I don’t know if they’re trying to moderinize every little job to the point where the increasing population will have no jobs or if they’re just cheap. Either way, Qatar’s Public Works Authority is trying to replace traffic guides, the people in the bright yellow jackets that hold a sign up saying stop or go at various construction sites, with solar-powered robots. If QPWA gets its goal completed, then these robots will be showing up at major construction sites in Doha and its outskirts. The solar-powered robots don’t seem to be nearly as attractive as the Actroid, but hey it gets the job done.

[Gizmowatch]

You know, we often fear robots, but once in a while one comes along that wins our hearts. Trilobot is a solar-powered robot that’s fully autonomous and able to control it’s own energy acquisition. Everyone should have one. Just look at how cute he is. He would make a great pet.

[Engadget]

This 6 in 1 solar kit can be built into a dog, boat, car, plane (static and moving), and even a windmill. Looks like a great way to learn a bit about robotics and solar energy. Only £13.00, which is odd because I don’t think they get much sun in the UK, so not very much play time with this thing.

[Red5]

Meet Dave. He was skinned and gutted and had a small solar panel attached to his motor. He was then ceremoniously mounted on a wood pedestal.

When he has gathered enough energy from the sun, his eyes, mouth and ears move and freaks everyone out. He’ll cost you $95 on etsy.

This is what happens when you skin and then re-animate a Furby. Is there anything creepier? I think not.

[Etsy]

The Husqvarna Solar-Powered Robot Lawnmower is surely not the first robomower we’ve seen, but the fact that it’s covered in photovoltaic cells makes it pretty unique. The bot was announced at the Green Industry and Equipment Expo 2008. It weighs around 22 pounds and can mow half an acre, using a buried wire as a boundary. The Swedish bot is pretty safe too — if the Husqvarna is lifted the blades will automatically stop spinning. If only all robotic lawn mowers were this safe…remember that one that killed a guy last year? No release date or pricing available yet but laziness is not typically cheap, expect this to set you back about $2000. However, you could potentially make your own.

[Coolest Gadgets]

Robot insect builder TinyMinds, creates little robots that will either defend your home or maybe just collectively attack you one day. I don’t know which, but I know they are some cool robo creations. Whether its the flapping wings of the mosquito-bot Gonzo, or the wobbling of octopod legs on his Cthulhu, each of one of the little BugBots is unique. Each bug is made from a variety of found parts and components and they run entirely on solar power. TinyMinds’ robotic bugs range in price from about $60 to $80.

[TinyMinds] VIA [Technabob]