Tech – Page 15 – NerdBeach

Bicycle Riding Robot Proves Robots Can Have Keen Balance

Robots can now ride a bike, and probably better than a lot of people. Murata Boy was developed in Japan, and proves to be an excellent cyclist.

Gyro sensors detect position and balance, and cameras can detect surface quality and obstacles. A remote computer receives images and processes them for further analysis. Murata Boy can navigate a wide variety of obstacles and still keep on riding.

The goal of the project is to create a robot that can lift heavy loads and assist in rough and perilous terrain. Like a pack mule of times past, you could theoretically load up a bike riding bot and he would follow you over the mountain and through the woods.

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CrabFu Presents Putter Bot

Greg Chaffins

CrabFu have delights us in the past with several interesting robotic creations, the last being the robotic tortoise. Their latest, the Putter Bot, is a small remote controlled robot that can sink a golf ball into a putter hole provided, of course, the controller has the skill to make it happen.

While the CrabFu robotic offerings are more of a remote control device than a robot, each time they manage to bring out something that is very entertaining. We are looking forward to their next creation.

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Robocup 2009 to be held in Graz

Greg Chaffins

Robocup Announcement

Robocup 20090 will be upon us before you know it, and this time it looks like it will be held in the Austrian city of Graz.

The robotic soccer tournament, first held in 1997, is all about building a team of robots that can one day (2050 is the goal) take on human World Cup Champions.

The Robocup challenge has five divisions, including a humanoid robot league, a virtual simulation challenge, and a four legged league.

In addition to the soccer matches, there will also be events surrounding the further development of rescue robots.

Around 500 robotic contenders are expected to compete in the games. Sounds like a fascinating event.

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The Robotic Evolution of Dance

Greg Chaffins

I'm sure that a lot of the Nerd Beach readers have seen Judson Laipply's awesome Evolution of Dance video on Youtube.

Well, now we have a robotic recreation of that performance. The MechRC robot makes a valiant effort at doing the moves, and we are suitably impressed at the finished effort. Way cool.

Of course, now we need to have a robotic version of "Singing in the Rain", but hopefully it will be a waterproof performer.

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