Optimus Prime, Hot Rod, and Ultra Magnus. These are all robot cars from the Transformers franchise rooted in early 1980s Japan. Somewhat disappointingly, here in realityland it looks like Japan’s real robot cars will have names like Nissan, Toyota, Fuji Heavy Industries, Honda, Mazda, and Hitachi.
Via Akihabara News | Posted on 2013.04.10 at 23:39
We’re rolling, and 3, 2, 1 – ACTION:
“Gee-whiz Bob, those crazy Japanese robot guys are at it again, how about a ridiculous soundbite and poorly executed pun, and hey, here’s an unoriginal one-liner, ha, ha, ha, those Japanese and their raw fish and creepy weirdo robots, what’ll they think of next? Well, here’s Tom with the weather!”
And… Cut to commercial.
Via Akihabara News | Posted on 2013.04.10 at 23:36
Okay, so what’s an assistive robot?
Well, they’re a lot more cool and useful and tech than it might sound. Think of them more like… social robots, or maybe cybernetic enhancements, or, some years down the road, but not too many, complete physical entities capable of semi-autonomously moving about and taking action in everyday life on behalf of their owner.
Via Akihabara News | Posted on 2013.04.10 at 23:05
Honda today unveiled the new UNI-CUB personal mobility device, designed for harmony with people. Featuring a compact design and comfortable saddle, UNI-CUB offers the same freedom of movement in all directions that a person enjoys while walking.
Via Akihabara News | Posted on 2013.01.30 at 01:49
These robotic rings that imitate eye and mouth movements are being developed by a research group at Keio University. “When you wear this robot on your hand, it forms a medium for communication using the hand.
Via Akihabara News | Posted on 2013.01.30 at 01:49
Sure you must be disappointed that Honda spent all it resources and brain matter in developing the next gen Lawn Mower instead of a nice little Robot butler.
Via Akihabara News | Posted on 2013.01.30 at 01:43
If you go to the Takashimaya department store in Shinjuku, Tokyo, by Valentines Day, you will be able to see the Geminoid-F android casually sitting in a show window, looking as if it’s waiting for a friend.
Via Akihabara News | Posted on 2013.01.30 at 01:39
![[Hands-On] Hugvie – the huggable communication medium with a heartbeat](/News/img/news/process/100_75_c/201301/21080_0.jpg)
The Hugvie is a cushion in a minimalistic human form. It contains a pocket into which you can put your mobile phone, transforming it into a physical communication medium.
Via Akihabara News | Posted on 2013.01.30 at 01:37
This power amplification robot, called Power Loader, is currently under development by Activelink, a Panasonic subsidiary venture. The aim is to achieve a robot that can freely utilize power beyond human strength, in emergencies or on construction sites.
Via Akihabara News | Posted on 2013.01.30 at 01:25
Panasonic has developed a prototype dry head spa robot, which in the future could be attached to a desk or bath. It uses robot hand technology previously developed for use in their hair washing robot.
Via Akihabara News | Posted on 2013.01.30 at 01:08