The future is definitely now. Soon, they would be all over the place. Of course, the paranoia would set in any minute now. All those post-apocalyptic films and books would be brought to life in different conspiracy theories. For now though, maybe we should focus more on the development of robotics.

For once, we might need all the help. In the U.S., the government is hoping that a 60-mile race among up to 20 driverless, self-guided vehicles will be able to bring forth military advancement. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) last week geared up for the Urban Challenge.

The man-less vehicles should navigate a difficult 60-mile course. The automobile must basically think its way through the course and do it all on its own all throughout the race. DARPA is awarding prizes to the teams whose vehicles complete the course in less than six hours. The first prize is a whopping $2 million, second prize is $500,000 and the third prize is a cool enough $250,000.

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DARPA, Urban Challenge

[image from: ]

The new models are said to be� more durable, even� have as much vacuum power and actually has more sophisticated artificial intelligence technology than the previous models. It is said that iRobot has sold 2 million vacuum cleaners since it introduced its first machine almost five years ago. The two new models, the Roomba 530 and Roomba 560 are scheduled to be available thru the company’s web site. Also, the new vacuum robots have made significant improvements and features to its credit. Chief among them is the addition of beacons that are for the guidance around the household.

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iRobot, Roomba 530, Roomba 560

[image from: roombareview.com]

The Lego Mindstorms NXT added some features like sensors, USB cable and a collection of RJ-11 like cable, motors and all the important sensors like sound, sight, touch and distance. The programming brick which also known as “The NXT Intelligent Brick” have been upgraded for additional features, though this is still in monochrome LCD screen. Also it has a blue-tooth capability with a 32-bit processor with true sound speakers to let your robot talks.

So if you are a robot enthusiast with a dream to build your own robot then this gadget is the right thing for you. Just make sure that you are into brain storming or a problem solving person before buying this gadget.� You can� avail Lego Mindstorm NXT� at $249.99.

PC Magazine Reviews:�

Bottom Line: LEGO Mindstorms NXT is an excellent upgrade to an already worthy robot-building kit.

Pros: Well-built. Easy to follow instructions. Fun and learning for all ages.

Cons: Some instructions are all visual. Similar-looking parts can lead to confusion. Bluetooth lacks detailed instructions.

[via PC Magazine]

I first blogged about robosapiens a few months ago and I was checking out my website logs this December and I found out that there was a significant increase in traffic from people looking for robosapiens.

Priced at £249.95 in gadgetshop.com, it may create a big hole in your wallet but you’ll surely put a big smile on the kid and they will never ever forget you.

Well, that’s how I will feel if I get this for Christmas.

My kid is only 3 years old now so, I think I will appreciate this more than him. Maybe by the time he’s 5, I can give him one of these.

By that time, there might be a robosapiens v4. Gee, I better save up for that. I think I’ll buy 2. One for my kid, and one for moi!

[via gadgetshop ]

You can even teach this guy how to dance and with the SD card, you can record your voice and personalize your Robosapien. His hands has stereo speakers and theres a subwoofer on his back. Now that’s cool!
Wanna hear more? On his helmet is a video camera. Now you can have your own personal Robosapiens security robot.

(image c/o T3)

They have many years of experience designing animatronic robots used in commercials & movies, and they also have lots of experience using hobby electronics.

Together with their co-host Grant Imahara, they were tasked to create a robot similar to Packbot which is an unmammed ground vehicle (UGV) used for surveillance missions.
One main feature of Packbot is its ability to climb over obstacles and debris.

Using the popular Vex Robotics design system, they were able to create their own version of Packbot using standard components of Vex Robotics system.
Complete with figures and detailed commentaries on how they do it, the problems they encountered, and how they were able to solve them, this is one of the best hands on review I’ve seen on a hobby robotics system.

Mythbusters test the vex robotics system