Takara Tomy I-SODOG

Takara Tomy has unveiled the latest in their line of Omnibot toy robots at Tokyo Toy Show 2012.  The I-SODOG is small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, but boasts 15 servo motors that can reproduce realistic movement.

When activated, its eyes light up and users can interact with it through more than 50 voice commands or with a smartphone thanks to a Bluetooth connection.  Using a custom app, it will perform tricks on command such as shake a paw, dance to songs you’ve downloaded, or move intuitively by simply tilting the phone.  There’s also a Tamagotchi-style artificial life component, allowing you to scold bad behavior or reward it with digital doggy treats, which will foster different “personalities” over time.

Self Balancing Robot

This self balancing robot still uses just two wheels, but it’s balancing very differently than we’re used to seeing. Where most of the projects use a form factor that’s similar to a Segway, this works just like a bicycle. But it doesn’t need to keep the front and rear wheels spinning to stay upright. This Self balancing robot isn’t stuck in one place, with distance sensors on the front and back which are used to move the bike as if by repulsion.

TELESAR V Avatar Transfers Touch, Vibration, Temperature

The Japanese Science and Technology Agency (JST) and Keio University’s Tachi Lab presented their newest telexistence system, the TELESAR V, at SIGGRAPH 2012 Emerging Technologies.  The avatar system’s ability to relay tactile sensation has improved since its original reveal in November 2011.  In a world first, a human operator can now distinguish if the robot is handling cloth or paper by touch alone.

Robonaut 2 ( R2 ), The First Humanoid Robot Go to Space

Robonaut 2

Robonaut 2 ( R2 ) is the first humanoid robot in space. Robonaut 2 is developed by collabaration of Nasa and GM. Robonaut target is to help humans perform their jobs on earth or on Space ( ISS - International Space Station ). 

Robonaut 2 delivered to space through Mission STS-133 was launched into space on february 24th, 2011.

Adaptive Gripper

The robotic gripper that adapts to all parts, simply.

Robotiq is developed by Quebec company. Robotiq is very interesting robotic gripper that can adapt to various types of objects. 

How it works

• 3 articulated fingers and 4 grasping modes to pick a wide variety of sizes and shapes.
• Send simple open-close commands and let the gripper adapts to any geometry.
• Control the closing speed, force, do partial closing / opening.
• Receive grip detection feedback from the gripper.
• Embedded gripper controller communicating with the robot controller over Ethernet/IP, Modbus RTU, DeviceNet or EtherCAT. Program from the teach pendant.
• Electric gripper, comes with the mechanical mount for your robot. Has two connectors on the side for 24V power supply and communication.