co-robot offers (drunken) humanoid moves on the cheap

While it certainly isn’t the most sophisticated robot out there, this kit from Japan is possibly the least expensive bipedal robot I’ve seen.

The Co-Robot keeps it on the cheap by using just a single motor and a wobbly gear-drive system to help it amble along. Now don’t expect the type of smooth walking moves of Honda’s ASIMO here. This little guy hobbles along in a manic frenzy that’s sort of like Peter Boyle in Young Frankenstein on crank (or maybe Michael Flatley: Lord of the Dance at normal speed). On the plus side, simple mechanical sensors can detect when Co-Robot falls over, so he can pick himself up from his (all too frequent) falls.

The robot has three modes of operation: walking, dancing and somersaulting (also known as stumbling, thrashing and falling down). While the instructions for building Co-Robot are in Japanese, it’ looks like it would be simple enough to put together from the visual diagrams in the manual.

Still, if you’re looking for a fun way to introduce your kids (or yourself) to robotics, and don’t want to break the bank, you might want to check out Co-Robot. Originally available only in Japan, the guys over at the MakerSHED have imported a batch, and are selling them for $29.95 (USD) a pop.

[via ROBOTS DREAMS]