Botropolis

Robots and The Future of Storytelling

Matthew Bilyeu — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:59:19 +0000

Three members of MIT’s Media Lab may be shaping the way the next generation of storytelling evolves. What would these new storytelling technologies look like, you ask? “The team envisions a future that includes robotic actors and improved motion capture, but also increased democratization and participation, so that stories are told not just by individuals, but by entire communities.”
Robotic actors, eh? Remember when Toyota’s Trumpet Playing Robot was doing its first holiday concert performance, and I predicted that robots would infiltrate every sphere of human culture before destroying us? Well, guess what, guys…it’s happening. Color me Nostradamus.
Even besides the fact that I predicted this, I suppose it comes as little surprise. We have robotic actors in movies already (I’m thinking T-Rex in Jurassic Park, not Keanu) but the future may see more intelligent robots filling roles traditionally reserved for humans. Or perhaps robots will play robot characters, which would be really cool. Imagine Wall-E IRL.
Robotic actors are just part of the equation — the MIT group’s plans focus mainly on the interactive aspects of storytelling. “By applying leading-edge technologies to make stories more interactive, improvisational and social, researchers will seek to transform audiences into active participants in the storytelling process, bridging the real and virtual worlds, and allowing everyone to make their own unique stories with user-generated content on the Web.” If this means a movie script tantamount to a series of YouTube comments, then no thank you, MIT. But robot actors are A-OK.
Plans are in order for a 14-soundstage complex to be built in Plymouth, Massachusetts circa 2010. This studio will likely produce ..er.. productions based on the research from Media Lab. It will be interesting to see what they come up with, and how quickly this erodes western civilization.

[io9]

Mechanical Elephant Is Shiny & Awesome

Conner Flynn — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:51:22 +0000

This mechanical elephant is stunning, from tail to trunk. It was built over the course of three and a half months by Andrew Chase. The whole deal weighs 85-pounds and the elephant automaton is made out of “transmission parts, electrical conduits, plumbing pipes and 20-gauge cold rolled steel.”

The elephant is part of a book he is writing, called the Robot Trionic Morphatractable Engineer. It’s just stunning. Like something out of a Techno-Fantasy novel.

[Book Of Joe]

Eric Joyner’s Robots & Donuts

Conner Flynn — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:40:16 +0000

We told you about Eric Joyner awhile back. If you liked what you saw then check out his new book Robots & Donuts. Awesome stuff.

[Amazon]

Nissan Pivo Video

Conner Flynn — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 19:31:59 +0000

As you already know, the Nissan Pivo has an adorable, talking robot head mounted on the dashboard that’s very useful.

The Nissan Pivo 2 electric concept car runs entirely on advanced compact lithium-ion batteries and boasts a rotating cabin - doing away with the need for a reverse gear. The Pivo 2 comes with a highly innovative Robotic Agent that enables you to carry out conversations in either Japanese or English should you be traveling alone. A unique interface makes it easy to communicate with the Pivo 2 including basic vehicle functions and the nearest available parking. Those who hate parallel parking can get off scot-free this time with the Pivo 2 since each wheel can turn through 90 degrees, letting you drive sideways like a crab.

Nao Available in 2010

Matthew Bilyeu — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 01:19:39 +0000

Aldebaran Robotics is the French company that develops this impressive humanoid bot, Nao. Nao replaced the AIBO as the standard platform in the Robocup challenge, an annual soccer game played by humanoid robots. This has helped cement the bot’s popularity among robot researchers and enthusiasts.
Nao is fully programmable, and boasts fancy tech: “With its humanoid appearance [Nao] can be made to do any number of tasks and comes with x86 AMD Geocode 500 Mhz CPU, 1 GB flash memory, 256 MB SDRAM, two speakers, vision processing capabilities, Wi-fi connectivity and Ethernet port.”
The robot is desirable to researchers and roboticists, because it gives them the ability to take a blank, versatile robot and program it to do whatever they want, including world-domination. Aldebaran is also working on a behavior exchange site where users can swap code they’ve written for little Nao.
Only about 100 Naos have been shipped since the bot’s inception in April — it’s distribution has so far been limited to only the robo-elite (labs and universities), but plans are in order to extend the user base next year to include some early adopters. The company is still working to create a version of Nao that will appeal to the general public, which probably won’t be until 2010. Until then you can start saving up the $12,600 it will cost to buy one.

[Wired]

Transfats: More Than Meets The Eye

Conner Flynn — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 20:03:52 +0000

Beware products with a lot of trans fats. They can transform you into a fat-ass beast.

[Fashionably Geek]

New MechRC Humanoid Robot Available

Conner Flynn — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:42:25 +0000

You can now get your hands on the new MechRC Humanoid Robot over at Trossen Robotics. They are the first in the United States to offer the Robot, which will cost you $599.99 USD.

It features high torque metal gear servos, LiPo batteries for longer run times, a fluid 3D visual software programming interface for easy custom motions, and a remote control unit is included. It comes with over a hundred pre-installed motions and sounds, so you can make him do some awesome things straight from the box. Check out a dance vid below.

[Trossen Robotics]

GroundBot Spherical Surveillance Bot For Other Planets

Conner Flynn — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:33:31 +0000

The GroundBot is a robotic mobile platform with cameras and sensors and virtually silent maneuverability, with very low maintenance costs. That makes it ideal to explore other planets. It was designed by Swedish physicists.

The robot boasts some impressive off-road performance, at 6mph through mud, sand, snow and even water. The cameras and sensors are protected inside the sealed sphere and the bot can be remote controlled by hand or programmed to navigate by GPS. The built-in cameras have a 360-degree viewing angle to zoom in on the smallest details. Powered by lithium-ion batteries, the GroundBot can operate for 8-16 hours, rolling simply by shifting its weight.

Great for spying and exploring.

[Gizmowatch]

10 Biggest Robot Bastards

Conner Flynn — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 19:10:59 +0000

Our friends over at Topless Robot put together a list of 10 robot bastards that you should check out immediately. Because some robots are just jerks.

[Topless Robot]

Cat Riding A Roomba

Conner Flynn — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 00:31:34 +0000

Frankly, I’d like to see more cats riding roombas. Maybe into battle somewhere.

[Laughingsquid]