bots

Just how desperate is that housewife next door? If those down-looking satellites just don't do it for you any more, here's another way to keep an eye on your neighbor.

The Vortex Regenerative Air Movement Mobile Robot Platform (VRAMMRP) uses a patented "tornado in a cup" sucking technology to stick to walls and ceilings, then uses six wheels to position itself on the window ledge or other strategic location. Remote controlled by joy stick, the unit can send video and audio via secure Bluetooth. This equipment should be included in any self-respecting paparazzi's toolkit.

Maybe it's an extension of our latently adolescent excitement over the pending Speed Racer movie, but we've been thinking a lot about TV shows from the '60s of late, especially of the sci-fi variety. So it was only a matter of time before we got around to full-length features from the era as well.

As others have noted, obvious comparisons can be made between the microscopic submarine in the 1966 movie Fantastic Voyage and a minuscule robot that's being developed by Israeli scientists. In both cases, the vehicle is designed to travel through the human bloodstream for … Read more

If you think your surveillance subjects are suspicious of the eavesdropping lamps and spying alarm clock that you left as housewarming gifts, it may be time to go into true stealth mode. That can mean only one thing: a spy cam hidden inside a wall clock that looks like a tire (or "tyre," in this case).

This unobtrusive, everyday household item is equipped with a remote-controlled digital video camera and a 2.4 wireless transmitter, according to Technabob, as well as a viewing receiver. It's right out of Get Smart.

But don't fret. If this doesn'… Read more

It's been months since our last update on the march toward a human-free society throughout parts of Asia, and we profusely apologize for this dereliction. We fear that, in our neglect, the robots have made significant advances.

Case in point: A South Korean bot known as "Tiro" has struck a blow that's psychological as well as symbolic, presiding as master of ceremonies at a wedding--of humans, no less. As if this weren't bad enough (and it is), the mechanical MC was joined by other bots that escorted guests and even gave provided life entertainment, … Read more

While Asahi's beer-pouring Robocco BeerBot debuted last year, it has been a difficult item to track down--especially in the States. Online retailer CScout has come to the rescue and is now selling "slightly used" Robocco BeerBots for $799 (plus $94 shipping). While it's a bargain compared to the $1,500 Beer-Launching Fridge, $900 is still a healthy chunk of change for an adorable can opener. To be fair, you'll also receive two custom glass mugs and a plastic floor protector (those Colt 45 tallboys might get messy).

I feel compelled to mention that this is … Read more

A few months back we cited a Segway designed for robots but didn't really think we'd see it in use, at least not so soon. That was before researchers at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science introduced "Hubo," which, so far as we know, is the first robot to have mastered the art of the twin-wheeled scooter at more than 12 miles per hour. That's nearly 20 times faster than its walking speed, just enough to get it in trouble.

At present the bot's driving must be directed by humans via remote control, according … Read more

There's certainly no shortage of hype surrounding this summer's Transformers movie, but one of its stars has hinted that it may end up having an unlikely main attraction: an iPod-like character.

Citing an MTV News interview with actor Josh Duhamel, iLounge says an iPod-resembling bot could steal the show. "It's pretty cool. It's like this crazy little 12-inch iPod that turns into this little killing machine," he's quoted as saying.

It's apparently possible that he was talking about a villain that changes from a robot into a tape deck. If it's … Read more

Just because there are robots that clean pools, dispense tissues and make omelettes (badly), you may have thought that they've come up with one for pretty much everything. But we're willing to bet you hadn't thought of this: a bot that's an expert on vinegar.

That's right, in Japan--land of the future human-free society--the Tamanoi Vinegar Corporation has just hired a robot made by Buildup to make presentations about its namesake product. The inspiringly named Tamanoi Vinegar Robot "has a mouth that moves in sync with its voice, as well as a fiber-reinforced … Read more

Move over, Nabaztag--make room for "Wassup." B2 calls its latest creation "a fusion of technology and personality" that will hit the market in July for $25, but we say it's basically a bunny bot that dances to your tunes. Transfer songs from your iPod or MP3 player to this irritatingly named speaker-toy, and it promises to look like a futuristic version of the Energizer Bunny after a dozen triple espressos. Our take: Keep it away from the kids.