Cocktail robots

At Maker Faire this weekend in San Mateo, Calif., do-it-yourself robotics will be one of the two biggest genres of projects on display. At least 24 different individuals and groups will be on hand, showing off their work. But DIY robotics is also making its way into the mainstream these days, and it has many manifestations.

One interesting type of DIY robot is the so-called "cocktail robot," and this explosive blender is geared to make fruity drinks on command. Cocktail robots are the specialty of an international series of events known as Roboexotica.