Category — Robots

Remember when LEGO toys were just primary colored hunks of plastic?  Looks like LEGO is taking on the world of robotic toys.  The Lego Mindstorms NXT is a fully-programmable robot with an “intelligent LEGO brick” for a brain…actually a 32-bit micro-processor.

The LEGO robot  has multiple light, sound, and touch sensors for a full range of programming options.  Users program the robot using drag and drop software which is compatible with both PC and MAC.  This sophisticated, long lost cousin of WALL-E is also a Bluetooth compatible gadget.  I found Lego Mindstorms NXT at KB Toys.  Ages 10 & up. [Read more →]

Here’s an assortment of geek-worthy toys for gadget gurus everywhere. First up, and my favorite of the three, is this remote control Multi-Color LED light, which would be a perfect addition to your Halloween props. The color-changing LED light plugs into a standard light bulb socket, and can produce dozens of colors.  You can even adjust the brightness and adjust transitions from color to color.  I found it at ThinkGeek.

Ooh, and here’s a kinda spooky, kinda goofy, computer accessory, just in case you’ve ever wanted to wear your USB drive on your finger.  The skull rings above are made by Solid Alliance and they open up to reveal a USB gadget with 2 GB of storage space. The skull rings are available at Geek Stuff 4 U for $145.  May the force be with you.

And, if you’re into robotic toys, you should check out this guinea pig robot named Gupi.  The virtual pet makes more than 30 noises and responds to your voice.  He charges via the carrot, and comes with a cardboard house.  You can find Gupi the guinea pig at I Want One of Those.Com.

For all of you out there who absolutely detest mowing the lawn, I may have just found the greatest thing since the riding lawn mower.  The LB 3500 robotic lawn mower made by Kyodo America is the world’s first Bluetooth compatible home robotic device, which means that it can be completely controlled through any Bluetooth supporting gadget.  Users can even program the mower to begin mowing the lawn at a specific time.  When lawn mowing time rolls around, the robotic lawn mower comes out of it charging station, mows your yard, and then quietly returns to its station.  According to Kyodo America’s website, the LB3500 is powered by 2 lithium-ion batteries and will mow up to 35,000 square feet on a single charge.  For those worried about this smart mower eating up their flowers, it’s equipped with a sensor for avoiding that very problem.  And, its equipped with built-in security alarm, which is something you’ll definitely need, because your neighbors are going to be very jealous! 

Just when you think you’ve seen everything, well you haven’t. Made by Sega, this 15-inch woman robot is actually being marketed in Japan as a friendly companion for lonely guys. Known as EMA, Eternal Maiden Actualization, this battery-powered robot diva can distribute business cards, dance and even pucker up for a kiss. Sega expects to sell 10,000 EMA robots in the next year, priced at $175 each. In addition, Sega seems quite optimistic about the demand for artificial intelligence, predicting multi-billion dollar demand in coming years. I think this is a nifty gadget, but I’m still wondering what happened to the old idea of getting a dog?