Brain-Dead Robots Prove They Can Swarm Together

   

What has no brain, no computer, but can swarm? The answer is simply a bristle bot. Just recently, roboticists at Harvard discovered that even brainless bristlebots are able to swarm and form groups. The experiment consisted of a small area and a bucket-load of bristle bots. Right away the robots started to swarm together in a corner of the area.

You may be wondering, how does this swarming even occur? Well, my guess is that each robot just keeps bouncing off each other. Take the small area these bots were placed in for example. Since the robots were packed together closely, then they just kept running into each other. This process of bumping and running into each other was just repeated over and over again. To sum this all up, nothing really scientific or extraordinary took place. Even so, the video of the swarming robots is still entertaining to watch!



Source: automaton blog and special thanks to evil mad scientist labs.

Terminator Hand is Able to Tie Shoe Laces, Leaves Real Hands Behind

For too long, amputees have had to use primitive hooks and limbs that attach to their arms or nubs. With new technology, however, that will all change. So far, these prosthetic and robotic arms have been able to perform simple, mundane tasks. As opposed to those tasks. Special robotic arms, as opposed to the other ones, can now tie shoe laces. This goes to show how dexterous these arms and hands really are. Even later on as new technology is introduced, these arms will just keep advancing until they match the human hand. Perhaps they'll surpass the human hand in the near future. Thanks for reading and check out the video above to see it in action.

Say Hello to the Mint Commercial All Over Agian...

Since Mint is aesthetic like apple products, their commercials should be too. Thats why I designed this new commercial featuring Mint. Just like Apple commercials, the ad is simple and to the point. Hope you like it!

Hexbug Nano V2 habitat sets!

Yesterday's post was all about the new Hexbug Nano V2's, and we also wrote a few speculations for the new habitat sets. Today, however, we have actual photos of what the sets may look like. Based on other sets, I'm guessing that this one may rest on a price of $30. Thanks for reading and follow us to stay updates!

Introducing the all new Hexbug Nano V2

If you an avid fan for the Hexbug robots, then you probably already know that the Hexbug Nano's were sold the most. Aside from that, Innovation First has revealed (not 100% confirmed) a new type of Hexbug Nano. Unlike its predecessor, the all new Nano V2 will be able to climb vertical slopes. Yes, that's right, vertical slopes. Using multiple "arms" on its back, this Hexbug will be able to climb in and out of vertical tubes. This feature also points to the fact that new "Habitat" sets will be released later on. These sets will include intricate tubes and pathways that the Nano V2 can explore. Although a release date hasn't been confirmed, we'll probably start seeing these in the fall, perhaps the summer. I will also try to get more information such as prices and official release dates. As of now, you can expect these critters to cost around $10. Thanks for reading and please follow us to stay updated!

MeCam, the $50 camera-equipped micro quadcopter

With all the hype going on regarding micro quadcopters, I thought this post would be relevant pertaining to that topic. AR drone is $300, CrazyFlie is $150, and MeCam is $50. Developed by a new company called Always Innovating, MeCam is supposedly a $50 palm-sized quadcopter with an eclectic range of features. For example, the MeCam quadcopter has a live-streaming camera (iOS and Android compatible), it can follow its master, and it can even obey voice commands. All this seems too good to be true for a measly price of just $50. Aside from that, Always Innovating has stated that any company willing to produce this robot will be able to sell it. MeCam's estimated release date is planned to be early next year. If all this is true, then you can count on me to show you a demo of this highly capable micro quadcopter. Thanks for reading and the photo below is an example of what the MeCam robot looks like when comparing it's size to the size of a hand! Be sure to follow us on Twitter to stay updated!

http://www.alwaysinnovating.com/products/mecam-photos.htm

Source: http://www.alwaysinnovating.com/products/mecam.htm

New Hexbug Aquabots to be Swimming by Fall of 2013

Ever since 2007, Hexbugs have been crawling, walking, and even sliding across the floor. This year, however, Hexbugs will be capable of swimming. At the most recent toy fair in London, Innovation First revealed the Hexbug Aquabot. Measuring at just four inches, this autonomous shark-like robot is capable of submerging, maneuvering, and swimming underwater. It's also capable of switching on automatically in contact with water. All this sounds awesome, but keep in mind that these robots won't be released until fall (confirmed) and that its estimated price is $9.99. Overall, I'm sure Hexbug fans will be excited for this years upcoming Hexbug robot. Thanks for reading and follow our blog to stay updated with new Hexbug info.

DreamBots introduces WheeMe at CES 2013

Need a massage? Don't worry, WheeMe has your back (pun intended). Developed by DreamBots, WheeMe is a small little robot that is capable of giving you a wonderful back massage. Using its specially designed wheels, this little robot is able to travel up and down your back silently while gently pressing down on your body. The robot is also equipped with special sensors that keep it from slipping and falling off your back. Although this robot gives amazing massages, it does cost around $100. Other than that, all these features add up to one very relaxing massage. Thanks for reading, and check out the video above to see WheeMe in action!

How to fix any Hexbug robot

I have noticed that the Hexbug robotic creatures are pretty popular gifts for kids during Christmas. If you are experiencing any kind of problem with your Hexbug, try any of the troubleshooting options below.

1. Reverse the batteries (a lot of these robots are shipped out with the batteries facing the wrong way)

2. Remove anything that is caught inside the robot. For example, dirt maybe clogging the robot's gear box.

3. Replace the old batteries with the new ones.

4. Replace the batteries in the remote controllers (for the inchworm, spider, slider XL, and scarab XL.

5. Make sure your robot and it's controller are on the same channel (A or B)

Thanks for reading and if you're experiencing any other problems, then comment below and I'll see what I can do.

How to fix a spinning hexbug nano

If you have a hexbug nano, then you've probably noticed that it starts to spin in tiny circles after a while. After tinkering around with a hexbug nano, I figured out how to fix the robot's dizziness. It turns out that the problem isn't that big after all. If your experiencing this annoying problem, check out the video above.

Romo, the iPhone's favorite robot!

Watch out Sphero, there's a new mobile robot on the market! Developed by a new company called Romotive, Romo is a small iPhone-friendly robot. Unlike Sphero, he has a lot of "emotion. By emotion, I mean facial expressions followed by interesting sounds. All this is made possible because Romo requires an iPhone or iPod touch to be connected to it at all times. Aside from all that, this little bot also has LED's, a sleek design, and tracks for smooth mobility. Although this robot hasn't hit the store shelves yet, you can still pre-order one for $150 off the Romotive website. Thanks for reading and plus 1 if you liked today's post!

Meet the all new Hexbug XL's

What's better than a hexbug? The answer is simply a bigger hexbug. Back in October, Innovation First released the Hexbug Spider and Scarab XL. These two robots are roughly 60% larger than their previous versions. However, the size is not the only change, their prices have nearly doubles. Each of these robotic behemoths cost $39.00 . If you're interested in purchasing these big bots, then head on over to the hexbug website. Thanks for reading and check out the video above!

Real Wall-E Robot

I know it's been a few years since Wall-E came out, but here's an interesting video.

Salt and pepper shaker robots available on Amazon.com

Too lazy to pass the salt or pepper? Don't worry, there's a bot for that. These two little bots are able to do just that. Designed with clever clockwork, these robots are capable of strolling across the table to deliver you salt and pepper. A tiny twist of their inner-workings and they're off to the other side of the table. The white one carries the salt and the black bot carries the pepper (obviously). If your interested in purchasing these robots, then visit amazon.com . Anyways, enjoy the demo video above!

"Cereal Killer," the automated cereal maker

If your too sleepy in the morning to pour yourself a bowl of cereal then this robot is here to help. Built out of Legos and controlled via a micro controller, this robot is perfect for when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed. Whether your too lazy or tired to make yourself breakfast, this bot will take care of it. To see how it makes breakfast, check out the video above. Other than that, thanks for reading!

Double Telepresence robot supports the iPhone and iPad

The newest telepresence robot on the market is called "Double." It's simple, minimalistic, and it supports the iPhone and iPad. With it's simple design, users are able to maneuver this bit around without being an annoyance to other people. It's long neck is also adjustable, and this insures that anyone can use this robot.When the robot is at a complete stop, retractable kick stands activates. Therefore, saving power and relieving motor stress. One charge alone can run this 15 lb. robot all day long, so you don't have to worry about a dead battery interrupting your conversation. All in all, this root seems pretty nice in the category of telepresence robots. If your interested in purchasing one, then check out doublerobotics.com. Otherwise, thanks for reading and check out the video above to see this bot in action!

iPhone Sphero app gets an update

Today, Orbotix released an update for the Sphero app. The update includes more customizable settings and a completely new UI. It's customizable settings include changing Sphero's name, changing the UI theme, and a new customizable boost button. The UI is completely redesigned, and its like nothing I have ever seen before. It has new speed controls, a new joy stick layout, and new pre-programmed tricks. I'm already enjoying Sphero a lot more just because of this visually stunning update. Thanks for reading and check out the screen shot below to see what I mean!

New robotic bees to be pollinating flowers by 2015!

Lately, Micro-sized robots have been buzzing around the web. Some people think there's a conspiracy of a robotic spy mosquito. However, instead of a spying mosquito, we now have a pollinating robotic bee. Scientists at the University of Sheffield and Suffex in England have started a new project which aims to create robotic bees. Since real bees are dying out, they believe that robotic bees are necessary to them in an environment. The solution they have in mind is to create micro-sized robotic bees that have the ability to pollinate flowers just like a normal bee. Even if the real bees die out soon, they speculate that these bots should be buzzing around by 2015. Thank for reading and check out the video above for more info!

Say hello to the new hexbug warrior robots

The most successful hexbug ever to hit the market is obviously the nano. It's small, fun, and moves with excitement. Since Innovation First new this bug was a hit, they decided to take what was awesome and make it better. the result was the hexbug warrior. It's basically just a "weaponized" version of the nano, and each one has numerous weapons. The weapons enable each robot to duel each other in the ring. Each robot costs around $8.99 and you can pick one up at RadioShack. Thanks for reading and check out the video above them in a deadly battle!

Meet Miimo, Honda's new lawn mowing robot

Usually, when it comes to robotics, Honda is always focused on improving Asimo. However, this time it's a whole new kind of robot. "Miimo" is what they call it, and it's pretty high tech when you compare it to other robotic lawn mowers. For example, it cuts grass 2-3 mm at a time, multiple times a week to ensure your lawn is looking better than your neighbors. It uses a wide variety of sensors to get the job done right. To know that's it's mowing the right area, it stays within the borders of wire installed under ground. Safety is also important, so Honda threw in two lift sensors which when activated, shuts down the robot completely. To be activated again, a PIN code is required. That feature is also good for dealing with theft.
Charging is simple too. Miimo is always checking it's battery levels, and when they are low, it returns back to the charging dock. All in all, this new robot seems pretty neat, and if you hate mowing your lawn, then you may want to consider getting this robot. Thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed today's post.