (so the skin tone of the hand can
easily blend in with the user), as well as fully customizable
functions to control speed, grip force, and grip pattern. It
supersedes past mechanical hands which were capable of
flexion/extension whereas this is reportedly capable of rotational
articulation.
This myo-electric hand is so sophisticated that you can play
piano with it, play Jenga, and even do sign language. You can also
grasp various objects such as a can of soda, a bouncy ball, and
wooden blocks.
MAKE MINE A DOUBLE
Joining Tosy on the Vietnam bandwagon is their first humanoid waiter
robot “ Topio Dio” who was unveiled at Automatica 2010 (International
Trade Fair for AUtomation and Mechatronics) in Germany.
Developed as a service robot — or as so-called “Skillful Bartender and
Waiter” — Topio Dio is 125 cm tall and weighs 45 kg. It is equipped with
28 joints, three wheels, a built-in camera and sensor, and is controlled via
Wi-Fi.Although the price has not been disclosed, apparently it is only about
25% of the cost for similar products on the market.
22 SERVO 11.2010
