robots

Ever since we were reminded of Uncle Fester's lightbulb last week, we've been reminiscing about old TV shows. And then, by the miracle of coincidence, today we see the ultimate example of Hollywood's version of technology from the '60s: "Robot" from Lost in Space. (That would be the original TV series, not that pathetic movie with Matt LeBlanc.)

Thanks to Technabob, we learned that "Robot B9"--we never knew his full name--has been resurrected in the form of a full-size replica for sale to the public at a mere $24,500. But before … Read more

In dangerous places like Iraq and Afghanistan, robots help to save soldiers' lives and limbs by ferreting out hidden explosives. In return, the soldiers help put the robots back together after a rough day of bomb-sniffing.

One of the main places that fix-up work takes place is the Joint Robotics Repair Facility at Camp Victory in Baghdad. The U.S. Army describes the JRRF as an "all-volunteer workshop" where the goal is quick turnaround--the shop adheres to a four-hour turnaround standard for repairs. If a given robot can't be rebuilt that fast, the soldiers who brought it … Read more

The Transformers are hitting the big screen this July 4, and that means a whole lot of merchandising going on. Among the hordes of Transformers toys are Hasbro's Real Gear Transformers, a series of toy electronics that turn into robots. Remember Soundwave, the Transformer that became a tape deck? This is the next generation. Click for a slide show of all six Real Gear Transformers, plus the real-life gadgets we think they most resemble.

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

What's more fun than meeting your childhood friend R2-D2 in person? Want to find out what a droid can do with a Mac G4? What would the new R2 models look like if they were released today? What are the best colors for a thirty-year-old midget robot to wear?

The answers to these questions and a couple of others can be found in our new Crave slideshow and News.com's coverage of the recent Celebration IV 'Star Wars' convention in L.A.

If you've looked at a television, a movie screen, or a billboard at any time in the last year, you're probably already aware that Transformers is coming. And if you've done any of those things in the last 20 years, you probably already know the story: transforming robots from another planet fight other transforming robots while Earth hangs in the balance.

Let's see...robots, cartoons, new movie coming out...yep, this means merchandising and lots of it. The Transformers movie is going to get toys, toys, and more toys. Transformers is getting everything from action figures … Read more

We've seen the robots that mow your lawn, save your life, hit on your girlfriend, make you an omelet, dispense Kleenex, even make abstract artwork--but where are the robots that help make you filthy rich? We found two robot contenders today that should at least pay for themselves over time.

First off, John Corney from Wiltshire, UK, has spent the past seven years perfecting a remote controlled metal detector. Inspired by robotic land-mine sweepers, John adapted a wonderfully selfless and humanitarian idea into something far more personally rewarding. Although he spent approximately $3,800 to develop and build … 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

If you haven't noticed by now, we had a blast at this past weekend's Maker Faire. The above photo links to yet another gallery of some choice projects we found Crave-worthy.