I am Pleo.

Here’s another Pleo update.

UGOBE has announced they plan to release a software development kit for the robotic dinosaur that would allow users access to Pleo’s motors, sensors and other operating system features.  There will be a built in application that allows for an overide of Pleo’s previous programming.  In effect, you would have total control of Pleo.

Though UGOBE has yet to announce a release date, they do offer this link for anyone interested to brush up on the programming skills they would need to operate the software.

 

Sometimes Cheaters DO Win

If only I could somehow get this thing in my brain.

Four undergrads at Texas A&M University have come up with a way to beat Guitar Hero at it’s own game…which is Guitar Hero.  They’ve created a robot that can not only win the game, but excel at it.  It doesnt look a thing like Slash, but Slashbot is a killer at rocking out.

The system uses a converter box to interpret pixels from the television screen into the correpsonding fret and strum presses.

Slashbot earns an average score of 90 percent on expert mode and has never lost to a human.  I say I’m next up for lessons.

 

 

Pleo Gets an Upgrade

Pleo’s makers have recently announced that the robotic dinosaur will be getting a personality upgrade, available for download from the company’s site.  Ugobe’s new program aims to correct some glitches in the earlier versions by allowing for larger steps and reaches (for when pleo has to climb stairs), the ability to sit on his hind legs when resting and better interaction with the controls that allow for training.

Pleo’s upgrades arent only functional though.  He (or she) will now be able to sing and even catch a cold.  I’m starting to think a robotic dinosaur might be easier and more rewarding to care care of than my family’s dog.

 

New Robot Toy Gets Mixed Reviews

It’s been too long, so I’ve decided I had to find another toy.

Except this one seems to have attracted a few questionable stares.

WowWee (the creators of the Bladestar) have created a follow-up to their popular Robosapien.  The Roboquad sports 4 insect-like legs, a long neck and two sizeable ‘eyes’.  The result is something out of a bad sci-fi movie.  Even The New York Times seems to be put off by the robotic creature.

Still, the novelty is cool and you have to admit, the idea is definately different.  It even responds to what is going on around it. Younger kids may not want this running around them, but 20 year olds have to play too! 

 

Work hard, play hard

I always get really excited when I robots and liesure cross–mostly because it means its a toy.

The WowWee company is set to release the Bladestar.  Bladestar is a robotic flying blade equipped with infra-red sensors that guide it around obstacles.  You can actually guide it using your own hands as its sensors will tell it to avoid them, kind of like you’re causing it to levitate.  When you don’t feel like running around the room, you can always use the remote control (probably more practicle in most circumstances).  The remote also doubles as the charging dock.  The best part is the application that allows two Bladestar’s to battle each other mid-flight.

It doesnt seem to have joined any store’s line-up yet, but keep your eyes open as Target is expected to carry it soon.  Oh, and just for kicks, check out the video.

 

Dinosaurs Walk the Earth…Sort of

Well no need to call Dr. Grant, but Pleo is still pretty life-like.

In case you havent heard of him, Pleo is a robotic dinosaur (a Camarasaurus to get technical).  You might remember his predecessor, Furby–but Pleo is much further evolved than his brother.

Pleo’s creators researched the Camarasaurus and re-created it’s supposed behaviors and movements through the use of hardware and software.  Besides being programmed for fluid movement, Pleo is also eqipped with a slew of sensors that enable it to feel and make its way around.  He’s also built with a color camera so he can see the world around him.  Pleo’s behavior changes as he “learns”.  Oh, and get this–all of Pleo’s software (behavioral AND sensor) can be upgraded.

 Right now, Pleo runs for about $350, but the technology is new.  Don’t be surprised if these robotic toys make their way into the mainstream very soon.