Thursday, November 29, 2007
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
The Ultimate Flying R/C Robot
This may very well be the coolest radio controlled toy we have covered at GeekAlerts so far - this robot speaks, drives on land and flies in the air.
This R/C toy does it all, you can even charge your USB devices with the included XPV battery system. The remote triggers user-controlled speaking and missile sounds. For added effect, when the robot speaks, its eyes light up.
Here’s a video demonstration to give you a better idea:
Capable of performing amazing aerial stunts. Flight range of over 300 feet. Flies up to 30 MPH and over 20 stories. New, super-light stealth styling inspired by real stealth planes. Twin turbo engine design. Made with impact resistant material. Includes first aid vehicle repair kit. Detachable blaster included. 2 Channel controller.
The robot is available in two versions at Amazon:
- XPV R.A.D. Robotic Air Defense Red 27 MHz ($64.99)
- XPV R.A.D. Robotic Air Defense Blue 49 MHz ($64.99)
Robot that dehumanizes the battlefield
Robots are gradually becoming the part and parcel of the life now-a-days. Bulk of the robots that are manufactured, are used for defense purposes. The latest in the trend is the shoot ‘em up robot. The Modular Advanced Armed Robotic System (MAARS) can be used for multiple missions.
Earlier this year, robots were deployed in Iraq as well as Afghanistan by Foster Miller, a robot maker. Robots equipped with Weapons are the order of the day and some defense forces are proud to have them. The MAARS system has been designed uniquely.
This system packs a M240B medium machine gun along with a spotting scope. The human controller can sit still and let the weaponrized robot take the hit several miles away. The MAARS is tremendously versatile. The tank tracks can be easily transformed to wheels and the gun mount can be replaced with mechanical IED arms.
Great isn’t it! The arms are meant to assist the injured soldiers and get them out of harms way. The downside is that MAARS doesn’t have its own mind. So someone still has to pull the trigger.
Military exoskeleton becomes a frightening reality
Raytheon, the giant defense contractor, recently bought up Utah technology firm Sarcos' robotics business. And it wasn't because of Sarcos' work on the Bellagio's fountains, I suspect. For years, Sarcos has been working for the military on real-life exoskeletons, to radically boost soldiers' strength. Here's a video of a Sarcos exoskeleton in action.
Kyosho Robo Hopper
Now ain't this something - the Kyosho Robo Hopper that looks more like the Rocketeer than anything else. Of course, he won't be equipped with a jet pack, but instead relies on a small helicopter mechanism located on its back that lifts him off the ground slowly but surely. The Robo Hopper's weight of 13 grams go a long way in helping him stay airborne. This will most probably work best indoors, as outside breeze will definitely interfere with your flight session. The Kyosho Robo Hopper will be released in Japan sometime at the end of next month.