Robotic perception kit allows you to experience what it feels robot endowed with only an ultrasonic sonar and infrared sensor. Kit for robot perception of the world, created by Paul Granzhonom (Paul Granjon), includes goggles, a helmet and an electronic device that allows a person to see the world through the eyes of a small robot.

I must say that glasses are absolutely transparent, so people are deprived of the visual perception of the world and in the same way as the robot can not “see the world through the eyes” in the truest sense of the word.

The helmet is equipped with an ultrasonic sensor and an infrared beacon, which are connected with LEDs “blind” glasses. The ultrasonic sensor sends an LED panel located inside points, information on the obstacles encountered on the road, while the IR beacon indicates if there is anywhere around other people in similar glasses or robots.

If the sensors detect another robot, the corresponding LED illuminates and people in the “blind” glasses may, in accordance with information given to him to act like a robot.

The participants of this interaction can be both people in a “blind” glasses, and real mobile robots, equipped with the same sensors as the sensors on the helmet-men robots: mobile robots, and people involved in the experiment can detect each other in space and interact in the program.

Skitterbot claimed as a small-legged robot which is the fastest and is available commercially. This robot is controlled and rechargeable via USB port. Well, if you want to play with him, for every 15 minutes usage, Skitterbot require battery recharging time for 30 minutes

Robots are available in three colors and transparent variants have different frequencies, so they can compete to run or fight. Unfortunately, this Skitterbot has no censorship and more preferably at the level of speed like a real cockroach.

Although this looks funny but the robot is very agile with the ability to jump up to 10 meters and ran the speed of 1.9 mph, Skitterbot managed to frighten those around them. Quoted from Cnet, on Thursday (09/01/2010), the robot cockroaches were sold at 19.99 U.S. Dollar

Check the following Skitterbot video:

Wowwee’s Roboreptile is an often startling robotic toy that, once you get the hang of its wonky controls, is actually pretty fun. Like other Wowwee robots, there’s a preprogrammed animation that goes off when it is first powered up. It’s impressive: growling, snapping jaws and a whipping tail. In short, Roboreptile looks like something out of the future and moves like something out of the past.

The Roboreptile has infrared “vision” sensors where its eyes would be and stereo “hearing” sensors on the sides of its face. Its sounds, though a bit tinny, are menacing. During a tail swipe, it lets out a sort of Eagle cry, harkening back to the shared avian/reptile ancestry.

Controlling the Monster
Controlling the Roboreptile with the remote is a bit of a strain. First, because the remote uses an infrared beam and the pick-up sensor is located in its head. You won’t be able to control it from far away, and it’s difficult to control while walking away from you. Roboreptile will keep executing a command until it receives a new remote command.

Second, each button on the remote has two alternate functions: an attack set and a program set. When the remote is on the program setting, the alternate functions light up in red for each button but, for some reason, when the remote is in the attack setting, we’re left to refer to the instruction manual (or our own memories) for that set’s functions. For example, to make the roboreptile bite, you first have to get the remote into attack mode by pressing the select button until the remote display turns green. Then you press the button marked “Roam.”

Another counter-intuitive thing about the controls is that the left and right buttons respectively make its left and right legs move, turning him in the opposite direction. I expected the left button would make him turn left, but instead it turns him right. The instructions also say that it can make both stationary and forward turns but I could only manage to execute stationary turns.

Control issues aside, it is genuinely alarming–in a Jurassic Park sort of way–when this little beast lunges at and tries to bite your foot.

From Satisfied to Hungry in 60 Seconds
Roboreptile can be operated in direct control, free roam, and program modes. Direct control is its natural state, where the user becomes puppeteer, moving it with the remote control. There is a surprising range of motion for this robot. It can walk forward on four legs or two, jump, swipe its tail from side to side, bite, shake, and even look dizzy, as though it had just been smacked by a bigger dino. It even has different walking gaits: fast, slow, big steps, small steps.

It’ll go into free roam mode after a few minutes without controller input or if the “touch sensor” (actually just a button) on its back is pressed. It avoids obstacles by backing up and trying a different angle and exhibits three different moods: Hungry, Satisfied, and Hooded. Hungry is its natural state, agressive and snappy. Satisfied comes after it’s eaten–in this case, gone through a feeding animation cycle where it crows and snaps its jaw–and this makes it lethargic for about a minute before it’s hungry again. Using the included hood, or cowl, to snap over its vision and hearing sensors and effectively put him in sleep mode.

There’s also a program mode where you can enter a series of up to 20 steps. Think of it as dance choreography, only with tail swipes and biting. You can put Roboreptile into guard mode, where it’ll sit upright, poised for attack. If anything gets picked up by its sensors (passes within inches of its face), it will let out a growl and lunge in that direction. Its hearing is better than its sight (wasn’t that the case with dinosaurs, too?), so in the guarded state, it’ll react to a slamming door or a whistle with a howl and swinging its neck from side to side.

Parents should note that Roboreptile comes with two volume settings: loud and soft. We tested it on a hardwood floor and kitchen countertop and noticed that, even on the soft setting, its hard plastic thumps and servo motor whirs still created a sizeable ruckus. –Porter B. Hall

Product Features

• The ultimate herpetological species. Don’t be fooled by this beast’s size — he is fast, ferocious, cunning and intelligent.
• A sly and ruthless creature, Roboreptile uses advanced technology for greater intelligence. He can be programmed with movements and animations and is packed with personality.
• Roboreptile’s powerful infrared vision and sonic sensors swiftly alert him to disturbances in his environment. In Guard Mode they make him a formidable sentry. In Free Roam his sharp sensory systems make him a ruthless predator.
• Roboreptile can be extremely hostile or harmless, alert or asleep. He has four moods aggressive, ferocious, passive or tammed. Can be controlled directly, programmed or put into Free Roam, Demo Mode, Guard Mode or Sleep Mode.

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Product Features

• Serial version
• Includes BASIC Stamp 2 microcontroller
• Breadboard and Servo motor ports let you plug in your electronic components with no soldering needed
• Reprogrammable robot kit
• Can be assembled in 2 hours

Technical Details

• Includes programming cable, sensors, and all necessary hardware

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Get hands-on experience with gears, batteries, motors, and electronic circuits as you build your own robotic beetle.

• Build this robotic “Kabuto Mushi” (Rhinoceros Beetle) from the ground up
• Learn valuable insights into gear structure, battery wiring, motor principles, electronic circuits and circuit block diagrams
• Easy-to-build kit – perfect for students, teachers and hobbyists
• 4 motors control robotic movements
• Full-function 8-channel infrared controller
• Control its movements – even extend and clasp its claw
• No soldering required
• Complete illustrated instructions

Bring science to life with this fun, engaging build-your-own-robot kit.

Product Features

• Build this robotic “Kabuto Mushi” (Rhinoceros Beetle) from the ground up
• Learn valuable insights into gear structure, battery wiring, motor principles, electronic circuits and circuit block diagrams
• Easy-to-build kit ? perfect for students, teachers and hobbyists
• Complete illustrated instructions
• No soldering required

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If you want to engineer a satellite tracking system someday, you have to start somewhere. How about learning circuitry with a Line-Tracking Mouse? This 6″ x 4-1/2″ robot has a transparent mouse-shaped plastic case over its electronics, making him almost 3″ tall. He has (3) photo interrupters that project infrared rays and distinguish between black and white. Assemble him and watch him follow a black stripe that you’ve drawn on white paper. The challenging kit involves soldering, but contains illustrated instructions and all the necessary electronic and mechanical parts to complete it. You provide household tools, soldering equipment, and (4) “AA” batteries. Only for ages 12 and up. Basic soldering skills required.Product Features

• Tracker. If you want to engineer a satellite tracking system someday, you have to start somewhere.
• How about learning circuitry with a Line-Tracking Mouse? This 6″ x 4-1/2″ robot has a transparent mouse-shaped plastic case over its electronics, making him almost 3″ tall.
• He has (3) photo interrupters that project infrared rays and distinguish between black and white. Assemble him and watch him follow a black stripe that you’ve drawn on white paper.
• The challenging kit involves soldering, but contains illustrated instructions and all the necessary electronic and mechanical parts to complete it. You provide household tools, soldering equipment, and (4) “AA” batteries.
• Only for ages 12 and up. Basic soldering skills required.

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If Mio Pup is making eyes at you, it’s because that’s how he communicates. This robotic Rover can walk, talk, play music, and more. And he lets you know exactly what he wants with his more than 100 “eye-cons”–images that light up in his eyes to express moods like happiness, hunger, love, and surprise. Standing about 10 inches tall, the futuristic friend is an interactive companion that uses technology to let owners know how he’s feeling.

Four touch sensors let Mio Pup know when you are petting him (and, again, his eyes will tell you how much he likes it). Tickling him under his chin may cause him to strut, wag his tail, wiggle his ears, or even play music. When Mio Pup’s eyes tell you that he’s hungry, you can “feed” him the included magnetic bone until his eye-con lets you know he’s had his fill.

Similar to a real pet, the more attention you give Mio Pup, the more he’ll appreciate you. Stroke his head, chin, or back and he’ll walk toward you for more petting. A built-in microphone lets the purple pooch know when you are talking and he will reply with his own babbling or by playing musical tunes. The Mio Pup requires four AA batteries, which are included.

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Robosapien Version 2 is the next generation of Robosapien technology and personality from Wowwee. 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.

Movement
RobosapienV2 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.

Beyond controlling him manually with the included remote controller, RobosapienV2 can explore his environment independently in free roam mode. You can also direct his movements by using the remote’s targeting feature–just point the beam to a spot on the floor and he will walk toward it.

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.

Sensors
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.

Programming
RobosapienV2 can be programmed to move in many different ways. You simply enter moves into the program using controller commands, and RobosapienV2 will remember them in order. You can enter walking steps, arm and upper body movements, demos and animations, and even program subroutines. Once he’s in guard mode, RobosapienV2 will execute the program if he hears a sharp noise or senses movement in front of him. The little guy faithfully remembers his program, even after being shut off, until he’s reprogrammed or reset.

Robo Companions
RobosapienV2 can interact with other Wowwee robots, such as the Robopet and the Roboraptor. Just have the robots face each other and watch for surprising interactions.

From the Manufacturer
Robosapien V2 is a highly evolved robotic fusion of technology and personality with multiple levels of environmental interaction, with humans and objects.

Product Description
Amaze your friends with this highly evolved fusion of technology and personality. He can walk, talk and even recognize you!

• A full 24″ tall…10″ taller than the first Robosapien
• Fully autonomous in free-roam mode
• Fully controllable and programmable by remote control
• Multiple levels of environmental interaction with humans and objects
• Sight, sound and touch senses
• Humanoid body movements
• Can bend, sit, stand, lie down, get up, wave and do martial arts
• Finely tuned hands let him pick up, drop and even throw objects
• Responds verbally to environmental stimuli and to controller commands
• Recognizes colors and skin tones
• Interacts with objects and people
• Hears and reacts to sounds
• Fully equipped with infra-red radar vision
• Realistic turning head with animated LED eyes
• Detects and avoids obstacles and table edges
• Tracks moving objects
• Laser tracking technology — follows a path traced on the ground
• True bi-pedal walking with multiple gaits
• Articulated fingers for precision gripping
• Can issue commands to Roboraptor and Robopet (sold separately)
• Includes videogame-style remote controller
• 90-day manufacturer’s warranty

Robosapien V2 has a one-of-a-kind attitude-filled personality that makes him an engaging companion, day in and day out.

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Easy Programming and Flexible Applications
Programming is simple with the supplied RoboScript and RoboBasic software, which upload programming to the robot via the included PC interface cable. Beginners to robot programming technology will find it a snap to use the supplied RoboScript programming software. Without knowing any programming language at all users can create operational subroutines with the click of a mouse. Meanwhile, you can use the RoboRemocon software to control your Robonova I with the operational data created with RoboScript.

RoboBasic, a programming tool based on the Basic programming language, is provided for more advanced users. Containing specific commands for simple robot operation, RoboBasic can also be used in conjunction with RoboScript to increase the performance of the supplied Micom controller board.

The simplest way to program the Robonova I is with the “catch and play” function. Using RoboScript or RoboBasic, just move the robot into any position and click the mouse to “capture” that position. Move the robot into another position and repeat the process. The software then links these captured positions and once activated, smoothly transitions the robot’s movements through these programmed positions.

Functional Extensions
The Robonova I can be retrofitted with several accessory modules and ancillary items to customize its functionality. By adding additional servos and brackets, the head and waist can turn and “gripping” hands can be used. Gyros, acceleration sensors, speech functions, R/C control accessories and more can also be added as they become available.

Battery and Charger
Powering the Robonova I is a 5-cell, environmentally friendly NiMH rechargeable battery that delivers around one hour of operational time. Other battery options can include 7.4 volt 2-cell Lithium Polymer battery packs when used with a 6-volt regulator. The included D/C to D/C charger features a protection circuit to help prevent battery charging mishaps.

What’s in the Box
MR-3024 Micro controller board for 24 servos, 16 digital HSR-8498HB servos, re-chargeable NiMH battery and charger, RoboBasic programming software and manual, PC serial port programming interface cable, Remocon IR controller, assembly guide, and user’s manual.

Product Description
Hitec Robotics is proud to announce ROBONOVA-I. This exciting new humanoid robot offers educators, students and robotic hobbyists a complete robot package. The stable ROBONOVA-I can walk, run, do flips, cartwheels, dance moves and once programmed, is ready to compete in any Robo One Class “J� competition. Available two ways, as a kit, so you can enjoy building your robot yourself, or as a pre-assembled, “RTW�, “ready to walk� instant gratification robot.

Easy to Build
Your ROBONOVA-I kit was designed for easy assembly in 6 to 8 hours using only a screwdriver.

Control Boards
Micom Board with Flexible Interface
The control board is the heart of the ROBONOVA-I. Secured to the back of the robot under a strong plastic case, the control board can operate up to 24 servos and 16 accessory modules. Optional devices will eventually include gyro’s, acceleration sensors, speech synthesis modules and operational devices such as Bluetooth controllers and R/C transmitters and receivers. This flexible and sophisticated interface allows the user to customize ROBONOVA-I into the robot of their dreams.

Metal Framework
The custom gold anodized metal servo brackets serve as strong and lightweight exoskeleton. ROBONOVA-I also features durable plastic body case components that protect the control board and battery from damage.

Battery and Charger
Powering the ROBONOVA-I is a 5 cell, environmentally friendly NiMH rechargeable battery that delivers around 1 hour of operational time. Other battery options can include 7.4 volt 2 cell Lithium Polymer battery packs when used with a 6 volt regulator. The included D/C to D/C charger features a protection circuit to help prevent battery charging mishaps.

Product Features

• Advanced robot for students, hobbyists, and educators
• Gold anodized metal servo brackets serve as strong and lightweight exoskeleton
• Controlled with 16 powerful HSR-8498HB digital servos; includes IR controller
• Micom control board can operate up to 24 servos and 16 accessory modules
• Simple programming with supplied RoboScript and RoboBasic software

Technical Details

• Model number: 77003
• Height: 12.5 inches
• Weight: 47 ounces
• Micro controller board: MR-3024
• Servos: 16
• Battery: NiMH
• PC connectivity: Serial port
• IR controller: Yes
• What’s in the box: MR-3024 Micro controller board for 24 servos, 16 digital HSR-8498HB servos, re-chargeable NiMH battery and charger, RoboBasic programming software and manual, PC serial port programming interface cable, Remocon IR controller, assembly guide, user’s manual

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Out of the Box
The main part of the kit is the NXT itself. It’s about the size of an iPod (though a bit thicker) with a a loudspeaker, a monochrome LCD, and navigation keys on the front. This is the controller for the robot–it’s brain, if you will. It has three ports on top for connecting to the servo motors and four ports on the bottom for connecting to four different sensors: Touch, Light, Sound, and Ultrasonic (see detail below).

The NXT: the computer-controlled brain of the Mindstorms robot Touch Sensor: enables the robot to feel and react to its environment Sound Sensor: enables the robot to react to sound Light Sensor: can detect light and color Ultrasonic Sensor: allows the robot to measure distance and react to movement Servo Motors: ensures the robot moves with precision

The set includes Ethernet-like wires for connecting all of these to the NXT, as well as software and a basic USB cable for downloading programs from your computer. Then there are all the Lego parts, hundreds of them, and most are very small. It would be a good idea to get a plastic organizer for the different parts–it would not only make construction and storage easier but also part loss less likely.

Hitting the Bricks
The instructions for MNXT are simple, illustrated, and they gently take the new user on an introductory path through the system. The quick start guide promises a 30-minute robot building and programing intro, though for me it was closer to 50 (I’m a little old and slow). It starts with a simple diagnostic routine which shows you how to test the function of all sensors, then proceeds to step-by-step picture instructions for building a basic first robot. It’s about as complex as building a piece of Ikea furniture.

Next, I installed the software. Be sure to check the system requirements (below). The software is well-designed and very intuitive. It comes with built-in video instructions on how to create your first simple program and download it to your NXT.

Bringing It To Life
Programming is the real gem in this system. It has a drag-and-drop interface using pre-programmed objects that you pull from a palette and snap to other objects. Each object is configurable. For example, the Sound object brings up a sub-window that allows you to choose between a tone and a list of sound files, set the volume, set duration, and so on. Little Lego bricks between the objects reinforce the idea that building a NXT program is like building a Lego model. Programming this way is much easier than, say, creating a web page from scratch. Lego even offers a software development kit for getting deeper into the programming.

There comes a genuine thrill from seeing something you’ve created–even something simple and silly as my first program–come to life in a robot. It’s akin to seeing yourself on TV for the first time. I played that program a dozen times.

The software contains “challenges,” which are similar step-by-step instructions for creating and programming more complex models, such as a robotic arm that can “perform simple tasks and react to different colors.” Each challenge is divided into smaller tasks with step-by-step building, programming, and testing guides for each task.

Accessing your latest program once it’s downloaded to the NXT is pretty easy. Lego has set it up so that you can execute it by pressing the big orange center button four times in a row after start-up. I was surprised to find out that you don’t need a computer to program the NXT. You can program directly into the NXT Program submenu.

Bluetooth Ready
The NXT also has built-in Bluetooth wireless technology. If your computer has Bluetooth, you can test and download programs to the NXT without connecting the USB cable–a really handy feature if you’re programming a complicated dance routine and you don’t want your robot getting tripped up in cables. If your phone or PDA has Bluetooth, you might be able to use your device to control the robot. Best of all, Bluetooth allows you to create a network of up to three NXT devices. Think of the possibilities: three NXTs plus three sets of blocks and sensors equals bigger, more complex robots.

My one and only complaint is that I wish the sensors had more “studs,” those little round parts that allows Lego bricks to interlock. –Porter B. Hall

Product Description
Bow to the next generation of LEGO Mindstorms  now, with a 32-bit processor, redesigned sensors, Bluetooth and more.Features:

• LEGO’s newest robot-building kit, with greatly improved functionality
• 32-bit command center with large LCD, USB 2.0 and Bluetooth interfaces that allow robots to walk, talk and interact with their environment
• Technic blocks (“studless legos”) create a more human, less boxy look
• Intuitive GUI and drag-and-drop icons are PC- and Mac-friendly
• Redesigned touch and light sensors, new sound sensor and ultrasonic sensor
• Now with three motors  redesigned for smoother, more reliable operation
• 6-wire digital cables for more precise connections
• 5 main themes (8 different models)  Vehicle: Roverbot, Animal, Scorpio; Machine: Robotic Arm; Human: Humanoid; Gadgets: Clock, Music, Game and Movers
• Models are all built within the LEGO Technic System

Includes:

• 577 pieces
• Quickstart Guide helps you build a robot ready for action within 30 minutes
• Model-specific building instructions, tips and tricks, testing methods and programming options
• Easy-to-use software
• Test panel

The power of the LEGO building system, an intelligent command center and easy-to-use, drag and drop programming software unleash the power of your robot-building imagination.

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