DARPA's new "Pet-Proto" robotcan avoid obstacles and climb stairs


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A few days ago, DARPAtv (the youtube channel for DARPA) uploaded a video showing off their latest robot named Pet-Proto. The robot was given the challenge of climbing stairs and avoiding a huge gap in a given path. With all the new technology that was out into this robot, it was able to climb the stairs with little effort. It also got past the gap by spreading it's arms and legs to grip the nearby wall to traverse right through. All these tasks were achievable because of Pet-Proto's specially designed legs. If your interest in this bot, then check out the video above!

Video Thursdays: Nao Gangnam style


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Out of all the humanoid robots in the world, Nao (in my opinion) has performed Gangnam Style the best. By enabling Nao to execute short an efficient leg movements, TheAmazel succeeded at getting his robot to perform the internet's favorite dance.

Lego NXT robot draws the Mona Lisa


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Since nothing relating to robotics has really stood out today, I decided to share this amazing Lego robot video with you. It shows a small Lego robotic arm drawing the Mona Lisa. Don't take my for it, check out the video above to see for yourself.

Portraits drawn by simple robotic arms


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Wouldn't it be awesome if a robot drew a portrait of you? If you think so, then give a round of applause to "6 robots named Paul." These servo driven arm robots were demonstrated at the Merge Festival 2012 in London. Since the festival was partly dedicated to art, these bots fit right in. With just 4 servos and a computer, each robot was able to draw a dazzling portrait. It's obvious that these bots were the real McCoy when it came to artistic ability. If you don't believe me, then just check out the video above. Anyways, thanks for reading and feel free to comment below!

New Toothpick flinging robot makes a bridge out of toothpicks


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Here's another simple robot that uses an ingenious method to solve a problem. I call it "toothpick bot," since it randomly flings toothpicks to make a crossable bridge. Check out the video above to see this robot's problem solving technique. I may even make this sorta robot with my vex kit, so be on the look out for a new post that features my robot.

Say hello to Naro-Tartaruga, the new robotic turtle


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Bio-inspired robots always tend to fascinate me, whether there bugs, birds, or even dogs. Now there's even a robotic turtle in the making. Researchers at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology began a project back in 2010 called "Naro-Tartaruga." It's a robotic turtle that will be used for underwater robotics research. Since this robot can mimic the movements of a real turtle, swimming underwater won't be that big of a problem. Multiple actuators connected to each wooden fin enable the robot to have smooth and fluid-like movements just like a real turtle. The robot's hull is so tough that it even can withstand water pressure at a depth of 300 ft. Right now, the most recent video of this robot shows off the smooth fin movement. Thanks for reading and check out, www.naro.ethz.ch for more info on this nautical robot!





Original source: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjPlKWyQ-Mw

Double Telepresence robot supports the iPhone and iPad


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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!