programmable on technabob...

One of the most popular posts of all time on Technabob was the wondrous Luxeed multi-color LED keyboard. While it sure looked cool, it was nearly impossible to get outside of its native land of Korea. So I’m thrilled to let you know that they’re finally available in the U.S. (sans the Korean characters)…

This new robotics platform out of Korea lets you build a variety of unique robots from a single set of modular parts. RoboBuilder offers a complete kit of interchangeable modules which come together to form computer programmable mini-bots.

Out of the box, there are three “standard” robot designs, HUNO, DINO and DOGY…

Want to get your point across? Why not say it with light? This new kit lets you create your own custom LED light board using any pattern you want. The whole thing reminds me of a modern-day Lite-Brite.

The latest Open Source creation from Evil Mad Science Labs, “Peggy” gives you the parts you need to make a pixelated grid of LEDs in any design your little heart desires…

Back in the day, I did my stint designing lighting and sets for community theater companies, so I’ve seen more than my share of wooden acting. But this is the first time I’ve ever seen metal acting.

The RoboThespian is a life-sized robotic puppet, designed with one mission in mind — to entertain…

Here’s a fun weekend project for all you hardware hackers out there. The Ybox2 is the latest version of a programmable IP-connected set top box which can fit entirely inside an Altoid box.

The system can be programmed to display widget-like channels on your television, using a library of freely-available software…

Tomy’s i-SOBOT mini robot has been receiving raves for it’s cool moves and programmability. This recent clip from Robots Dreams shows off the talented little robot doing his best bow and arrow work.

While I wouldn’t necessarily let the pint-sized robot shoot an apple off of my head, I’m still pretty impressed by the motion capabilities of the little guy…

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.

 
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…

I’ve certainly seen my share of stupid robot tricks in my day, but this is the first time I’ve seen one have a hysterical laughing fit.

Sure, the $3,000 Speecys SPC-101C programmable robot can walk and dance around, but more importantly, it’ll laugh at your bad jokes if you train it properly…