Technabob » movement http://technabob.com/blog Cool Gadgets, Gizmos, Games and Geek Stuff Sun, 27 May 2012 20:00:08 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 Jumping and Rolling Robot Can Handle Any Terrain http://technabob.com/blog/2008/12/08/jumping-and-rolling-robot-can-handle-any-terrain/ http://technabob.com/blog/2008/12/08/jumping-and-rolling-robot-can-handle-any-terrain/#comments Mon, 08 Dec 2008 12:40:11 +0000 Lambert Varias http://technabob.com/blog/?p=5910 Rhodri Armour, a PhD student from the University of Bath, has invented a robot that he hopes will be a model for future space exploration and land surveying robots. Called the Jollbot, it’s a spherical robot that rolls over smooth terrain and jumps “like a grasshopper” when it encounters obstacles.

jumping robot

The robot imitates how a grasshopper builds up its energy before prior to jumping: “We’ve made a robot that jumps in a similar way to the grasshopper, but uses electrical motors to slowly store the energy needed to leap in its springy skeleton.

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Before jumping, the robot squashes its spherical shape. When it is ready, it releases the stored energy all at once to jump to heights of up to half a metre.”

Forget land surveys, Rhodri. Think big. Think robot ninjas.

[University of Bath via robots.net]

]]> http://technabob.com/blog/2008/12/08/jumping-and-rolling-robot-can-handle-any-terrain/feed/ 1 Zcam Tracks Gamer Movements and Images in 3d http://technabob.com/blog/2007/12/12/zcam-tracks-gamer-movements-and-images-in-3d/ http://technabob.com/blog/2007/12/12/zcam-tracks-gamer-movements-and-images-in-3d/#comments Thu, 13 Dec 2007 03:46:54 +0000 Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2007/12/12/zcam-tracks-gamer-movements-and-images-in-3d/ Taking a page from systems like the Sony EyeToy and the Nintendo Wii control scheme, this new camera from Israel’s 3DV Systems could bring gaming interaction to a whole new level.

3dv zcam

The company’s recently revealed ZCam is capable of not only capturing gamers’ most intricate gestures, but detecting full-body movements in three dimensions, without the need for the player to hold a controller. The camera’s unique ability to detect depth allows it to track motion as well as sample 3D images (the surfaces it can see, that is) in real time.

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The technology used in the camera was originally designed for use in defense systems, and has now been packaged into a low-cost consumer product. The ZCam can capture 1.3 Megapixel images at up to 60 frames-per-second, passing coordinate data back to a PC (and hopefully game consoles some day).  A proprietary chipset called DeepC takes care of the depth detection algorithms.

The company hasn’t announced any big distribution partnerships at this point, but hopefully some console or computer accessory makers will stand up and take notice.

[via TechShout]

]]> http://technabob.com/blog/2007/12/12/zcam-tracks-gamer-movements-and-images-in-3d/feed/ 2 Robophilo: Humanoid Robot for Under $500 http://technabob.com/blog/2007/12/08/robophilo-humanoid-robot-for-under-500/ http://technabob.com/blog/2007/12/08/robophilo-humanoid-robot-for-under-500/#comments Sat, 08 Dec 2007 05:15:13 +0000 Technabob http://technabob.com/blog/2007/12/08/robophilo-humanoid-robot-for-under-500/ RoboPhilo is a compact personal robot that offers a level of sophistication you usually don’t find in robots for under $1000, let alone in one that costs less than 500 clams.

robophilo 1

 

The humanoid ‘bot comes “ready to walk,” which means you won’t have to spend hours putting together the intricate servos and wiring that might have to with other hobby robots.

robophilo 3

The 13-inch tall robot has over 20 individual servos for controlling the head, legs, arms, and other joints, so can be programmed to do some pretty complex moves.

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You can choose to program movements with your PC, or with the included multi-function wireless remote.

robophilo 2

The $499 RoboPhilo is available just in time for the holidays from the RoboBrothers online shop.

[via Robots-Dreams]

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