Here’s a fashion model robot developed by the Robot Research Institute at the New Industry Research Organization in Japan. I guess they figured that since models like to puke up what little they eat, why not make models that are less Diva-like and less likely to vomit in restaurants. It can imitate a poses no matter how racy thanks to simultaneously controlling all 16 of its limb joints, neck, waist etc. They’re hoping to fit it with polyethylene sheets for a more human waif-like look.

[Fareastgizmos]

The UK Border agency has enlisted the help of a briefcase-sized robot they’re calling HERO in order to help patrol its borders. HERO is undergoing some testing at Calais and has been officially certified to be deployed when it’s needed. Each robot can hold a wide array of equipment that helps it find hidden people. And it gets around just fine with a four-wheel drive chassis. The bots are outfitted with heartbeat detectors, searchlights and high-resolution video cameras, which makes them pros at searching the insides of vehicles as well as underneath them. HERO isn’t just about finding smuggled people and goods, it can also be outfitted with equipment that detects chemical, biological, radiological or nuclear threats.

[electricpig]

Over at io9, they showcased a few examples of how a sad robot cultural phenomenon is showing up everywhere. Particularly in Eurasia. For some reason humans are expressing their own general sadness through robots.

Come on, this guy is pitiful. When you see a sad robot, you just want to give it a hug.

[io9]