robot

Only in Japan: The cute snowplow

Only the Japanese could find something kawaii in a machine so utilitarian as a snowplow. Not only that, but the "Yuki-taro" combines the country's cuteness fetish with another national obsession--robots.

Pink Tentacle says the driverless machine is no ordinary plow, guiding itself by GPS and video cameras embedded in its eye sockets to make sure that it gobbles every bit of snow in its path, Pac-Man style. Unlike traditional counterparts, the Yuki-taro compacts the consumed snow into blocks that can be stored and used as a refrigeration source.

We pray, though probably in futility, that they … Read more

Crave likes cats

I'm never going to convince anyone that I'm not a crazy cat lady if I don't stop talking about cats all the livelong day. Luckily, Ariel is here to try to bring me back from my cat psychosis. Here are the links for today's show! His home is a shrine to the Mac Charge up your cell phone while you ride a bike Gucci does BlackBerry 'Ghostbusters' Ecto 1 up for auction Video time: wet cat gadgets Enough with the spy bots already I don't want to laugh at that cat in the scuba suit, … Read more

No life support for the Aibo

Poor Aibo. Derided since its birth in 1999 as too expensive, which it was ($2,000), the robotic pup was put to sleep rather unceremoniously six years later.

Now we hear that Sony won't even release a driver or develop any other software compatible with Windows Vista for the pooch, according to Akihabara News. Talk about adding insult to injury.

This bot's name says it all: 'Chaos'

We've often fantasized of having a robot that could act as a personal bodyguard or bully, depending on what the situation called for. But most of our concepts had been on a relatively modest scale--until we saw the "Chaos."

This is the machine you call upon for duties that are beyond the abilities of mere humans. As Tech Digest says, the Chaos is equally adept at discarding bombs and handling hazardous materials, moving "silently over unstable ground" on its rubberized track treads. We imagine that it would be pretty effective against those pesky spy bots … Read more

Enough with the spy bots already

Not that we're paranoid or anything (OK, so we are), but why are there so many surveillance robots on the market? We're not talking about the kind used by the military or law enforcement, but ordinary ones that roam around the house with wireless Webcams that can beam video anywhere within range. Even kids' toys are spying on us.

The latest is "Spyke" from France-based Meccano. Not only does this one have a Wi-Fi connection and Webcam, but it can also be used with Skype's latest VoIP software in performing its spy-botic duties, according to … Read more

Skater-bot is almost worth the $2,000

Almost as if on cue, just after we complained about robots of dubious value, we find two toys that we especially like. First was the iPod Transformer. (OK, so it's not a real robot, but we still want one.) Second is the "Plen," a Japanese invention that can actually skate around your desk and even do skateboard tricks on any flat surface, according to Popgadget. And before you choke on the price--$2,000--be sure to check out the YouTube clip. You might just change your mind.

Transformer with an iPod at heart

For awhile it seemed that everyone and his dog were making iPod docks and speakers, and Crave was tempted to impose a moratorium on them as they were getting out of hand. Then along comes Takara Tomy with one we just can't resist.

The "Convoy iPod Docking Bay," which we spotted on Plastic Bamboo, is even fully licensed by Apple. It's not the cheapest at $145, but because it's a Transformer, you're really getting two toys for the price of one, right? Besides, unlike other robots, at least we know what this one's … Read more

Invasion of the (boring) robots

There are so many robots coming onto the market nowadays--both serious and not--that it's getting tough to tell which ones are even worth mentioning.

The "Omnibot2007 i-SOBOT," slated to come out by year's end, is another example. Takara Tomy's latest entry can walk, dance and respond to voice commands, according to Akihabara News, but those functions are hardly groundbreaking as we've seen with other bots.

The one distinguishing feature may be its built-in camera and Wi-Fi connection, but even that has been done before. Which reminds us: We've got to get rid … Read more

This week in flying robotic animals

It's been a banner week for flying robotic animals. Plummeting prices amid high demand signal a true buyer's market. New, exciting, and odor-free robot versions of the world's most popular and delicious animals are now available.

RC Flying Cat Toy: HobbyTron.com's remote-controlled flying cat is still the market leader in the emerging flying-cat sector. Its robust feature set places it among the top 15 to 20 flying cats in world history. It boasts a 60-foot flight range, quick charging time, bleeding-edge safety features, and out-of-the-box compatibility with air. Early adopters beware: Crave analysts are still … Read more

Robo-snakes not on a plane

Some of us at Crave have managed to resist our adolescent urges to collect toy robots, in a rare example of self-restraint. Our willpower met its match, however, when we saw photos of WowWee's "Roboboa."

It had been mentioned earlier along with the FlyTech Dragonfly and other bots at CES, but actually seeing a robotic snake in action is something to behold. In a video clip, it's reminiscent of Pixar's seminal "Luxo Jr." lamp.

The bionic serpent's 40 movements can be controlled by its remote, according to Slashgear, or it can just … Read more