Some dudes at fuRo (Future Robotics Technology Center) have successfully developed the WIND (Wireless Intelligent Networked Device), which is a wearable robot controller. The device allows you to control the robot using your movements. There are several sensors in the vest that will translate your movements into commands that will wirelessly control a robot. The WIND uses a SiP (System in Package) chip, which offers the full functionality of a personal computer on a single semiconductor. Watch the video after the jump to get more details. Read more
Asus has entered the robotic vacuum cleaner market by releasing the ECleaner. The robot comes with a 6000-hour UV light that will help disinfect the floor. It also has a slot that is used for spreading fragrance. The ECleaner is expected to be out in China and Taiwan by the end of this month for about $150 each. Watch the video after the jump. Read more
If you are too busy to clean your own house, then you can let the Samsung Tango to do the task. This robot vacuum will help you clean your floors, scrub your carpets and even tidy your furniture too. The Tango comes equipped with 13 sensors, which includes a 30fps camera and a crash sensor that sends out 26 to 6000 bursts to protect it from crashes. You can also control the robot using a remote control if necessary. Samsung’s Tango robot vacuum is currently available in South Korea for between $425 to $600 each. [Unplggd]
Japanese company RayTron has designed a household robot called Chapit, which comes equipped with the voiice-recognition technology allowing it to respond to spoken phrases and commands. The microphone in its large ears can pick up around 1000 words of voice commands and its embedded speaker and speech synthesis function allow it to respond using a database of associated words and phrases. Chapit also communicates using simple gestures and facial expressions. Watch the video after the jump. Read more
Samsung has successfully developed a robot vacuum cleaner that will be a competitor to the iRobot 560 Roomba. Known as the Samsung Furot II, the robot has a built in camera to help avoid any obstacles on its path. It even has a memory that works when the Furot II is off. So if you have surpassed its 90 minutes worth of cleaning time on its battery, you can recharge it and the Furot will pick up where it left off. No word on pricing or availability so far. [Newlaunches]
Wildfire fighting is one of the most physically challenging task that human being faces today. Autonomous machines can operate faster and more efficiently while keeping people away from the hard, dirty and dangerous jobs. Designed by Aydin Mert, the Autonomous Fire Guard comes equipped with laser scanners, IR cameras and radar to cut through the smoke during fire. The robot is a perfect assistant for firefighters. Sadly, there is no further info on when it will go into mass production. [Yanko]
Co-funded by the European Commission, the Dustbot is a US$3.9 million project that aims to create a moderately-sized trash collector robot that can navigate through narrow streets that huge garbage trucks can’t reach. The Dustbot can also analyze the quality of the surrounding air using its sensors to measure the amount of pollutants like sulfur oxide, benzene, ozone, and nitrogen oxide. I hope that the Dustbot will be equipped with a self defense system that can protect itself from thieves who want to steal this expensive robot. Video after the jump. Read more
Japanese giant Panasonic has designed a robot that will help pharmacists to give out drugs to patients. The robot will be connected to electronic medical records and will scuttle around Japanese hospitals picking up prescriptions from patients. In a hospital with 400 beds, the robotic drug dealer will finish the job in only two hours, compared to the four hours it will take for a skilled pharmacist to complete the task. These robots will be available in Europe and the States very soon. The company has plans to develop other medical robots that will help old people move around. [Newlaunches]
The HAL Robotic Exoskeleton is officially going into production. Priced at $4200, this exoskeleton could change the lives of people with degenerative muscle diseases, or accident victims to regain basic mobility. Its battery can hold up to five hours of operation time. Video after the jump. Read more
Honda Research Institute Japan Co. Ltd, Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International and Shimadzu Corporation have worked together to develop the World’s first Brain Machine Interface. Using this technology, you can control your robot with the help of your thoughts. It does not even require any physical movements such as pressing buttons. The newly developed measuring device uses EEG and NIRS sensors and it can be transported to and used in various locations. Video after the jump. Read more
