Wednesday, March 31, 2010

R-O-B-O-T-R-O-B-O-T-R-O-B-O-T-R-O-B-O-T

ROBONOVA-1 Humanoid Robot

The Robonova-1 Robot is a humanoid robot that can be used by educators, students, and robot hobbyist. This robot has the capability of running, walking, flipping, doing cartwheels, and much more. It can be programmed to compete in Class “J” competitions or to be used as an educational device. Available in two ways, it can be purchased as a kit so that you can build it yourself, or pre-assembled and ready to dance for instantaneous play.
Robonova-1 stands 12” high, and is controlled with 16 powerful HSR-8498 HB digital servos built specifically for the Robonova-1 by Hitec. Other specifications include, a Karbonite gear train, over-voltage current protection, and “setpin” appendages for easy assembly. The technology of Robonova-1 is considered “feedback” which enables simple programming by most ages.
Completely customizable, the Robonova-1 can be used with optional devices such as, speech synthesis modules, R/C transmitters and receivers, and Bluetooth. It contains a flexible and sophisticated interface that makes the Robonova-1 a robot lovers dream.
The battery is a rechargeable 5 cell environmentally friendly NiMH. It will allow the user up to 1 hour of operational time. There is an option to upgrade to a 7.4 volt 2 cell Lithium Polymer battery used with a 6 volt regulator, this can extend the operation time by two hours or more. It does include D/C to D/C charger features that protect the circuit preventing battery charging problems.
Robonova-1 is a must for all true robot enthusiasts.

The humanoid robot that enjoys bowling and dancing

robosapien v2
The advanced new Robosapien V2 – now standing almost 2 feet tall – has grown to nearly twice the size of his popular but primitive predecessor. His blue LED eyes light up, blink and track movements with infrared sensors, and they even recognize colors. His vision, touch sensors and stereoscopic hearing help Robosapien V2 interact with his environment with remarkable autonomy.
This new member of the robotic family comes with more advanced dynamic motion, interactive sensors, new program functions, speech capability, and a personality all his own. It’s clear from the start that he enjoys bowling, dancing, and having conversations.
Robosapien Version 2 is the next generation of Robosapien technology and personality from Wowwee. It is able to walk forward in four different styles, or gaits. He normally uses his IR vision and touch sensors built into his feet and hands to avoid obstacles, but if put into bulldozer mode, he will walk forward or backward and try to push his way through anything.
RobosapienV2 has been designed with a full range of motion. He can turn his head just like humans. So, too, can he turn at the hips and can move them forward and back and from side to side. RobosapienV2 can move each arm independently, and his hands can grab, pick up, and throw light objects, such as the included bowling balls and pins. He even comes preprogrammed with a selection of dance moves.
RobosapienV2 is equipped with a powerful vision system that lets him track the movement of objects in his field of view by moving his head and body. He will react differently to things based on their distance from his sensors. He uses his onboard color camera to identify primary colors and skin tones. This helps him identify his bowling ball and pins, and bowling is his favorite game. His ability to detect skin tones helps him know when people are waving to him or when it’s time to shake hands.
He also has hearing sensors that help him detect people in his proximity, tilt sensors that interrupt most functions to prevent damage should he fall, and grip sensors that tell him whether he’s been successful in picking up an object.

Do it yourself – Intelligent Humanoid

Do it yourself - Intelligent Humanoid robot
Building my own robot was one of my dreams since I was a kid. Now, LEGO has narrowed the gap between that dream and reality. With the LEGO Mindstorms NXT, you can build your own robot in different forms like scorpion,humanoid or even an alien life form(use your imagination)
The brain of the ‘toy’ is LEGO’s NXT, a 32-bit command center that can be programmed using a computer via USB or Bluetooth. The brain is nothing without its arms and legs. With a total of 519 specially selected LEGO TECHNIC elements and equipped model-specific building instructions, you can choose to build on different models ( Roverbot, Scorpio; Robotic Arm; Humanoid; Clock; )
Sure there are some neat robots that are available to the consumers out there but nothing compares to the fulfillment of a dream.


Honda’s ASIMO “The World’s Most Advanced Humanoid Robot”

The technology behind Honda’s ASIMO Humanoid Robot is cutting edge. In 1986 Honda engineers began creating a walking robot. The focus was on simulating the same walk as a human. Once that was achieved they began working on stabilization to enable stair climbing and independent balance on each leg. A body, head, and arms were attached to improve balance but soon became part of the robots functionality. The original prototype was 6’2” and 386 lbs. but now they have improved the ASIMO with a more user friendly design, standing 5’2” and weighing 287 lbs. Today the ASIMO is a fully functional walking, running, stair climbing, humanoid robot with the capabilities of reaching for an object and grasping it gently. Using its camera eyes, it can recognize faces, map the environment for stationary objects, and avoid moving obstacles. The ASIMO is by far one of the most ingenious robots today.
The ASIMO is designed to operate in real world settings, helping people reach for things, pick up things, and carry items from one room to another even navigating through stairs. The ASIMO’s abilities were an incredible challenge for Honda designers. The use of 34 Degrees of Freedom makes the ASIMO have such human like motions. Combined with lightweight material, like magnesium alloy structure, and 34 servo motors, the ASIMO is almost as functional as a human. After two decades of working with powerful computers, sophisticated software, and latest structural design Honda engineers came up with the ASIMO.
Currently the ASIMO is used for educational purposes they demonstrate the robots capabilities in classrooms to ignite children’s interests in science.