Robots Blog

Shayang Ye Industrial flew in from Taiwan to exhibit some interesting servos, motors, and other robot components at IREX 2009, including their Iron Egg series of humanoids developed to demonstrate what can be accomplished with their technology.

The AFP video report below includes a good interview segment with Bruno Maisonnier, the founder and CEO of Aldebaran Robotics and creator of the NAO humanoid robot selected as the platform for RoboCup soccer. Starting at the 1:20 mark in the video, Maisonnier explains how the French approach to robotics differs from Japan and the US.

IREX 091126 -327 Originally uploaded by Tempusmaster. "There's no better sign of a brave mind than a hard hand" Shakespeare, Henry IV (1591) Shadow Robot showing off their awesome robotic hand at IREX 2009.

Although it does focus a bit long on old technology at times, this Japan Times video covering highlights from the International Robot Exhibition 2009 is the best short tour of the show we’ve seen so far. Definitely worth studying closely.

made by my friend carrie. happy thanksgiving everyone!

IREX 091126 -89 Originally uploaded by Tempusmaster. We're actually talking about the robot cat, not the human. :D RT Corporation's new humanoid robot platform, the RIC (robot in costume), is quite tall and capable of fairly realistic movements. Unlike other robots the same size, the RIC robot is gentle enough to give people a hug without having to worry about any potential damage, to the robot and to the human...

ロボコン部品ガイド Originally uploaded by yutasugiura. ROBOCON magazine, the le...

Some of the most interesting robot developments tend to go unnoticed because they aren’t startling enough, or lack the ‘bang!’ or ‘Flash!’ to capture the public’s attention. Nevertheless, their impact on the field can be significant. We could be overstating the signficance of the case, but we believe that Black Tiger Neo’s “Thriller” performance at the 6th ROBO-ONE Gate Dance Competition is a turning point, if not a milestone, in...

The MAKE: Tokyo Meeting 04 was a huge success, drawing crowds of makers, and fans, way beyond the organizer’s expectations. The video clip below, produced by TOKYO MX, will give you a very brief feel for the energy and creativity that took place.

The Internet Archive recently moved into a large Christian Science church.

This is, of course, completely absurd.  I mean, the Archive now has a full pipe organ, and a gathering room filled with wooden pews, and a stained-glass skylight with a cross in the middle.

But apart from the absurdity, there is the reality that, from 1923 until just a few days ago, this church was a community center, a gathering place, a place to celebrate.  Some of us had the chance to meet some of the church members during their celebration and farewell service two weeks ago; this post will try to honor them.

As we spoke, I was surprised that they didn’t seem very sad about leaving.  Frances pointed out to me that the building is simply a building, and that the people who attend are the real church: a true Christian sentiment.  They expressed gratitude that someone had come along to purchase the building.

Where would they go now for community?  They said that it was up to each member to find her or his own way to other churches.

Hopefully, the Archive can carry on their spirit and grace.