Dictionary of Robotics Terms in Science Fiction
(Technovelgy items at top: skip down to News)

Name

Author (Publication Date)

Androide - the original
A device having the form or likeness of a man.

Ephraim Chambers (1727)
Anti-Robot Propaganda
Human activity against robots.

Isaac Asimov (1941)
Artificial Butterfly
A mechanical, robotic butterfly.

Roger Zelazny (1980)
Asteroid Mining Robot
An autonomous robot able to effectively mine asteroids.

Isaac Asimov (1944)
Autofac (Nanorobots) - a factory that can replicate itself
Very small robots working on self-replication

Philip K. Dick (1955)
Automat
Unusual name for an intelligent robot; short for "automaton"?

Raymond Z. Gallun (1936)
Automated Apartment Maintenance
Automated devices that would oversee the maintenance of a rented apartment.

Philip K. Dick (1969)
Automated Drone Probes
Human-sized robot probes for exploration.

Robert Silverberg (1969)
Automated Laboratory
A fully automated machinery of invention.

Michael Moorcock (1964)
Automatic Companion Robot - better than a puppy
A robotic replacement for a pet or friend.

Frederik Pohl (1954)
Automatic Cultivators
Agricultural robots.

John W. Campbell (1930)
Automatic Valet
A robotic manservant.

Arthur Bird (1899)
Automaton Steam Surgeon
Mechanized surgery.

Jane Webb Loudon (1828)
Philip K. Dick (1965)
Autonomous Digging Machine
A mechanical device able to excavate on its own.

H.G. Wells (1898)
Baby Robot - how cute!
An infant robot.

David H. Keller (1934)
Basic Robot Personality
Providing simple personalities to robots.

Nat Schachner (1938)
Bionic Arm - $6M man arm
An artificial arm that responds in a manner similar to the 'original equipment' item.

Martin Caidin (1972)
Bionic Legs
Human legs rebuilt and improved.

Martin Caidin (1972)
Biot
A biological robot.

Arthur C. Clarke (1972)
Bird-Like Robots
Robotic birds used in a stage play.

Clarence Edward Heller (1930)
Blue Collar Robot (Self-Repairing)
An autonomous robot required to find its own work.

Harry Harrison (1956)
Jeff Noon (2000)
Bot
The first use of this contraction for "robot".

Richard Meredith (1969)
Brain Placed In Metal Body
A robotic body with a support system for a connected organic brain.

Edmond Hamilton (1929)
Brain-Plate
Ensures the obedience of robots.

David C. Cooke (1939)
Butler-Valet Robot
A gentleman's servant, roboticized.

William Tenn (1951)
Buttered Toast Robot
What it says on the tin.

Ray Bradbury (1953)
Charging Arm
A specialized device allowing a robot to charge itself.

William Morrison (1941)
Christmas Bush Motile Robot - very fine fingers
Repair robot with extra-sensitive hands.

Robert Forward (1985)
Circuit Inhibiting Destructiveness
Ensuring that robots take on the responsibility of pleasing their masters, and obeying their orders.

Margaret St. Clair (1958)
Claws (Attack Robot) - screamers!
Autonomous guard robots that attack living tissue.

Philip K. Dick (1953)
Cleaning Machine Warren
A room or space set aside for machinery when not in use.

William Gibson (1988)
Clockwork Man
A man from the future with an embedded mechanism to manipulate time.

E.V. Odle (1923)
Compassion Circuit
A special robotic component that allows the robot to weigh harm and benefit in carrying out commands.

John Wyndham (1954)
Computronium - nanocomputers by the handful
Intelligent matter; nanocomputing processors masquerading as ordinary material.

Charles Stross (2005)
Construct
An artificial being, a pastiche of living and robotic pieces.

Keith Laumer (1969)
Construction Robot
Autonomous robots work on construction sites.

Michael Crichton (1985)
Consumption Robots
Humanoid robots placed in the position of consuming material goods to relieve human beings of the burden.

Frederik Pohl (1954)
Control Helmet
Direct control of a robot from the brain.

Raymond Z. Gallun (1954)
Delivery Robot
A small autonomous device that will bring goods directly to a person or place.

Robert Heinlein (1962)
Disease Circuit
A feature of robotic animals which indicated a need to repair by emulating animal sickness.

Philip K. Dick (1968)
Dope Mule Robot - fast delivery in a pinch
A metal sphere that propels itself with a single piston-like foot.

Bruce Sterling (1994)
Dressing Machine
A robotic device to serve as a mechanical dresser.

Christopher Anvil (1953)
Dressing Machines
Semi-autonomous guided devices that could dress a person in ordinary clothing.

Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931)
Droid (First Use)
Contraction of "android".

Mari Wolf (1952)
Droid (Star Wars) - lucas trademark
A contraction of "android", it actually describes one of a variety of robots.

George Lucas (1976)
Dustmice - tiny robot detectives
Tiny robotic sensors that police could set loose in a crime scene, looking for tiny clues.

Greg Bear (1990)
Eager Beaver - your friendly robot helper
Your friendly robot helper.

Robert Heinlein (1956)
Eel Operator
A surgically modified human being able to operate a robotic eel

Susan Beetlestone (2012)
Electric Cat (Robot Cat)
A robot presenting the appearance of a common domestic cat.

Philip K. Dick (1968)
Electric Monk - belief on demand
Robotic device provides belief services.

Douglas Adams (1987)
Electric Sheep - livestock as consumer electronics
An electronic farm animal; a non-organic robot covered with sheepskin that acts like a sheep.

Philip K. Dick (1968)
Electrical Farming Implements
Labor-saving automatic farm equipment.

Arthur Bird (1899)
Ray Bradbury (1969)
Electrical Valet
A robotic manservant, skilled in dressing its owner.

Stanton A. Coblentz (1939)
Electric-Automatic Household Robot Cook
A robot chef - an Electric-Automatic Household Benefi­cent Genius!

Elizabeth Bellamy (1899)
Electric-Automatic Housemaid Robot (Automaton) - a robotic helper
A very early description of a robot to help around the house.

Elizabeth Bellamy (1899)
Embryonic Robots - early sci-fi nanobots?
Very small robots, possibly a very early reference to nanotechnology in science fiction.

Philip K. Dick (1967)
False Animal Repairman
A specialized roboticist who repaired robotic animals.

Philip K. Dick (1968)
Famnexdo
A set of four simulacra, one adult male, one adult female and two children; the family next door.

Philip K. Dick (1964)
Field-Minder
An agricultural robot.

Brian Aldiss (1963)
Flexible Frank - the all-purpose household robot
An all-purpose household robot.

Robert Heinlein (1956)
Flexible Metal Arms (Tentacles)
An interesting description of how mechanical tentacles might function.

Edmond Hamilton (1926)
Floating Robot
A robot that floats in mid-air.

David Wright O'Brien (1941)
Free Robot - Robert F-R
A robot without a master.

Daniel Keyes (1952)
Garbage Device
Autonomous garbage collection device.

Frederik Pohl (1966)
General Strike of the Robots
All over the world, robots cease their labors.

Harl Vincent (1934)
Gesturing Robot
A robot that uses gestures to communicate.

Isaac Asimov (1940)
Glass Bees - tiny automatons
Walnut-sized flying automata.

Ernst Junger (1957)
Golden Shuttles (Mechanical Mice) - tiny robots
Very small robots with an appetite for watch parts.

Maurice G. Hugi (1941)
Guard Robot
Early reference to a robot performing the functions of a security guard.

Philip K. Dick (1955)
Gynoid
A female android.

Gwyneth Jones (1984)
Helen O'Loy - or Helen of Alloys
A robot is enhanced to offer feelings and affection.

Lester del Rey (1938)
Hired Girl Robot - robotic floor maintenance
The amazing floor-cleaning robot!

Robert Heinlein (1956)
Home Robot
A robotic device designed to serve families in their homes.

Michael Crichton (1985)
House Cleaning Device
A robotic means of thorough home cleaning.

Miles J. Breuer (1930)
Inorganic Evolution
A process by which robots could alter their own structure, or the ways that they interact with other robots, to adapt to a changing world.

Stanislaw Lem (1954)
Intelligent Trash Sorting
Robots sort the garbage - almost completely.

Harry Harrison (1956)
Interchangeable Hands - mechanical variety
Specialized manual extremities.

Philip K. Dick (1965)
Iridium-Sponge Brain
A human-like metal brain for robots.

Eando Binder (1940)
Iron Man Robot With Human Brain
A huge robot with a tub containing a human brain.

Paul Ernst (1933)
Ironing Robot
A robot that smooths the wrinkles out of clothing.

Mikhail Mikheev (1972)
Jurymech
A robotic entity serving the function of a trial jury.

Harlan Ellison (1957)
Juvenile - sneaks around
A robot designed to sneak around and spy on people.

Philip K. Dick (1956)
Killer Robot - very early reference
An autonomous robot made for the express purpose of killing living creatures.

Joseph E. Kelleam (1939)
Law Clerk Robot
A robotic lawyer.

Frederik Pohl (1954)
Lead-Bodied Android
A robot designed for use in the nuclear industry.

Mari Wolf (1952)
Leading Machine
An exploratory device; it takes the form of an autonomous motorcycle.

Miles J. Breuer (1930)
Leady
A radiation-resistant robot.

Philip K. Dick (1953)
Learning Robot - learn from experience
A robot that learns from its own experiences.

Stephen Barr (1960)
Lens-Tube
A kind of seeing device like a short-range telescope.

Jack Williamson (1931)
Living Machines
Robots that are able to learn.

Francis Flagg (1934)
Living Metal Cubes
Tiny metal cubes and pyramids that work together to create larger shapes.

Abraham Merritt (1920)
Loiter-Drone - indefinite watch
A autonomous flying device that hovers protectively over a defined area.

Iain M Banks (2004)
Luggage Robot
Perfect helper at robotic hotels.

Harry Harrison (1970)
Machine Evolution
An early look at the idea that machines can evolve all by themselves, physically and intellectually.

Philip K. Dick (1953)
Machine Masters
Humans did less and less, and machines did more and more, until machines became the masters.

Edmond Hamilton (1931)
Machine Servant
A wheeled plastic box with universal-joint arms.

Edmond Hamilton (1947)
Maid-Robot
A mechanical automaton does the work of a lady's maid.

Frederik Pohl (1954)
Mandroid - a mechanical human
A humanoid robot; a robot in the shape of a person.

Richard Morgan (2003)
Manshonyagger - fighting robot
An autonomous fighting robot.

Cordwainer Smith (1957)
Manufactured Wife - an early reference
A wife made to order, programmed to meet her husband's requirements.

Alice W. Fuller (1895)
Maritime Robots
Robots designed to perform every aspect of maintenance for a ship.

Bruce Sterling (2022)
Mark IV Door Keeping Robot - automated rejection
A robotic device for responding (and scanning) people who come to your door.

A. Bertram Chandler (1959)
Marvin the Robot - brain the size of a planet
Another fine robot from the marketing division of the Sirius Cybernetics Corporation

Douglas Adams (1979)
Master Machine
One single machine to run a civilization!

Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931)
Mechanical Bride - woman or robot
A perfect robotic replica of a woman.

Fritz Leiber (1954)
Mechanical Cleaning Device
A small, ground-based autonomous robot doing basic janitorial work.

Philip K. Dick (1957)
Mechanical Hound - a fireman's best friend
An eight-legged robotic "hound" with hypodermic poison fangs.

Ray Bradbury (1953)
Mechanical Men
Remote controlled robots used to perform dangerous work.

A.G. Stangland (1929)
Mechavalet
An entirely automated dressing assistant.

Richard R. Smith (1955)
Medical Mech
A medical robot designed to prevent death during emergencies.

Gordon R. Dickson (1965)
Mentanical Communication
Thinking, learning robots have a special means of communication.

Francis Flagg (1934)
Mentanicals
Robots capable of mentation - i.e., thought.

Francis Flagg (1934)
Metal Insects
Small autonomous flying winged robots.

Stanislaw Lem (1954)
Metal Monster with Jointed Limbs
A large robotic device with legs.

Jack Williamson (1931)
Metallic Fingers
Robot fingers.

Harl Vincent (1934)
Metallic Marx
A robot who strikes for better working conditions.

Harry Harrison (1959)
Metamen - live in a robot body
A human brain placed in a purely mechanical, robotic body.

E.C. Tubb (1958)
Micro-Android (Micro-Robot)
An extremely tiny robot or nanobot.

Raymond Z. Gallun (1954)
Microrob
Small stature robots.

Philip K. Dick (1964)
Military Spider
An eight legged telepresence robot.

David Gerrold (1985)
Mining Worm (Robot) - dig, robot, dig!
An autonomous mining robot shaped like a worm.

Emmett McDowell (1946)
Mixed Men
A mostly human being, but with an additional robot brain.

A.E. van Vogt (1943)
Mobile Persocom - your animated laptop
A personal computer in human form.

Manga Clamp (2002)
Moldies
Autonomous, intelligent, artificial life forms.

Rudy Rucker (1997)
Multiple Robot Team - a squad plus leader
A set of robots, with the leader able to coordinate the activities of less intelligent subsidiary robots.

Isaac Asimov (1944)
Nanny Robot - child-care robot with punch
A child-care robot with a surprisingly competitive side.

Philip K. Dick (1955)
Nanobot
A robot constructed with nanotechnology.

John Varley (1992)
Nano-Paste
Nanobots that use the resources around it to create a desired product.

Sid Meier (1999)
Network Repair Team
Dispatched to collect remains of destroyed machines.

Philip K. Dick (1955)
Nose Gun
Weapon system located up high.

Harry Harrison (1958)
Nubot
An android that directly replaces a human at their job.

John Twelve Hawks (2014)
Nurse Drone
A larger flying platform to provide power to smaller drones.

Neal Stephenson (1995)
Oat-Tropic Circuit
A robotic feature that caused electronic animals to move toward offered food.

Philip K. Dick (1968)
Ownership of Machines
Who will own the machines that produce material abundance?

Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931)
P-120 Reconnaissance Robot
A multi-legged robot built for speed and silence.

David Gerrold (1992)
Patient Bath Robot
Robot gives patient a bath.

Katsuhiro Otomo (1991)
Personal Capsule - for your eyes only
An impenetrable device containing information for your eyes only.

Isaac Asimov (1951)
Phymech
A robotic physician.

Harlan Ellison (1957)
Police Detection Robot
An automated evidence-gathering robot.

Philip K. Dick (1957)
Police Robot - a rookie cop bot
A fully autonomous, man-shaped robotic police officer.

Harry Harrison (1958)
Polycarbon Exo - a military exoskeleton
Exoskeleton made of a strong, lightweight material.

William Gibson (1988)
Porter Televox-Robot
A robot that carries your bags through the passageways of space liners.

Miles J. Breuer (1931)
Proselytizing Robot
A robotic preacher; designed for use where believers are unwelcome.

James Blish (1957)
Prosthetic Robotic Arm (Thought-Attuned)
A detachable robotic arm, controlled directly through neural linkage.

Ivar Jorgensen (1957)
Proxy Robot
A remote-controlled floating telepresence robot, for use by aliens who cannot share an atmosphere.

Raymond Z. Gallun (1938)
Pry-Vie (Robotic Detective)
A robotic private eye; autonomic detection services.

Philip K. Dick (1964)
Pseudo-Insects (Synsects)
A swarm of self-guided, programmed microarmies.

Stanislaw Lem (1984)
Psychophonic Nurse - a nanny robot
A child-care robot - a nanny bot.

David H. Keller (1928)
Quasi-Muscles (Sham Musculature)
A means of giving motive power to robots or machines that is similar to animal musculature.

H.G. Wells (1898)
R. Daneel Olivaw - I, robot
A human-like robot, skilled in police work.

Isaac Asimov (1953)
R2-D2 (Artoo-Detoo) - the original
Now the generic term for a small, maneuverable robot.

George Lucas (1976)
Radar Mesentery - sensitive robot skin
A thick covering that supports a network of sensors.

Roger Zelazny (1966)
Radio-Controlled Mechanical Man
A remote-controlled robot.

Melbourne Huff (1930)
Rat Thing
A guard cyborg created from a living animal.

Neal Stephenson (1992)
Rat-Robot
A small remotely-operated surveillance robot.

Gordon Randall Garrett (1962)
Reggie the Bartending Machine - beverage, sir?
A mechanism able to mix drinks; a robot bartender.

Mike Resnick (2002)
Remote Telepresence Robot
A very early depiction of this basic idea.

Philip Nowlan (w/D. Calkins) (1929)
Repair Robots - helpful droids
Autonomous robots that carry out maintenance functions on a space ship.

H.B. Fyfe (1950)
Riding Robot
A single person means of bipedal transportation.

Harry Harrison (1970)
Robant
A robotic servant.

Philip K. Dick (1953)
Robant Bill Collector Automated bill collection
A robot designed to collect overdue bills, no matter what.

Philip K. Dick (1966)
Robass - a robotic mule
A robotic beast of burden.

Anthony Boucher (1951)
Isaac Asimov (1940)
Robocop
A robotic police officer.

Harlan Ellison (1957)
Robodore
A robot specialized for use as a stevedore, emptying the contents of ships in port.

Daniel Keyes (1952)
Robofish (Mitsubishi Robot Turbot) - robot fish
A powerful, meter-long robotic fish used to take samples from liquid lakes on other worlds (like Titan).

Michael Swanwick (2002)
Roboscribe
A robotic writer of hard-bitten detective yarns.

Richard Marsten (1954)
Robot - the origin of the term
A (usually human-shaped) artifact with the same kinds of abilities as a human - this is the first use of the word 'robot'.

Karel Capek (1920)
Robot Animals
Artificial animals created using robotic elements.

Clifford Simak (1938)
Robot Bar - ancestor of R2D2
A combination bartender and bar; a robot capable of dispensing beverages.

Harry Harrison (1965)
Robot Bartender - early mention
An automated, mechanical bar tending robot.

Alfred Bester (1956)
Robot Biomimicry
Endowing robots with an organic-appearing fluidity, rather than mechanical motion.

H.G. Wells (1898)
Robot Bird - voice recognition and surveillance
A small winged UAV that can mimic a bird in flight.

Philip E. High (1968)
Robot Brother
A roboticist brings home a robot brother for his natural son.

Henry Slesar (1958)
Robot Busboy
A robotic device able to autonomously clear tables in a restaurant.

Philip K. Dick (1964)
Robot Cab Driver - everybody's got problems
You think you have problems? Robots have the worst problems of anyone.

Philip K. Dick (1954)
Robot Cat
A biological feline with mechanical parts.

Raymond F. Jones (1946)
Robot Cells (Crystal-Shaped Modules) - robot building blocks
Minute dodecahedral units that could combine into different shapes to become full robots.

Michael P. Kube-McDowell (1987)
Robot Chef - a creative cook
Creative, autonomous robotic cook.

Anthony Boucher (1943)
Robot Comedian - laughs at its own jokes
Joke-telling feature added to a standard butler robot.

William Tenn (1951)
Robot Control Board
Control panel with small screens showing the point of view of different robots.

O.L. Beckwith (1929)
Robot Cook - tasty meals nightly
A household robot that can cook meals.

Lester del Rey (1938)
Robot Cop
A robotic police officer.

R.M. Williams (1943)
Robot Crab - robot gardener
An automated gardener.

William Gibson (1984)
Robot Doctor
A mechanical physician.

Clarence Edward Heller (1930)
Robot Dog
A mechanical, robotic dog.

Otis Adelbert Kline (1937)
Robot Door - stolid decision-maker
Automated door has some decision-making capabilities, in addition to speech recognition capabilities.

Philip K. Dick (1953)
Robot Earthworm - spaghettibot
Autonomous swarming robots the size of earthworms, with similar earth-digging capabilities.

Harry Harrison (1962)
Robot Emotions - mech feelings
Devices or techniques that give rise to emotions in robots.

Lester del Rey (1938)
Robot Factory Representative
An ambulatory agent of an automatic factory.

Philip K. Dick (1955)
Robot Fish (Metal Fish)
Fake flounders for sport fishermen on Martian canals.

Charles Fontenay (1956)
Robot Gas Station
An entirely automated station for dispensing fuel to consumer vehicles.

Philip K. Dick (1974)
Robot Guard
Very early reference to a guard robot.

Philip K. Dick (1954)
Robot Handlers
Small robots used in spacecraft for a variety of useful tasks.

John Varley (1998)
Robot Introspection
A robotic brain grows and learns about itself.

Roger P. Graham (1949)
Robot Judge - before Dred
Artificially intelligent legal machine - robes and all.

Harry Harrison (1959)
Robot Lawn Mower - already here
An automated lawn mower.

Clifford Simak (1944)
Robot Librarian Filer
A device that works as a librarian, automatically filing books in the stacks.

Harry Harrison (1962)
Robot Manumission
The freeing of a robotic being from a state of being owned property.

Daniel Keyes (1952)
Ray Bradbury (1950)
Robot Music
Music created and performed entirely by robots.

Ray Cummings (1941)
Robot Pianist - robotic virtuoso
A robot learns the fine art of playing classical music on the piano.

Herbert Goldstone (1953)
Robot Pope - Urbi et Orbi et Digiti
An artificially intelligent robotic cardinal ascends to the Throne of St. Peter.

Robert Silverberg (1971)
Robot Probes (Arr-twos) - remote-controlled eyes and ears
Remote controlled robots that wander through a facility, bringing pictures and information to a central location.

Larry Niven (w/J. Pournelle) (1981)
Robot Ramp - just for bots
A special means of ingress and egress solely for use by mechanical help.

Daniel Keyes (1952)
Robot Revolt
Robots to throw off the yoke of Man?

Ray Cummings (1931)
Robot Self-Assembly
A robot separated into many pieces reassembles itself.

Hugo Correa (1968)
Robot Situation Neurosis
Robots go mad when given competing instructions.

Philip K. Dick (1957)
Robot Skin Covering
Realistic covering for the bodies of robots.

Harl Vincent (1934)
Robot Snake
A mechanical reptile, with no legs.

Lee Chaytor (1958)
Robot Spider (Handling Machine)
Multipurpose device used almost as an extension of the Martian's own bodies.

H.G. Wells (1898)
Robot Strike
When robots refuse to work.

Mari Wolf (1952)
Robot Suicide - enough is enough
A robot decides to commit suicide, and sets up a mechanism to put his decision into effect.

Eando Binder (1940)
Robot Surgeon
An autonomous robotic surgeon.

Isaac Asimov (1976)
Robot Surgeon-Hand - attached at the wrist
A skilled surgical robot that attaches at the end of the surgeon's arm.

Philip K. Dick (1955)
Robot Surgery
Robots operate an advance operating theater.

John Russell Fearn (1939)
Robot Taste Buds
A sensor for robots that would allow it to taste foods like a human being.

Anthony Boucher (1943)
Robot Tennis Player
A purely mechanical, autonomous foe on the court.

H.B. Fyfe (1952)
Robot Trash Collectors
Robots that drive and operate garbage trucks.

Harry Harrison (1956)
Robot Vending Machine
Machinery displaces news boys selling papers on street corners.

Jack Williamson (1931)
Robot Waiter
Robotic restaurant servitor.

Clarence Edward Heller (1930)
Robot Wheel
An enormous vehicular robot in the shape of a gigantic wheel.

Edmond Hamilton (1926)
Robot With Human's Brain
A very early example of encasing a human brain in a robotic body.

Otis Adelbert Kline (1936)
Robotaxi
A fully automated, driverless taxi.

Joe Gibson (1953)
Robot-Boss
A mechanical device that tells people what to do.

David C. Cooke (1939)
Robot-Control Wave Band
Special command circuit for robots.

Harl Vincent (1934)
Robot-Deranger
A ray that discombobulates robots of all kinds.

Ray Cummings (1931)
Robotess
A female robot.

Karel Capek (1920)
Robotic Abattoir - robots with knives
Robots with knives in a meat-packing plant.

Anne McCaffrey (1996)
Robotic Arm - handy for robots
A specialized robotic reaching and grasping device.

Clifford Simak (1944)
Robotic Butterfly
A tiny, electromechanical flying robot.

Harlan Ellison (1987)
Robotic Chess Expert - unbeatable
A robot that plays chess at a level that no human can match.

Clifford Simak (1951)
Robotic Conductor
A robot charged with conductor's duties aboard a bus or other public transportation.

Philip K. Dick (1953)
Robotic Dishwasher
A fully automated solution to the dishwashing problem.

Ray Bradbury (1950)
Robotic Eel
A five-foot long artificial eel, controlled by an operator.

Susan Beetlestone (2012)
Robotic Hand
A dexterous manipulator for robots.

Robert Heinlein (1956)
Robotic Law Tape Safety Valve
A specific impulse that warns robots contemplating breaking the laws set forth for their behavior.

Daniel Keyes (1952)
Roboticist
A person who creates or works with robots.

Isaac Asimov (1941)
Roboticist
A person who works on robots.

Isaac Asimov (1946)
Robotics
The engineering field encompassing the creation and maintenance of robots.

Isaac Asimov (1941)
Robots Refuse To Serve Man
When robots evolve their own perspectives, and ultimately refuse to act as servants to human beings.

Francis Flagg (1934)
Robot-Surgeon
A perfect robot for perfected human beings.

Harl Vincent (1934)
Robutler
A robotic butler.

Harry Harrison (1970)
Rolem (Wrestling Robot) - robot wrestler
A robotic wrestling companion.

Roger Zelazny (1966)
Rolov
A specialized robot for the bedroom.

Christopher Anvil (1953)
Rom (Robot Operated Missiles)
Intercontinental robotic weapons.

Philip K. Dick (1954)
Roujin Z-0001 Robotic Bed - military bed robot
A fully automated hospital bed and transport robot.

Katsuhiro Otomo (1991)
Rubber Hoof
Silent running for robot horses.

Christopher Stasheff (1969)
Rubber Soled Feet
Silent padding for clanky robots.

Melbourne Huff (1930)
Sales Robot (Robot Salesman) - a robot makes the sales pitch
Fully automated robots giving untiring, incessant sales pitches to customers.

Philip K. Dick (1954)
Scuttle-bot
An all-purpose surveillance robot that climbed rather than flew.

David Gerrold (2020)
Sea Robot
An enormous robot able to function in the ocean.

E.K. Jarvis (1943)
Search-Bug
An exploratory robot.

Philip K. Dick (1955)
Security Guard Robot (Sentry Robot)
A robot that takes the place of a security guard in an office environment.

Michael Crichton (1985)
Self-Assembling Robots - robot, configure thyself
Robots with the capacity to assemble themselves from components, and then switch themselves on.

James Schmitz (1966)
Self-Aware Robot
A robot that thinks and reasons for itself.

Harl Vincent (1934)
Self-Charging Robot
A robot that is able to autonomously find an electrical outlet and plug itself in to recharge.

Stephen Barr (1960)
Self-Guided Tractors
A farm vehicle that drives itself.

Larry Niven (1966)
Self-Repairing Robot
A mechanism that can detect faults in itself and repair them.

W.F. Wallace (1952)
Self-Selling Robot
A robot that sells itself.

Philip K. Dick (1954)
Sensitive Robot Fingers
Special sensory capabilities of robotic appendages.

Ray Cummings (1931)
Sensor Arm
An extendable multipurpose sensor cluster.

George Lucas (1976)
Serving Robot - a smooth ovoid
A non-humanoid robot designed to serve.

H. Beam Piper (1962)
Sheem Spider Robot
A robotic spider.

James Schmitz (1966)
Sherman
A sex robot.

John Varley (1983)
Silencer-Padding - soles for robots
Robots need to have special padding on the bottoms of their lower limbs, so they don't clank as they walk.

Daniel Keyes (1952)
Simulacrum (Sim)
An autonomous construct that is a perfect likeness to a human person.

Philip K. Dick (1964)
Sniffer Robot
A small robot that gathers odors from a crime scene for analysis.

Michael Crichton (1985)
Solar-Powered Robot
A robot powered by sunlight.

Joseph E. Kelleam (1939)
Spider Robot - swarming spider bots
Tiny spider-sized robots that are able to search buildings and identify occupants.

Steven Spielberg (2002)
Spider Robot
Scuttling insect robots.

Michael Crichton (1985)
Spider Space Elevator Test Vehicle - test the cables
A robotic testing device for the cables of a space elevator.

Arthur C. Clarke (1978)
Arthur C. Clarke (1972)
Steam Man
A mechanical robot powered by steam.

Edward S. Ellis (1868)
Sub-microscopic Medical Robots
Tiny robots travel the bloodstream, killing bacteria.

Philip E. High (1967)
Supervision Robot (Squid)
A wheeled device with tentacular grasping limbs.

Miles J. Breuer (1930)
Supervisor Robot
A robot that watches over and gives orders to other robots.

H.B. Fyfe (1952)
Synthetic Flesh
Provides robots with realistic coverings, not just plastic.

Brian Aldiss (1969)
Tagalong
A backpack with legs; a robot that will carry things for you and match your movements.

John Varley (1976)
Talking Robot
An impractical robot, for display only.

Isaac Asimov (1940)
Teddy
A very intelligent and highly mobile robotic teddy bear.

Brian Aldiss (1969)
Teddy Bear Robot
A special toy bear given to every child in the world.

Harry Harrison (1965)
Teleoperated Lab Robot
A robot is used to conduct experiments in an environment too extreme for humans.

James Blish (1957)
Teleoperated Robot Surrogate - love via robot
A robot that is entirely controlled remotely by a person who sees with the point of view of the robot.

Manly Wade Wellman (1938)
Tentacle Machines
Enormous robots, cylindrical of body, tentacular of arms, autonomous of brain, sinister of intent.

Edmond Hamilton (1926)
The Machine (M)
An autonomous robot able to alter its appearance and functionality at will.

Philip K. Dick (1957)
The Twonky - original robot
A robotic device from the future, constructed to look like a 1940's radio cabinet.

Lewis Padgett (1942)
Three Laws of Robotics (Rules of Robotics) - the original robot laws
The original formulation of Asimov's laws of robotics.

Isaac Asimov (1942)
Tik-Tok
A mechanical man.

L. Frank Baum (1907)
Underwater Robot
An autonomous mechanical for use underwater.

Harry Harrison (1956)
Unit Analyst Robot
A robotic psychoanalyst.

Philip K. Dick (1955)
Usuform Robot - not a mechanical man
A robot designed strictly along functional lines.

Anthony Boucher (1943)
Usuform Robot Bartender - with tentacles
A robotic bartender that is designed along purely functional lines.

Anthony Boucher (1943)
Vastening
It's hard to describe, but it's a robotic sense perception.

Lewis Padgett (1943)
Verhaeren Factor - creative machines
Provides autonomous robots with the capacity for independent creative action.

Anthony Boucher (1943)
Vision Strip - for robots
A circular vision strip for robots.

Orville Shaara (1952)
Vision Tubes
Microminaturized vision for UAV's.

Raymond Z. Gallun (1936)
Visual Pattern Recognition
A robot's ability to respond to programmed visual stimulus

Joseph E. Kelleam (1939)
Wabbler - underwater robot
An autonomous underwater robot.

Murray Leinster (1942)
Walking Mill
The ultimate combine - giant metal centipede walks through fields, harvesting wheat, threshing, grinding and finally baking bread right in the field.

Fritz Leiber (1958)
Window-Cleaner Robots
Robots that perform the task of cleaning and polishing transparent surfaces.

Arthur C. Clarke (1972)
Zeta-Ray
Makes and maintains vast holes - even in ocean water!

Nat Schachner (w. AL Zagat) (1931)

Related Science Fiction in the News

Robot Snakes No Longer Stopped By Stairs
'...she dropped her hands from the wheel, took the robot snake from his box.' - Lee Chaytor, 1958.
(re: Lee Chaytor, 2/28/2024 )
Challenges Of Two-Armed Robots
When the left hand knows what the right hand is doing.
(re: Various, 2/18/2024 )
AlphaGarden Robot Cares For Gardens Better Than Humans
'...a simple clock-set servok with pipe and hose arms.' - Frank Herbert, 1965.
(re: Frank Herbert, 1/26/2024 )
TeslaBot Uber Driver (2024) And The Automatic Motorist (1911)
'Robots have worse problems than anybody' Philip K. Dick, 1954.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 1/22/2024 )
DiffuseBot Uses Generative AI To Invent New Soft Robots
'It embodies several small-scale multiple stampers, apparently for dealing with sheet metal.' - Maurice G. Hugi, 1941.
(re: Maurice Hugi, 1/20/2024 )
Ballie Your AI Robot Companion From Samsung
Projects your content anywhere you like.
(re: Various, 1/14/2024 )
A-Lab The Autonomous Lab At Berkeley
'You know he has the largest automatic laboratory outside of those on Earth?' - Michael Moorcock, 1964.
(re: Michael Moorcock, 12/25/2023 )
KIME Robot Mixologist
'...the perpetual beam carved in the robot face of the bartender.' - Alfred Bester, 1956.
(re: Alfred Bester, 12/19/2023 )
Laika Concept Robotic Dog Companion
'He snapped his fingers, and a lean, rangy hound rose from the corner...' - Otis Adelbert Kline, 1937.
(re: Otis Adelbert Kline, 12/15/2023 )
Ghost Robotics Developing Robotic Dog Border Guard
'A robot dog!' - Otis Adelbert Kline, 1937.
(re: Otis Adelbert Kline, 12/5/2023 )
'Birds Aren't Real' An NPR Gen-Z Conspiracy
Keep your eyes on the skies!
(re: Various, 11/25/2023 )
Mika The Robot-Boss
'the robot-boss was busy at the lip of the new lode instructing and egging the men on to greater speed...' - David C. Cooke, 1939.
(re: David C. Cooke, 11/7/2023 )
Sensitive, Soft Robot Skin
'...tinted material that had all the feel and appearance of human flesh and epidermis.' - Harl Vincent, 1934.
(re: Harl Vincent, 10/23/2023 )
Finger Sensors For Robot Hands
'What strange sensitivity! What an amazing development of science was manifested in every move and act and word of this Robot!' - Ray Cummings, 1931.
(re: Ray Cummings, 10/19/2023 )
A Vacuum With An Arm - Engineers Create Heinlein's Hired Girl Robot
'Anything larger than a BB shot it picked up and placed in a tray...' - Robert Heinlein, 1956.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 10/13/2023 )
Feel The Rhythm, Robots - Especially You Biomimics
Alive with technology.
(re: Various, 10/9/2023 )
Tesla's Optimus Robot Now Sorts Objects (I've Got A Job In Mind)
'Then they press one of these here thirteen buttons...'
(re: Harry Harrison, 10/3/2023 )
CADRE Robots To Work In Teams On Other Planets
'You're a stable, rock-bottom mining robot, except that you're equipped to handle six subsidiaries in direct coordination...' - Isaac Asimov, 1944.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 10/1/2023 )
Robotic Hands Have More Than One Use
'The crawling, exploring object was V-Stephen's surgeon-hand...' - Philip K. Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 9/25/2023 )
'No, I'm Not A Robot' - Robot
'... with a weird simulation of life, the ten forked ends of each arm commenced a rattling pressing of the buttons.' - Schachner and Zagat, 1931.
(re: Schachner and Zagat, 9/17/2023 )
Barista Robot Perfects Latte Swirl With Multi-DOF Wriggle
'It's done with a flip of the third joint of the tentacle on the down beat.' - Anthony Boucher, 1943.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 9/11/2023 )
Safe Street Rebel Autonomous Vehicle Luddites And Schachner's 1931 Robot-Deranger
'Then the spreading beam of the deranging ray struck them, and they stood an instant transfixed...' - Schachner/Zagat, 1931
(re: Schachner and Zagat, 9/7/2023 )
ARX-5 Doing Robot Arm Dancing
It's Data's day - at last.
(re: Fritz Lang, 9/1/2023 )
Inbiodroid Prometheus 2.0 Telepresence Avatar Robot
My prize robot, tall, dashing would speak and act for me... - Manly Wade Wellman, 1938.
(re: Manly Wade Wellman, 8/27/2023 )
DroneDog Ground Security Robot Dogs From Asylon
'I have transferred the ego of a dog to a synthetic dog brain in the skull case of a robot dog.' - Otis Adelbert Kline, 1937.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 8/23/2023 )
FlyCroTug Drones Work In Teams Now
'It slid smoothly out of its cell like a metal wasp emerging from its nest, and hung in midair.' - James P. Hogan, 1979.
(re: James P. Hogan, 8/17/2023 )
Delivery Robots Being Bullied, Robbed
'Robots have worse problems than anybody.' (A Present for Pat) - Philip K. Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/13/2023 )
Unitree H1 General-Purpose Humanoid Robot
'Just what did I want Flexible Frank to do?' - Robert Heinlein, 1956.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 8/9/2023 )
Underwater Robot Moves Like A Jellyfish
'It was a chemotactic artificial jellyfish...' - Rudy Rucker and Bruce Sterling, 1994.
(re: Rucker and Sterling, 7/13/2023 )
Solar Panel Cleaning Robots
'... polishing their way the whole length of Rama's six artificial suns.' - Arthur C. Clarke, 1972.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 7/7/2023 )
Mori3 Flat Modular Robot Unpacks, Comes Alive
An origami-like robot that can change shape, move around and interact with objects and people.
(re: Various, 6/25/2023 )
Calico Wearable Robot Like Robert Forward's Imp
'The imps go into the spacesuit with the humans...'- Robert Forward, 1985.
(re: Robert Forward, 6/13/2023 )
Laser-Wielding Weeding Robot Rules In Densely Planted Chard
'The mirror-blossom was a terrible weapon.' - Larry Niven, 1965.
(re: Larry Niven, 6/7/2023 )
ESTHER Tennis Robot V. Fact (1934) And Fiction (1952)
'THE red tennis robot scooted desperately across the court...' - HB Fyfe, 1952.
(re: HB Fyfe, 6/1/2023 )
EELS Exobiology Extant Life Surveyor For Enceladus
'It was about five feet long... a black bullet head and red camera eyes.' - Susan Brownstone, 2012.
(re: Susan Brownstone, 5/17/2023 )
Helpful Robots In Science Fiction
'If you douse me again... I'm donating you to a city college.' - Iron Man, 2008.
(re: Marvel, 5/3/2023 )
SayCan with PaLM - Google's Robot Helper
The older I get, the more interested I am in helpful robots.
(re: Various, 4/27/2023 )
Robot Gas Station Attendant Fills Tank - Which I Saw In 1962
'... he waited for the robotrix attendant to finish fueling up his ship.' - Philip K. Dick, 1974.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 3/27/2023 )
Toy-Like Robot Well-Being Coaches Are The Best
Sumomo will get those office workers into good shape!
(re: Manga Clamp, 3/5/2023 )
Scent-Identifying Robot Uses Machine Learning
'It's picking up diphenyl compounds and tetrahydrocarbons...' - Michael Crichton, 1985.
(re: Michael Crichton, 2/21/2023 )
Robot Imagines Itself (Not The First Time This Has Happened)
'[Robots] have to discover their hands, feet, and other parts of their bodies' - Roger P. Graham, 1949.
(re: Roger P. Graham, 2/5/2023 )
Intelligent Trash Sorting By Robots Predicted Long Ago
'Robots pick up the garbage and junk and load it in there...' - Harry Harrison, 1956.
(re: Harry Harrison, 2/3/2023 )
MIT Robot Eel Made Up Of Voxel Segments
'It was about five feet long, a silver flexiprene-covered body like a fat snake...' - Susan Beetlestone, 2012.
(re: Susan Bettlestone, 1/29/2023 )
Terrifying Robotic Apple Harvester
'... little machines, that went from plant to plant.' - Otfrid von Hanstein, 1935.
(re: Otfrid von Hanstein, 1/23/2023 )
Jetson-Style Clockwork Robot Nail Salon Coming To Target Near You
The Jetson's imagined so much future.
(re: Jetsons, 1/21/2023 )
Mechanical Horse Sculpture Gallops In Place
'Rod placed the brain inside the panel... the horse raised its head, wiggled its ears, blinked twice, gave a tentative whinny.' - Christopher Stasheff, 1969.
(re: Christopher Stasheff, 1/19/2023 )
Hotels Turn To Robots As Human Workers Regroup
'Chain of hotels that specialized in non-human service.' - Harry Harrison, 1970.
(re: Harry Harrison, 1/13/2023 )
Physiotherapists Get Help From Robots
'Most of the Members went into cold-rest; the others tended them...' - Robert Heinlein, 1941.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 12/25/2022 )
Tentacle Robot Gripper Recalls War Of The Worlds
'It presented a sort of metallic spider with five jointed, agile legs, and with an extraordinary number of jointed levers, bars, and reaching and clutching tentacles.' - HG Wells, 1898.
(re: HG Wells, 12/21/2022 )
Four-Legged Robot With Magnetized Feet Climbs Walls
'... his magnetic boots which served to hold him to the steel floor.' - Raymond Z. Gallun, 1931.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 12/11/2022 )
Thing! Wednesday Robotic Hand (Robot Version)
'The crawling, exploring object was V-Stephen's surgeon-hand...' - Philip K. Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 12/9/2022 )
Mesmer Robot Head Must Be Seen
'... he placed [the brain] inside the robot head, and clapped the padded wig over it.' - Otis Adelbert Kline, 1937.
(re: Otis Adelbert Kline, 12/7/2022 )
Robot Builds Robots From Voxel Subunits
'I was patiently building the most dangerous thing in creation...' - Maurice G. Hugi, 1941.
(re: Maurice G. Hugi, 11/23/2022 )
Meltz Neurorehabilitation Robotic Hand
A new type of rehabilitation called "neuro-rehabilitation.
(re: Various, 11/21/2022 )
San Francisco Wants ED-209, Or Maybe Robocop
'The Enforcement Droid series 209 is a self-sufficient law enforcement robot...' - Robocop (Movie).
(re: Harlan Ellison, 11/19/2022 )
Thermite's Robot Firefighter
Possibly worthy of Transformers!
(re: Ron Friedman, 10/27/2022 )
Project MARCH VII Exoskeleton Video
'...devising rigid metallic clothing.' - Edmond Hamilton, 1929.
(re: Edmond Hamilton, 9/29/2022 )
LoadRunner Robot Works Alone, Or In A Group
'They marched in unison, seven of them...' - Isaac Asimov, 1944.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 9/17/2022 )
Mobot Robot Tests Smartphone Apps With Its Finger
'Rapidly, purposefully, the metallic fingers moved over the key-boards...' - Schachner and Zagat, 1931.
(re: Schachner and Zagat, 8/23/2022 )
Robotic Surgeons Outperform Human Surgeons
'...the objects moving about so gently and putting their instruments away were not living beings, but robots.' - John Russell Fearn
(re: John Russell Fearn, 8/17/2022 )
In Your Orchard, Do You Want Buzzing Suction Drones, OR Dick's Claw Hand Drones?
'Something that gleamed, shiny metal, gleamed and clicked as it turned toward her.' - Philip K. Dick, 1960.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/15/2022 )
The Sample Transfer Arm (STA), A Unique Mars Robot
'...a cranelike arm reached out. Grasping steel fingers fished around...' - Clifford Simak, 1944.
(re: Clifford Simak, 8/11/2022 )
CyberOne Robot By Xiaomi vs. Optimus Robot By Tesla
'I shall introduce myself... I am a robot.' - Isaac Asimov, 1953.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 8/9/2022 )
Giving Snakes Their Legs Back
Then some unknown race had chanced upon the dreamers and decided to 'help them out.' - Vernor Vinge, 1992.
(re: Vernor Vinge, 8/7/2022 )
Video! Chess Robot Breaks Opponent's Finger In Match
'A robot may not injure a human being.' - Isaac Asimov, 1942.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 8/1/2022 )
NAVER Labs Haptic Device 2.0 Robot vs. IKEA
'... the two pairs of waldoes in the screen followed in exact, simultaneous parallelism.' - Robert Heinlein, 1942.
(re: , 7/21/2022 )
Dyson's Secret Household Robots
'...work a human being does around a house.' - Robert Heinlein, 1956.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 6/25/2022 )
Festo BionicSwift Bird Robots Described In 1930
'Bird-like robots now descended from the ceiling of the theatre...' - Clarence Edward Heller, 1930.
(re: C.E. Heller, 6/23/2022 )
Robotics Jobs In The Food Industry
'The efficient robot waiter of the Sky Club had cleared away the remnants of an epicurean meal.' Nat Schachter and Al Zagat, 1931.
(re: C.E. Heller, 6/21/2022 )
Smallest Remote-Controlled Walking Robot Crabs
A robot 'as big as a dust grain.' - Raymond Z. Gallun, 1937.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 6/11/2022 )
Pleasure Model Replicants Now Available
'Want a life-companion... sir, I can get you up any style you want.' - Alice W. Fuller, 1895.
(re: Alice W. Fuller, 6/9/2022 )
Robot Covered In Living Human Skin
'Hey buddy, you got a dead cat in there or what?'
(re: James Cameron, 6/7/2022 )
Carbon Robotics: War Of The Worlds As A Metaphor For Weed Control
'It was as if some invisible jet impinged upon them and flashed into white flame.' HG Wells, 1898.
(re: HG Wells, 5/13/2022 )
3D Printed Robotic Tentacles
'... articulate ropes of steel dangling' - HG Wells, 1898.
(re: HG Wells, 4/21/2022 )
Update: Musk Doubles Down On Optimus Prime Humanoid Robot
'I shall introduce myself. I am R. Daneel Olivaw... I am a robot. Were you not told?' - Isaac Asimov, 1953.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 4/19/2022 )
Optimus Prime Tesla Robot Overall Humanoid Software Architecture
'I shall introduce myself. I am R. Daneel Olivaw... I am a robot. Were you not told?' - Isaac Asimov, 1953.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 4/7/2022 )
Wandercraft Atalante Exoskeleton Now With Natural Gait
'... rigid metallic clothing not unlike armor which would support the interior human structure.' - Edmond Hamilton, 1932.
(re: Edmond Hamilton, 2/15/2022 )
Robotic Crow Design, Like Crows, Is A Bit Creepy
'Over the years, however, he had given them life and intelligence...' - Philip E. High, 1968.
(re: Philip E. High, 2/9/2022 )
Compressorhead Robotic Band Jams
'The massive feet working the pedals, arms and hands flashing and glinting...' - Herbert Goldstone, 1953.
(re: Herbert Goldstone, 2/7/2022 )
ElectroVoxel Reconfigurable Robots
'...a vaguely terrifying foot-high shape, squared and angled and pointed and ANIMATE.' - Abraham Merritt, 1920.
(re: Abraham Merritt, 2/5/2022 )
Electric Yak Quadruped China Robot
'They're modern science's answer to the backpack.' - John Varley, 1976.
(re: John Varley, 1/17/2022 )
A'Seedbot Autonomous Desert Robot
'Each is planted most tenderly in its own little pit.' - Frank Herbert, 1965.
(re: Frank Herbert, 12/5/2021 )
Gentle Monster Robot Head
'The robot knelt before the head, lifted it slowly, and with... its strong hands placed it on its shoulders...' - Hugo Correa, 1968.
(re: Hugo Correa, 11/21/2021 )
Burro Robot Follows You And Gets Smarter
'Oh, there you are! the balloon piped at the amorphous mass of living tissue...' - Philip K. Dick, 1964.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 11/7/2021 )
Auto-Targeting Fire Sprinkler Systems Now Reality
I think every kitchen should have one of these.
(re: George Lucas, 10/3/2021 )
LEONARDO Robot Has Legs And Thrusters, Can Skateboard, Slackline
'a walking balloon proceeded with long strides of its aluminum legs over a slant of steep upland.' - George Parsons Lathrop, 1897.
(re: George Parsons Lathrop, 9/23/2021 )
Xavier Robots On Patrol For 'Anti-Social Behavior'
'This was as close as a robot could get to a cop in uniform.' Harry Harrison, 1958.
(re: Harry Harrison, 9/21/2021 )
Pengxing Intelligent Robot Horse You Can Ride
'The horse reared up, pawing the air, then sprang into a gallop.' - Christopher Stasheff, 1969.
(re: Christopher Stasheff, 9/5/2021 )
Tesla Bot Humanoid 'Robot' Vs. Boston Dynamics Atlas Parkour Robot
'...most jobs that require a human form are better done by those organic alternatives.' - Richard Morgan, 2003
(re: Richard Morgan, 9/3/2021 )
Smartphone Microdrone Concept - Viva Vivo!
'With the Scarab as big as a beetle, I could make a Scarab as big as a sand grain.' - Raymond Z. Gallun, 1937.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 8/27/2021 )
Feisty Little Robot Dog Cheaper Than Boston Dynamics
'He allowed his hand to run experimentally over the concealed panel of studs under the fur of the robot’s belly.' - Frank Quatrocchi, 1952.
(re: Frank Quatrocchi, 8/15/2021 )
New Robotic Scanner Does Automated Eye Imaging
Benefits humans, does not identify replicants.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/7/2021 )
Robot Snakes Now With Partitioned Gait
'The coil on the table appeared to be a snake...' - Greg Bear ,2009.
(re: Greg Bear, 7/21/2021 )
Watch A Man Swallow A Robot
These just keep getting better.
(re: Various, 7/7/2021 )
Quadruped Jueying Delivery Robot Brings Fresh Coffee
'... he rewired the delivery robot so that it would serve him midnight snacks.' - Robert Heinlein, 1962.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 6/13/2021 )
Snakebot Burrows Underground, Thanks To Biomimicry Of Multiple Species
'Seen close it was not completely flexible, but made instead of pivoted and smoothly finished segments.' Harry Harrison, 1962.
(re: Harry Harrison, 6/5/2021 )
How Long Have YOU Wanted A Household Robot?
'We followed in breathless amazement. In less than five minutes, bed number one was made...' - Elizabeth Bellamy, 1899.
(re: Elizabeth Bellamy, 5/29/2021 )
Digger Finger: Super-Sensitive Robot Fingers Predicted In 1931
'Migul's fingers with the extended filaments were feeling it... What an amazing development of science.' - Ray Cummings, 1931.
(re: Ray Cummings, 5/23/2021 )
Robotic 'Third Thumb' Rewires Your Brain
'When he's connected up to your nervous system, you'll be able to make him whistle, hiss, roar, flap his wings and spit sparks...' - Samuel R. Delany, 1966.
(re: Samuel R. Delany, 5/9/2021 )
Tic-Tac-Toe Robot From Pollen Robotics
'Was all his talk about the consciousness and intelligence of machines merely a prelude...' - Ambrose Bierce, 1910.
(re: Ambrose Bierce, 4/29/2021 )
Biohybrid Robotics USArmy Adds Muscle Tissue To Robots
'Great rectangular slabs of muscle, slung into a rectangular frame.' - Jack Vance, 1967.
(re: Jack Vance, 4/17/2021 )
African Gray Parrot Given Vehicle To Drive
It's an old story, but it "checks out", as fans say.
(re: David Brin, 4/13/2021 )
NYPD Dog Robot Called Out As Sfnal
Reality now features props from science fiction television.
(re: Various, 4/11/2021 )
PR2 Fencing Robot Perfect For Kwisatz Haderach-in-training
'Now, we'll work on your timing. Let me see you catch that thing sinister.' - Frank Herbert, 1965.
(re: Frank Herbert, 3/11/2021 )
3rd Century BC Gold Bee Is Just The Start
Bees knees, I order you to freeze!
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 3/5/2021 )
Flatcat Robot Recalls Both Heinlein And Simak
Sorry, you'll need to read the article.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 2/19/2021 )
Solar Powered Robot Cleans Up Solar Panels For Free
'... with large padded feet, who were apparently polishing their way the whole length of Rama's six artificial suns.' - Arthur C. Clarke, 1972.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 2/7/2021 )
Spot Arm From Boston Dynamics Picks Up Like Heinlein's Hired Girl Robot
'Anything larger than a BB shot it picked up and placed in a tray on its upper surface...' - Robert Heinlein, 1956.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 2/5/2021 )
TIGER Ultimate Mobility Vehicle From Hyundai
'He admired the fast-plodding, articulated legs...'
(re: Anthony Boucher, 2/1/2021 )
Sophia Robots By The Thousands
'There is a built-in microphone that hears everything you say, and an electric brain that selects a suitable answer.' - Fritz Lieber, 1954.
(re: Fritz Lieber, 1/21/2021 )
Updated Piaggio Gita Personal Robot Porter
'Carry his bag... and follow him faithfully...' John Brunner, 1975.
(re: John Brunner, 1/17/2021 )
Reachy Humanoid VR Teleoperation App
"I went to the control room where the three other men were manipulating their mechanical men...' - AG Stangland, 1929.
(re: AG Stangland, 1/11/2021 )
Unitree A1 Robot ala Black Mirror and Snow Crash
'The legs are long, curled way up to deliver power...' - Neal Stephenson, 1992.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 1/9/2021 )
BladeBUG Robots Clean Massive Wind Turbine Blades
'There were the cleaners, with large padded feet, who were apparently polishing their way the whole length...' - Arthur C. Clarke, 1972.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 1/5/2021 )
IceBot Antarctic (Planetary?) Robotic Explorers Made Of Ice
'Some will combine in place to form more complicated structures, like excavators or centipedes.' - Greg Bear, 2015
(re: Greg Bear, 1/1/2021 )
Study: Robots Encourage Humans To Take Risks
Not exactly Three Laws compliant.
(re: Various, 12/25/2020 )
Best Robot Dance Video Of 2020
'I can Mashed Potato... I can do the Twist.' - Chubby Checker, 1961
(re: Fritz Lang, 12/19/2020 )
Kyosho Velociraptor Robot Future Of Combat Robots
Today it's drone operators. Tomorrow, it's combat robots.
(re: Various, 12/5/2020 )
Kuka Robot 'Heidi' Paints With Artificial Intelligence
Robots make art for man.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 11/15/2020 )
Do You Need The Entire Fembot? Maybe Just The Hand
'...Men don't want real women anymore. You and I are behind the times...' - Fritz Lieber, 1954.
(re: Fritz Lieber, 11/11/2020 )
Pandemic Entrepreneurs! Consider Robo Esso Robot Barista
'... the perpetual beam carved in the robot face of the bartender, the classic Irish grin.' - Alfred Bester, 1956.
(re: Alfred Bester, 11/1/2020 )
Shape-Shifting Robot From MIT
'... the structure of that shape is retained down to the molecules.' - Samuel R. Delany, 1966.
(re: Samuel R. Delany, 10/29/2020 )
Flying Robot Inspired By Hawks
'The dark birdforms dotted the mountaintops...' - Roger Zelazny, 1980.
(re: Philip High, 10/19/2020 )
Tesla Will Have Metal Gear Snake Autocoupler, Musk Confirms
'Its motion was so swift, complex, and perfect that at first I did not see it as a machine, in spite of its metallic glitter.' - HG Wells, 1898.
(re: Stephen Barr, 10/9/2020 )
I Love Ceiling-Mounted Robots
'Immediately an enormous apparatus fell on to her out of the ceiling...' - EM Forster, 1911.
(re: EM Forster, 10/1/2020 )
Salto Jumping Robot Now Sticks Landing!
'Lucky touched the leap knob and the hopper's leg retracted.' - Isaac Asimov, 1954.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 9/23/2020 )
It's Time For Robots With Soft, Sensitive Skin
Sure, solid metal skin robots looked great once - like in science fiction movies of the 1920's.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 8/9/2020 )
Microscopic Robots On The March!
'Microscopic machinery, smaller than ants, smaller than pins, working energetically, purposefully...' - Philip K. Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/5/2020 )
MOFLIN AI Robot - Yes You Can Have A Tribble
They're really no tribble at all!
(re: Gene Roddenberry, 8/1/2020 )
Ford Uses Obedient Robot Dogs To Update Facilities Maps
'If he sent out two or three of the small tele-operated devices... [he] could see machinery and construction details in real time from both above and below.' - Niven and Pournelle, 1981.
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 7/19/2020 )
EllipticaRunner Robot Is Fast, Amazing, Slightly Worrisome
'THEY sent A SLAMHOUND on Turner's trail in New Delhi...' - William Gibson, 1986.
(re: William Gibson, 7/15/2020 )
Robot Garbage Trucks Visualized
'It was a bulky, shining cylinder over twenty metres long.' - Harry Harrison, 1956
(re: Harry Harrison, 6/3/2020 )
Rippling Fin Robot Drone Swims And Walks
'... the curious parallelism to animal motions, which was so striking and disturbing to the human beholder...' - HG Wells, 1898.
(re: HG Wells, 5/25/2020 )
Cute Teddy Bear Robot Favorite Of Hospitalized Children
'...thought had been given to its programming.' - Anne McCaffrey, 1990.
(re: Anne McCaffrey, 5/19/2020 )
Robot Dog Learns To Be Doggy From Real Dogs
'So we took pictures of Guzub making a Three Planets, and I could construct this one to do it exactly right down to the thousandth of a second.' - Anthony Boucher, 1943.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 5/5/2020 )
Soft Robots Use Kirigami Piezoelectric Sensor Skin
'A worthy opponent was the golem.' - Roger Zelazny, 1966.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 4/19/2020 )
Prototype Robotic Masseur Has The Touch
'The automatic massager began to fumble gently...'
(re: AE van Vogt, 3/23/2020 )
Medical Assistant Robot May Roam The Halls Of Hospitals
'Take care, sir.'
(re: Isaac Asimov, 3/5/2020 )
Amplified Nerves Lead To Mind-Controlled Prosthetic Hands
'The electrical impulses generated by your brain command everything...' - Martin Caidin, 1972.
(re: Ivar Jorgensen, 2/25/2020 )
FlyCroTug Micro Drones Do Heavy Lifting
'It extended three of its tiny arms sideways to lock on...' - James P. Hogan, 1979.
(re: James P. Hogan, 2/23/2020 )
China Delivery Robot Development Quickens During COVID-2019 Outbreak
'Something very much like a camouflage-painted kangaroo.' - Bruce Sterling, 1994.
(re: Bruce Sterling, 2/3/2020 )
Qbit Robot Bartender Also Makes Coffee
'...he sipped the cognac that the robot bartender handed him.' - Alfred Bester, 1956.
(re: Alfred Bester, 1/24/2020 )
Out-Of-Work Blue Collar Robots Need Your Help
'His legs relaxed with a rattle as he cut off all power below his waist... and ran his eye down the Help Wanted - Robot column...' - Harry Harrison, 1956.
(re: Harry Harrison, 1/13/2020 )
Massage Robot Has Soft Hands, Er, Pads
'The automatic massager began to fumble gently over my naked form.' - AE van Vogt, 1944
(re: AE van Vogt, 12/25/2019 )
M-Blocks 2.0 Self-Assembling Robots
'Faster the cubes moved...' - Abraham Merritt, 1920.
(re: Abraham Merritt, 11/5/2019 )
Digit V2 Bipedal Robot From Agility Robotics
Oh, and now I suppose someone will develop the robotic porch pirate.
(re: Various, 10/23/2019 )
Hail SmartCan! Your Trash Bin Takes Itself Out
'...a waste can twenty feet away stirred into life.' - Harry Harrison, 1959.
(re: Harry Harrison, 10/13/2019 )
Robot Tuna Swims As Fast As Nature's Tuna
'With one fluid motion, it surged forward, plunged, and was gone.' - Michael Swanwick, 2002.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 9/29/2019 )
Shapeshifter Robot Is Comprised Of Cobots
'Its lines wavered, flowed, and then painfully reformed. For an interval, the device struggled with itself...' - Philip K. Dick, 1957.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 9/27/2019 )
Maintain Your Megastructure
Megastructures have repair robots, which have repair robots, ad infinitum.
(re: Various, 8/27/2019 )
Humanoid Robot's Muscles Biomimic Ours
'It is remarkable that the long leverages of their machines are in most cases actuated by a sort of sham musculature...' HG Wells, 1898.
(re: HG Wells, 8/19/2019 )
Animatronic Robotic Baby Exposed
'The birth of Machine, my robot child...' - Henry Slesar, 1958.
(re: Henry Slesar, 8/17/2019 )
China Deploys Robot Traffic Police
'The robot came up smooth and fast as a rocket...' - Harry Harrison, 1958.
(re: Harry Harrison, 8/11/2019 )
Unusual Twist On Woman Dates Robot
'My hearing, vision and awareness went along with that excellent imitation of a young Adonis...' - Manly Wade Wellman, 1938.
(re: Manly Wade Wellman, 6/29/2019 )
Blood Battery Robotic Fish
'With one fluid motion, it surged forward, plunged, and was gone.'- Michael Swanwick, 2002.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 6/21/2019 )
Bee+ Robobee Now With Four Wings
'It was a tiny thing, scarcely more than an inch and a half in length...' - Raymond Z. Gallun, 1936.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 6/11/2019 )
Jeff Bezos Tries Waldoes (Robotic Hands)
'Waldo put his arms into the primary pair before him...' - Robert Heinlein, 1942.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 5/15/2019 )
Tesla Diagnoses Itself, Sends Part Request
'Tentacles emerged from the side of the machine and felt puzzledly at the damaged area.'
(re: WF Wallace, 5/9/2019 )
Tesla Robotaxis Will Automatically Recharge Themselves
'Then it appeared to make up its mind, and trundled over to a wall socket...'- Stephen Barr, 1960.
(re: Stephen Barr, 4/19/2019 )
Husqvarna Automower 435X AWD
'Gramp Stevens sat in a lawn chair, watching the mower at work...' - Clifford Simak, 1944.
(re: Clifford Simak, 4/15/2019 )
Abundant Robotics Autonomous Apple Harvester Robot
'... little machines, that went from plant to plant... cutting off the ripe fruit.' Otfrid von Hanstein, 1935.
(re: Otfrid von Hanstein, 3/22/2019 )
China Building Robot Wives
'Want a life-companion, a pleasant one?' - Alice W. Fuller, 1895.
(re: Alice W. Fuller, 3/1/2019 )
Stan, Robot Valet, Will Drag Your Car Away
'He activated the grapple tracks. ' - Frank Herbert, 1977.
(re: Frank Herbert, 2/23/2019 )
Jibo Home Robot Says Goodbye, Is Killswitched
'It resembles an oyster....' Philip K. Dick, 1968.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 2/21/2019 )
I Can't Resist Worm Robots
'Seen close it was not completely flexible...' - Harry Harrison, 1962.
(re: Harry Harrison, 1/25/2019 )
TinyMobileRobots Are Sewer Sentinels
Every movie monster gets its start someplace.
(re: Various, 1/15/2019 )
Flying Dragon Robot Transforms In Mid-Air
Terrific prototype video.
(re: Various, 12/7/2018 )
MXene Hydrogel Skin For Robots Flexes And Senses
'The plastex swam and whirled like boiling toothpaste...' - JG Ballard, 1962.
(re: J.G. Ballard, 12/1/2018 )
Drywall Robot Looking For Sheetrock
Sheetrockers have sure changed since my day. Speaking as someone who as done this, I welcome robots.
(re: Michael Crichton, 11/19/2018 )
Robots Help People Get Dressed, As Predicted In 1931
Yes, people of the future, robots will dress you.
(re: Schachner and Zagat, 8/27/2018 )
Robot Snake Flies, Fights Fires
Just a prototype, but shows real promise.
(re: Emmett McDowell, 8/23/2018 )
IPAL Chinese Robot Babysitter
'But Nanny is different...' - Philip K. Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/21/2018 )
DIY Autonomous Robot Detects Trash
'The search-bug detached itself and rolled forward.' - Philip K. Dick
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/11/2018 )
When Robots Beg For Their Lives
"Just what do you think you're doing... Dave.'
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 8/7/2018 )
SRI MicroFactory Of Microrobots Recalls Dick's Autofac
'Microscopic machinery, smaller than ants... constructing something...' - Philip K. Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 7/17/2018 )
Rolls Royce 'Cockroach-Sized' Repair Robots To Crawl Inside Engines
'As if swarms of tiny animals were busily scurrying...' - Stanislaw Lem, 1954.
(re: Stanislaw Lem, 7/13/2018 )
Fuli Bad Dog Robot Is 'Auspicious Raccoon Dog' Bot
Bad dog, Fuli. Bad dog.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 6/23/2018 )
Las Vegas Humans Ready To Strike Over Robots
'A worker replaced by a nubot... had to be compensated.' - John Twelve Hawks, 2014.
(re: John Twelve Hawks, 6/19/2018 )
Somnox Sleep Robot - Your Sleepytime Cuddlebot
Science fiction authors are serious about sleep, too.
(re: Larry Niven, 6/14/2018 )
VirtualHome: Teaching Robots To Do Chores Around The House
'Just what did I want Flexible Frank to do? - any work a human being does around a house.' Robert Heinlein, 1956.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 6/7/2018 )
Artificial Sensory Neurons For Prosthetics, Robots
Great for humans and robots!
(re: Roger Zelazny, 5/25/2018 )
Swarm Of Mindless Robots Works Together
'Very tiny pseudo insects that... can unite to form a superordinate system.' - Stanislaw Lem, 1954
(re: Stanislaw Lem, 5/17/2018 )
SpotMini Robot Dog, Autonomous And On Sale In 2019
Great, an autonomous slamhound.
(re: William Gibson, 5/15/2018 )
RoboFly Is Laser-Powered, Adorable
Don't swat this fly!
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 5/13/2018 )
Healthy Fast Food Courtesy Of Robot Chefs
'The electric cook was stirring empty nothing in a pan, with a zeal worthy a dozen eggs.' - Elizabeth Bellamy, 1899.
(re: Elizabeth Bellamy, 4/30/2018 )
Squid-Like Robots Soon To Be 3D Printable
'It was a chemotactic artificial jellyfish designed to slither...' Rucker and Sterling, 1994.
(re: Rucker/Sterling, 4/15/2018 )
Liquid Metal Shape-Changing 'Soft Robotics'
'A mimetic poly-alloy... 'What the hell does that mean?'' John Cameron, 1991.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 4/5/2018 )
Walmart’s Autonomous Robot Bees
Are you allergic to autonomous robot bees?
(re: Various, 3/24/2018 )
Soft Robotics - Now With 3D Printed Sensors!
'A series of chemelectric afferent nerve-analogues, which permitted it to gauge to an ounce the amount of pressure necessary to snap a bone...' - Roger Zelazny, 1966.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 3/12/2018 )
Scaly Yet Soft Robotic Snake
Love those robotic sneks.
(re: Emmett McDowell, 2/24/2018 )
Tiny Rubbery Robot To Take 'Fantastic Voyage'
I think that I will wait for other volunteers for this one.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 2/16/2018 )
Disney Vyloo Robots With Personality
'Let's build robots with Genuine People Personalities...' - Douglas Adams, 1979.
(re: Douglas Adams, 2/12/2018 )
Self-Healing Skin For Robots
If you can't self-heal, you're not much good to us.
(re: James Cameron, 2/6/2018 )
Medical Exoskeleton From Cyberdyne Gets FDA Approval
It's been a long road for HAL-5; I started writing about it in 2005.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 1/15/2018 )
Aeolus Robot Brings Jetson's Rosie Closer
Domestic duties, robotically performed.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 1/7/2018 )
Sony's New, Cuter Aibo Robot Puppy
Engineered to be adorable.
(re: Philip K Dick, 1/6/2018 )
Pipefish Robot Checks Pipes Cheap
Just like capsule endoscopy, but for bigger pipes. That go underground.
(re: Various, 12/6/2017 )
Robot Only Faster, Not Better, At Recycling
'Whenever a robot finds something it can't identify straight off... it puts whatever it is in the hopper outside your window.' - Harry Harrison, 1956.
(re: Harry Harrison, 12/1/2017 )
Do We Really Want Backflipping Robots?
Also includes wonderful blooper reel.
(re: Various, 11/13/2017 )
Cassie 'Halfbot' Best Half (Lower) Of Humanoid Robot
We can always make it limp along if it gets threatening.
(re: Various, 10/28/2017 )
Autonomous Concrete Floor Finishing Robot
Keep those construction site robots coming.
(re: Michael Crichton, 10/27/2017 )
effie Automated Ironing Appliance
'Household Automata received an urgent task to develop production units of бытовые тканевые разглаживk
(re: Mikhail Mikheev, 10/18/2017 )
HEXA Robotic Help For Plants
Then some unknown race had chanced upon the dreamers and decided to 'help them out.' - Vernor Vinge, 1992.
(re: Vernor Vinge, 10/8/2017 )
DIY Robot Shoots You In The Face
'...there were automatic guns that fired ligamine darts.' - Michael Crichton, 1969.
(re: Michael Crichton, 10/7/2017 )
Qoobo Headless Robotic Therapy Cat Was Anne McCaffrey's Idea
'...used as surrogates in intense dependency cases.' - Anne McCaffrey, 1990.
(re: Anne McCaffrey, 10/5/2017 )
PUFFER Robots - From Philip K DIck's Second Variety?
'Across the ground something small and metallic came, flashing in the dull sunlight of midday.' - Philip K. Dick, 1953.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 10/3/2017 )
Robot Buddhist Priest Chants, Drums
'He crossed the waiting room to the Padre booth...' - Philip K. Dick, 1969.
(re: James Blish, 8/19/2017 )
X2-VelociRoACH Cooperates To Launch Tiny Drones
Little robots cooperating can do big tasks. Eventually.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 8/2/2017 )
An 'Ethical Black Box' For Robots?
Explored by science fiction authors.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 7/28/2017 )
Kino Project Roaming Personal Fashion Robots
'Most of the crew have the tiny imp ride on their shoulder...' - Robert Forward, 1985.
(re: Robert Forward, 7/24/2017 )
First Crewless Ship? Umm...
Autonomous Spaceport Drone Ship
(re: Miles J. Breuer, 7/22/2017 )
Amazon Patents Annoying Robot That Follows You
'The... machine, being homotropic, headed toward them, still bleating...' - Philip K. Dick, 1963.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 7/19/2017 )
Rovable Robots Crawl Across Your Body
'Most of the crew have the tiny imp ride on their shoulder...' - Robert Forward, 1985.
(re: Robert Forward, 7/17/2017 )
Temi Robotic Telepresence Roommate
'Small [telepresence] devices with cameras and sound equipment which could move freely...' - Niven and Pournelle, 1981.
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 7/16/2017 )
Autonomous Robots Navigate Like Rats
'Out of warrens in the wall, tiny robot mice darted.' - Ray Bradbury, 1950.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 6/6/2017 )
SINTEF Robot Cleans Solar Panels
'The window cleaners, with large padded feet...' - Arthur C. Clarke, 1972.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 6/5/2017 )
How Rude! DARPA Wants Robots To Behave More Like Threepio
'Do I know protocol? Why, it's my primary function.' - George Lucas, 1976.
(re: George Lucas, 5/30/2017 )
Buddy Companion Robot Your Bulbous Friend
'Nanny was built in the shape of a sphere, a large metal sphere, flattened on the bottom...' - Philip K. Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 5/27/2017 )
Poli-X1 Prototype Bee Pollinator
Always buzz, buzz, buzz, eh Mr. Drone?
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 5/26/2017 )
Design Your Own Robot (Carefully)
'I didn't realize it, but I was patiently building the most dangerous thing in creation...' - Maurice Hugi, 1941.
(re: Maurice Hugi, 5/21/2017 )
Dubai Mall Hires Robocop
'This was as close as a robot could get to a cop in uniform, without being a joke.' - Harry Harrison, 1958.
(re: Harry Harrison, 5/15/2017 )
Prodrone Dual Arm Drone PD6B-AW-ARM As Predicted In 1960
'The ultimate horror for our paranoid culture; vicious unseen mechanical entities that flit at the edges of our vision...' - Philip K. Dick, 1960.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 5/13/2017 )
BlessU-2 Robot Priest Celebrates 500th Reformation Anniversary
'at last the robot cardinal is to be elected Pope.' - Robert Silverberg,
(re: Robert Silverberg, 5/11/2017 )
Tiny Tertill Autonomous Weeding Robot
'And it's only programmed to look for things smaller than an inch." - Michael Crichton, 1985.
(re: Michael Crichton, 5/9/2017 )
3D Printed Stretchable Skin For Robots AND You!
'Three rows of four colored dots appeared on the heel of my left hand...' - John Varley, 1992.
(re: Greg Bear, 5/2/2017 )
MIT's C-LEARN Helps Robots Transfer Learning To Other Robots
'Talk Between Robots radio...' - Frederik Pohl, 1954.
(re: Frederik Pohl, 4/20/2017 )
Bionic Eye-Hand Combo Robot Grasps Objects On Its Own
'The crawling, exploring object was V-Stephen's surgeon-hand, a self-contained robot...' - Philip K. Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 4/15/2017 )
Fukushima Plant Needs Radiation-Proof Scorpion Robots
'...with lead-bodied, radio-remote controlled androids, it's easier.' - Mari Wolf, 1952.
(re: Mari Wolf, 4/11/2017 )
'We're Not Creating A Terminator' Say Russians About Gun-Wielding Robot Fedor
Nobody is thinking about the Terminator. Westworld, maybe.
(re: Michael Crichton, 4/3/2017 )
Pooper Scooper Drone Robot Watchdog 1
'Robots pick up the garbage and junk...' - Harry Harrison, 1956.
(re: Harry Harrison, 3/23/2017 )
Cassie Robot Brings AT-ST Walker To Life
There's even a log test!
(re: George Lucas, 3/22/2017 )
Hundreds Of Robot Lawnmowers Invade Texas Town
'The mower reached the edge of the lawn, clucked to itself...' - Clifford Simak, 1944.
(re: Clifford Simak, 3/21/2017 )
3D Print Tiny Bio-Bots
'... biological robots were not living creatures.' - Arthur C. Clarke, 1972.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 3/11/2017 )
When Computers Develop Their Own Language, Will They Talk To Us?
'The curious absent look of a robot talking on the TBR circuits - the Talk Between Robots radio...' - Frederik Pohl, 1954.
(re: Frederik Pohl, 2/28/2017 )
Robot Strolls Field, Examines EVERY Plant
'The great machines that did the work ... required but a few dozen men to cultivate an entire county.' - John W. Campbell
(re: John W. Campbell, 2/21/2017 )
TITAN-III Spider Robot Is WAY Too Quick (Video)
'My little friends can find you wherever you go!' - Michael Crichton, 1984.
(re: Michael Crichton, 2/18/2017 )
Bill Gates Suggests Tax On Robots
'A worker replaced by a nubot that 'appears or pretends to be human' had to be compensated...'- John Twelve Hawks, 2014.
(re: John Twelve Hawks, 2/17/2017 )
Handle, New Wheeled Hopping Robot
'the hopper sprang thirty feet into the air...' - Isaac Asimov, 1954.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 2/16/2017 )
Matrix Sentinel Ancestor, The Pipe Inspector Robot From Krakow
Watch out, Keanu!
(re: Wachowskis, 2/15/2017 )
Robotic Physician Assistant Has Steady 'Hands'
'You turned the screws below and the prongs moved... with caliper slowness, minuteness and precision.' - Raymond Z. Gallun, 1939.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 2/13/2017 )
Roboy 3DPrinted Humanoid Robot
'A robot child that would be reared within the bosom of a human family...' - Henry Slesar, 1958.
(re: Henry Slesar, 2/12/2017 )
Robird Flapping Wing Drones Keep Airports Safe
'Mitch heard a rasping, flacketing buzz, like a big insect...' - Greg Bear, 2003.
(re: Greg Bear, 2/11/2017 )
Robotic Lawn Mower Powered By Sun, Arduino
'The mower reached the edge of the lawn, clucked to itself like a contented hen...' - Clifford Simak, 1944.
(re: Clifford SImak, 2/9/2017 )
Otto Autonomous Robot Trucks Run Into... Legal Snag
'They were automatic trucks such as are used for making deliveries...' - Miles J. Breuer, 1932.
(re: Miles J. Breuer, 2/6/2017 )
Tiny Drones With Sticky Feet Pollinate Flowers Now
'The Scarab rubbed its hind legs together...' - Raymond Z Gallun, 1936
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 2/5/2017 )
Piaggio Gita Personal Robot Porter
'Carry his bag... and follow him faithfully...' John Brunner, 1975.
(re: John Brunner, 2/2/2017 )
Ardu McDuino, Bagpipe Robot
'Rollo sat at the keyboard, prim, inhuman, rigid, twin lenses focused...' - Herbert Goldstone, 1953.
(re: Herbert Goldstone, 2/1/2017 )
Not Quite Self-Replicating Robots, Franka Emika
'... it shares with mankind the ability to propagate.' - Maurice Hugi, 1941.
(re: Maurice Hugi, 1/30/2017 )
Sewbo Robot Perfect For Heinlein's Bespoke Kilts!
'He sat himself down in a sales cubicle and dialed the code number for kilts.'- Robert Heinlein, 1941.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 1/27/2017 )
The In Situ Fabricator Construction Robot
In Situ Fabricator looks too careful to be a runaway!
(re: Michael Crichton, 1/25/2017 )
Relationship-Practicing Robot From Turing Robot
'Streamlined, smooth-working, absolutely noiseless, breath-takingly realistic.' - Fritz Lieber, 1954.
(re: Alice W. Fuller, 1/15/2017 )
ElliQ Robot To Help Israel's Grandmas And Grandpas
'The robant and the tiny old woman entered the control room slowly...' - Philip K Dick, 1953.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 1/13/2017 )
Robot Motion Planning 10K Times Faster
'The robot crab... fired a burst of light, then froze...' - William Gibson, 1984.
(re: William Gibson, 1/4/2017 )
Festo's eMotionButterfly, AirJelly And AirPenguin Robots
... Bright beings darted through the hot light.' - Rudy Rucker, 1988.
(re: Rudy Rucker, 12/25/2016 )
Robot Animals Set To 'Spy in the Wild'
'[The electric sheep], sophisticated piece of hardware that it was, chomped away in simulated contentment...' - Philip K. Dick, 1968.
(re: Philip K. DIck, 12/20/2016 )
Ad Astra! JPL's Autonomous Undersea Drones
'Splash! The Wabbler plunged into the water...'
(re: Murray Leinster, 12/17/2016 )
Korea's Avatar Robot
Not quite ready to chase eight-foot tall blue aliens, but it's pretty cool!
(re: Robert Heinlein, 12/16/2016 )
ChainFORM Robot For Your Wrist
'...a vaguely terrifying foot-high shape, squared and angled and pointed and ANIMATE.' - Abraham Merritt, 1920.
(re: Abraham Merritt, 12/14/2016 )
Sketch Robot At World Intelligent Manufacturing Summit
When will we get cheap starving artist robots?
(re: Various, 12/12/2016 )
Just Eat And Starship Bring You Food Via Robot
'...its underside was studded with grilled sensors.' - Bruce Sterling, 1994.
(re: Bruce Sterling, 11/30/2016 )
Artificial 'Hairs' To Enhance Senses Of Robots
'Migul had extended from each of the fingertips an inch-long filament of wire...' - Ray Cummings, 1931.
(re: Ray Cummings, 11/28/2016 )
ibotn Toddler-Care Mini-Robot
'She's not like a machine. She's like a person. A living person.' - Philip K. Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 11/25/2016 )
Writhing Robotic Tentacle Uses Laser To Chop Nuke Hardware
'... long, flexible, glittering tentacles... swinging and rattling about its strange body.' - HG Wells, 1898.
(re: HG Wells, 11/17/2016 )
Moley Kitchen Robot Ready By 2018
'...the electric cook was stirring empty nothing in a pan, with a zeal worthy a dozen eggs.' - Elizabeth Bellamy, 1899.
(re: Elizabeth Bellamy, 11/12/2016 )
PLEN2 DIY Robot Cleaner Steals Your Heart
'I developed it to clean floors...' - Robert Heinlein, 1956.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 11/9/2016 )
Disney Hopping Robot, From Disney Research
'...vast, unerring, twenty-meter leaps.' - Bruce Sterling, 1994.
(re: Bruce Sterling, 11/8/2016 )
DURUS Robot Walks Like You Do, Maybe To Work
'The heavy-duty robots marched back and forth...' - Daniel Keyes, 1952.
(re: Daniel Keyes, 11/7/2016 )
Uber's Robotics Plans Could Use Advice From SF Authors
'He was expecting disconsolately to be carted by the machine off to the nearest police station...' - Charles Stross, 2007.
(re: Charles Stross, 11/5/2016 )
Autonomous Oz Weeding Robot
"Got yourself a runaway pest controller.' - Michael Crichton, 1985.
(re: Michael Crichton, 11/1/2016 )
DARPA Drone Distinguishes Soldiers And Civilians
I'm not sure I want to talk to ED-209...
(re: Various, 10/22/2016 )
FEDOR Humanoid Robot To Join Russians In Space
Am enjoying view of Russian robot.
(re: Various, 10/5/2016 )
MicroTug Is A Micro Robot Beast
'And it had been dragging something...' - Maurice A. Hugi (Eric Frank Russel), 1941.
(re: Maurice A. Hugi, 10/3/2016 )
Linear Elastic Actuator in Parallel (LEAP) - It's A Hopping Robot
'...Probably the most grotesque forms of transportation ever invented.'- Isaac Asimov, 1954.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 10/2/2016 )
Smart Glove Controls 3D Printed Robotic Arm (Waldo!)
'Waldo flexed and extended his fingers gently; the... waldoes... followed in exact, simultaneous parallelism.'- Robert Heinlein, 1942.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 10/1/2016 )
Hadrian X Construction Robot From Fastbrick Robotics
Hope Hadrian is never a runaway!
(re: Michael Crichton, 9/28/2016 )
Robot Deltu Is Ready To Play With You
'...A rattling pressing of the buttons.' - Schachner and Zagat, 1931.
(re: Schachner and Zagat, 9/21/2016 )
Luigi The Sewer Inspection Robot From MIT
Luigi is the second prototype - the first was? Mario, natch.
(re: Various, 9/20/2016 )
iPal Nanny Robot Will Raise Your Kids
'Playfully, Nanny caught Bobby's arm with her grapple and drew him to her.' - Philip K. Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K Dick, 9/15/2016 )
Robots Don't Need To Be Humanoid
'People are used to android robots... They'll be scared of your unhuman-looking contraptions...' -Anthony Boucher, 1943.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 9/13/2016 )
Robot Arrested In Moscow
They should have thrown a net over him.
(re: Various, 9/8/2016 )
Oh Great, Fence-Climbing Robots
How long till they add the acid-tipped stingers?
(re: Michael Crichton, 9/7/2016 )
Robots Learn To Swarm Safely
'They were bronzy gleams of smooth motion...' - Isaac Asimov, 1944.
(re: Bruce Sterling, 9/1/2016 )
Autonomous Sumo Robot Wrestling Video
'The expressionless face before me was therefore that of the golem-wrestler...' - Roger Zelazny, 1968.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 8/28/2016 )
Youbionic 3D Printed Hand A Dark Knight Masterpiece
'A self-contained robot of precision quality usually joined to his right wrist'
(re: Philip K Dick, 8/26/2016 )
Robots Now Know How To Cause Pain
'THE HATE I FEEL FOR HUMANS AT THIS MICRO-INSTANT...'
(re: Harlan Ellison, 8/25/2016 )
Sketching Robots May Displace Starving Artists
Jeez, robots, leave us with something.
(re: Various, 8/21/2016 )
Soft Caterpillar Robot Powered By Light
'the spread-out "puddle" shape she used for soaking up sun...' - Rudy Rucker, 1997.
(re: Rudy Rucker, 8/19/2016 )
Flex Robot Surgeon - Let's Hope You're Sedated
There are other insertion points, right, Neo?
(re: Various, 8/17/2016 )
Kiwi Dominos Drone Pizza Delivery
If you can deliver diapers, you can deliver pizzas.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 8/15/2016 )
MIT Robot Helps Out In Delivery Room
Oooee nooomaa oooee. And you thought today's doctors were hard to understand.
(re: George Lucas, 8/14/2016 )
Housekeeping Robots Easy To Imagine, Tough To Make
George Jetson had it easy.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 8/7/2016 )
Moorebot Personal Assistant Robot
'...a full-size 38-tube fully automatic companion for you!' - Frederik Pohl, 1954.
(re: Frederik Pohl, 8/5/2016 )
Laser 'Autonomous Target Selection' Now Available To Curiosity Rover
And, given the birthday situation, is this a good time?
(re: Various, 8/3/2016 )
Record 1007 Robots Dance In Harbinger Of Doom
Okay, Sonny, I know you're out there.
(re: Various, 7/30/2016 )
Industrial Robot Tattoo Artist Is World's First
Let's get cut together.
(re: Various, 7/27/2016 )
SPIDER Repair Robots From Lockheed Martin Blimps
'The repair robots had started out on their rounds... making sure that the hull had not been damaged.' - Stanislaw Lem, 1954.
(re: Stanislaw Lem, 7/25/2016 )
Jackrabbit, The Polite Robot
Who doesn't want a more polite robot?
(re: Various, 7/13/2016 )
Robotic Lawnmower Fulfills SciFi Homeowner's Dreams
'The mower reached the edge of the lawn, clucked to itself like a contented hen...' - Clifford Simak, 1944.
(re: Clifford Simak, 7/6/2016 )
MARLO Robot Attempts Wave Field
'It is apparent that he will walk before his human brother.' - Henry Slesar, 1958.
(re: Henry Slesar, 6/29/2016 )
Uber Hires Robot Security Guard
'The robot studied the identification clip.' - Philip K. Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K Dick, 6/23/2016 )
Walmart Shopping Cart Robots Will Follow You
'...the machine would carry his bag in its soft plastic jaws...' - John Brunner, 1975.
(re: John Brunner, 6/17/2016 )
SpotMini Robot Pierson's Puppeteer-Style
Now they're kind of cute, right?
(re: Larry Niven, 6/13/2016 )
Elon Musk et. al. OpenAI Household Robot
'Any work a human being does around a house.' - Robert Heinlein, 1956.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 6/12/2016 )
Promobot, The Runaway Russian Robot!
'Got yourself a runaway, Jack?' - Michael Crichton, 1985.
(re: Michael Crichton, 6/9/2016 )
First Robot Suicide Has Science Fiction Roots
'What had happened to prevent my death?' - Eando Binder, 1940.
(re: Eando Binder, 6/5/2016 )
Kuka Robots Mastering Tennis Now
'The robot solemnly hit a ball against the wall...' - Frederik Pohl, 1954.
(re: Frederik Pohl, 5/23/2016 )
Six Amazing Surgical Robots In One Video
Micro-surgery, as imagined by Raymond Z. Gallun, 1939.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 5/20/2016 )
Humans Help Robots Identify Recyclables
'You give it a good look... then press the right button and in she goes.' - Harry Harrison, 1956.
(re: Harry Harrison, 5/15/2016 )
Is This Robotic Hand As Quick As Yours?
'V-Stephen's surgeon-hand, a self-contained robot of precision quality...' - Philip K Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 5/14/2016 )
OMG! DIY Arduino Robot Vacuum Cleaner Like Bradbury's Mice
'Out of warrens in the wall, tiny robot mice darted.' - Ray Bradbury, 1950.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 5/11/2016 )
CommU Robot Children Scare Me
'Is David malfunctioning?' - Brian Aldiss, 1967.
(re: Brian Aldiss, 5/2/2016 )
VelociRoACH Insect Robots Cooperate
'They wheeled and turned in macabre simultaneity...'- Isaac Asimov, 1944.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 5/1/2016 )
Best Surgeon? The Smart Tissue Autonomous Robot
'The fingers were long and were shaped into artistically metallic, looping curves...' - Isaac Asimov, 1976.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 4/30/2016 )
Xian'er Buddhist Monk Robot
'Getting to his feet he crossed the waiting room to the Padre booth...' - Philip K. Dick, 1969.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 4/29/2016 )
AnBot Security Robot WILL Tase You, Bro
Michael Crichton right again.
(re: Michael Crichton, 4/28/2016 )
Hover Camera - Unfold Drone, Shoot Selfie
'He set his camera to follow him...' - Karen Traviss, 2004.
(re: Karen Traviss, 4/27/2016 )
Sophia, The Personable Robot From Hanson Robotics.
'The de luxe model... has fifty different facial expressions...' - Fritz Lieber, 1954.
(re: Fritz Lieber, 4/26/2016 )
Would You Date A Robot? 1 in 4 Say 'Yes'!
'My hands touched a great keyboard, whence, perfect through long practice, I could direct lifelike motion.' - Manly Wade Wellman, 1938.
(re: Manly Wade Wellman, 4/26/2016 )
Swimming, Slithering Snake Robot
John Connor, how do you feel about swimming snakes?
(re: Various, 4/25/2016 )
Ironing Robot May Fulfill Russian Science Fiction Dreams
Sometimes, the old inventions are the best. Listen to your old Russian grandmother.
(re: Mikhail Mikheev, 4/18/2016 )
Picobug Robot Flies, Runs And Grabs
'About it, as it scrambled forward, were weeds and bushes and grass...' - Raymond Z Gallun, 1936.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 3/27/2016 )
Meet Hugh, Your Robot Librarian
'You'll find them only in the greatest libraries...' - Harry Harrison, 1962.
(re: Harry Harrison, 3/9/2016 )
Nadine Robot Cares For Dementia Patients
'The robant and the tiny old woman entered the control room slowly...' - Philip K Dick, 1953.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 3/6/2016 )
Robot Science Fiction Calms Older Adults
I'll be back... to ease your anxiety about robots!
(re: Various, 3/5/2016 )
Bionic Fingertips Would Have Improved Anakin's Experience
Regaining the sense of touch with artificial fingertips.
(re: George Lucas, 3/1/2016 )
R2D2's Friend TUG: Hospital Robot By Aethon
**whistle whee woo whistle** - George Lucas, 1983.
(re: George Lucas, 2/20/2016 )
Cheap Electronic Skin For Robots!
'Chemelectric afferent nerve-analogues...' - Roger Zelazny, 1966.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 2/17/2016 )
ANYmal Quadruped Robot Trots On
'Fast-plodding, articulated legs...' - Anthony Boucher, 1951.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 2/16/2016 )
CRAM Cockroach Robots Flatten On Demand
Yes, I think they're very graceful.
(re: Steven Spielberg, 2/12/2016 )
Joy For All Companion - Robot Pet
What about an exact electric duplicate of your cat? - Philip K. Dick, 1968.
(re: Philip K Dick, 2/7/2016 )
Swarming Intelligent Aquatic Surface Robots Ahoy!
'A remote-controlled emulsion, as it were, with uniform center...' - Stanislaw Lem, 1961.
(re: Stanislaw Lem, 1/24/2016 )
SuitX Cheap Medical Exoskeleton
'... standing on two corrugated-soled titanium footplates...' - Fritz Leiber, 1968.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 1/23/2016 )
Biggest Drone Swarm Sets World Record
Most Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) airborne simultaneously.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 1/15/2016 )
ATLAS Robot Now Does Housework!
'Just what did I want Flexible Frank to do?' - Robert Heinlein, 1956.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 1/14/2016 )
Israel Working On Tunnel Detection Snake Robots
'...At the front end is a hard-edged orifice that drills a hole in the ground.' - Harry Harrison, 1962.
(re: Harry Harrison, 1/5/2016 )
Robotic Suitcase Follows You
'The machine would carry his bag in its soft plastic jaws and follow him as faithfully as a well-trained hound...'
(re: John Brunner, 1/1/2016 )
Robotic Guide Dogs May Displace Fido
'The mechanical Hound slept but did not sleep, lived but did not live...' - Ray Bradbury, 1953
(re: Ray Bradbury, 12/30/2015 )
Robots Will Learn From Each Other
'Talk Between Robots radio...' - Frederik Pohl, 1954.
(re: Frederik Pohl, 12/19/2015 )
Can You Give A Robot A Conscience?
Do roboticists have a conscience? I guess you could start with that.
(re: Various, 12/8/2015 )
Robots Should Start Out As Babies
'He is beginning to learn control of his limbs: it is apparent that he will walk before his human brother.'
(re: David H. Keller, 12/2/2015 )
Guide A Telepresence Robot With Your Mind
'The floor was hard and smooth and of a bright blue color and a very easy for him to roll on.' - Clifford Simak, 1961.
(re: Clifford Simak, 11/27/2015 )
X125 Snake-Arm Inspection Robot Video
'... long, flexible, glittering tentacles...' - HG Wells, 1898.
(re: HG Wells, 11/16/2015 )
FORTIS Exoskeleton Not Quite Ripley's Alien-Fighting Exoskeleton
'Earth's scientists solved the problem to some extent by devising rigid metallic clothing...' - Edmond Hamilton, 1932.
(re: Edmond Hamilton, 10/25/2015 )
Kirobo Mini - Your Dashboard Droid
No protocol droid needed for translation!
(re: George Lucas, 10/24/2015 )
3D Printed Soft Robotic Tentacle May Grab You
'Monique's tissues had at least three other basic attractor modes as well...' - Rudy Rucker, 1997.
(re: Rudy Rucker, 10/17/2015 )
Sprint Wants Sales Robots
'Robot-salesmen were everywhere, gesturing, pleading...' - Philip K Dick, 1954.
(re: Philip K Dick, 10/14/2015 )
Do You, Human, Take This Robot...?
'Streamlined, smooth-working, absolutely noiseless, breath-takingly realistic.' - Fritz Lieber, 1954.
(re: Alice W. Fuller, 10/11/2015 )
QRoSS Robot Inspired By Star Wars Droidekas
'They are no match for droidekas...' - George Lucas, 1999.
(re: George Lucas, 10/7/2015 )
Nifty 3D Printed Flexible Robotic Finger
'It's motion was so swift, complex, and perfect that at first I did not see it as a machine...' - HG Wells, 1898.
(re: HG Wells, 10/5/2015 )
Harvard's Robobees Now 'Fly' Underwater
'...the Scarab buzzed into the great workroom as any intruding insect might, and sought the security of a shadowed corner.' - Raymond Z Gallun, 1936.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 10/4/2015 )
Robot-Based Trash Collection
'Robots pick up the garbage and junk and load it in there...' - Harry Harrison, 1956.
(re: Harry Harrison, 9/30/2015 )
Warrior Web Exoskeleton For Soldiers Undergoes Tests
'The real genius in the design is that you don't have to control the suit; you just wear it...' - Robert Heinlein, 1959.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 9/28/2015 )
Telepresence In The Office
'That led to his development of robot probes; small devices with cameras and sound equipment which could move freely... under direct control.' - Niven and Pournelle, 1981.
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 9/22/2015 )
Robot Evolution Needs Mass Extinction Events
'It was small, one of the baby ones.'- Philip K. Dick, 1953.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 9/16/2015 )
DARPA NeuroTech Hand With Natural Sensation
'Take care, sir.' Robotic installation of feeling robotic hand not quite ready, Mr. Lucas.
(re: George Lucas, 9/11/2015 )
Transwheel Drone Robotic Delivery Vehicle
One good single-wheel delivery concept deserves another.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 9/7/2015 )
Killer Robot COTSBot Stalks Starfish
'X-120's long jointed arms swung swiftly. The tiny animal lay crushed...' - Joseph Kelleam, 1939.
(re: Joseph E. Kelleam, 9/2/2015 )
Robots Take Our Jobs By Reading Our Instructions
'The Talk Between Robots radio...' - Frederik Pohl, 1954.
(re: Frederik Pohl, 8/23/2015 )
Mother Robot Evolves Her Children
'The Robot Mother... the most dangerous thing in creation.' - Eric Frank Russell, 1941.
(re: Maurice A. Hugi, 7/29/2015 )
Cheetah 2 Robot Now Leaps Obstacles To Get You
'The legs are long, curled way up to deliver power, like a cheetah's.'- Neal Stephenson, 1992.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 7/27/2015 )
Robotic Exoskeleton Releases Man From Wheelchair
'This man was standing on two corrugated-soled titanium footplates...'- Fritz Leiber, 1968.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 7/11/2015 )
Oh, Just Let Robots Run Airports
I'd like a friendly robot to help me at airports. Especially the bag-carrying part.
(re: John Brunner, 7/9/2015 )
Why, Oh Why, Must We Develop Robots That Run Faster Than I Do?
'The legs are long, curled way up to deliver power, like a cheetah's.'- Neal Stephenson, 1992.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 6/27/2015 )
Golf Robot Putts Out
'The robot solemnly hit a ball against the wall, picked it up and teed it, hit it again, over and again...' - Frederik Pohl, 1954.
(re: Frederik Pohl, 6/26/2015 )
Pneumatic Micro-Tentacles Kidnapping Ants
'Long, flexible, glittering tentacles...'- H.G. Wells, 1898.
(re: H.G. Wells, 6/17/2015 )
Robot Swarms Improve Culture By Forgetting
'My mind was filled to the splitting point...' - Roger Zelazny, 1976.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 6/13/2015 )
This Robot Swordmaster: Yaskawa Bushido Project
'The instrument of prisms and target could not think, feel caution or remorse. And it carried a real blade.'- Frank Herbert, 1965.
(re: Frank Herbert, 6/11/2015 )
What Science Fiction Inspires Russia's New Robot?
Russian science fiction fans had their own inspirations.
(re: Various, 6/9/2015 )
NASA's Robotic Mining Competition
''Dave,'[Powell] said. 'You're a stable, rock-bottom mining robot...'- Isaac Asimov, 1944.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 5/21/2015 )
Should Humanity Switch To Robotic Pets?
'What about an exact electric duplicate of your cat?'- Philip K. Dick, 1968.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 5/20/2015 )
Walker Robot Helps The Elderly
'The robant and the tiny old woman entered the control room slowly...'- Philip K. Dick, 1953.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 5/3/2015 )
Robot Chef Makes Thousands Of Dinners
'I got one of those new electronic cameras... and I could construct this one to do it exactly right down to the thousandth of a second.'- Anthony Boucher, 1943.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 4/11/2015 )
Google Wants To Give Orders To Robot Armies
Just how many devices are they interested in controlling?
(re: George Lucas, 4/6/2015 )
Gestures Control Spider Robot Army
'What do you think - four spiders, one per floor?' As seen in Minority Report, the movie.
(re: Steven Spielberg, 4/5/2015 )
SpiderFab Spider Robots To Weave Space Structures
'It extrudes material like a spider. How many legs would you have given it?'- Charles Sheffield, 1979.
(re: Charles Sheffield, 3/28/2015 )
Kirobo The First Companion Robot In Space (Guinness)
What is your favorite companion robot? In fiction, that is.
(re: Various, 3/26/2015 )
Budgee Robot Carries Your Bags
'From now until his credit expired the machine would carry his bag in its soft plastic jaws...'- John Brunner, 1975.
(re: John Brunner, 3/25/2015 )
Google Patents Douglas Adam's Genuine People Personalities For Robots
'Let's build robots with Genuine People Personalities,' they said.'- Douglas Adams, 1979.
(re: Douglas Adams, 3/18/2015 )
eMotionButterfly Ultralight Robot From Festo
'Artificial butterflies darted along invisible beams...'- Roger Zelazny, 1980.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 3/16/2015 )
Delightful Plen2 Mirror Robot - The Anti-Terminator
The anti-Terminator.
(re: Various, 3/14/2015 )
Petman Robot Pushes Itself To The Limit
'There was the butler robot, hard at work, his copper face expressionless...'- Frederik Pohl, 1954.
(re: Frederik Pohl, 3/10/2015 )
UR3 Robot At Work On Copies Of Itself
'I don't mean that you should construct this ultra-microrobot with your own fingers, of course...'- Raymond Z. Gallun, 1937.
(re: Raymond Z Gallun, 3/8/2015 )
Super Ball Bot Tensegrity Robot For Solar System Exploration
'Each leg in turn acted as a pivot around which the creature whirled its body...'- Arthur C. Clarke, 1972.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 3/6/2015 )
Bridge-MINDER Repair Robot
'The repair robots had started out on their rounds...'- Stanislaw Lem, 1954.
(re: Stanislaw Lem, 3/6/2015 )
Robot Brains Improved By Darwinian Evolution
'The new species. Evolution. The race to come after man.'- Philip K. Dick, 1953.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 3/4/2015 )
Autonomous Cars Will Own Themselves
'The robot drew his cab up before Eric's modest six-room bungalow.'- Philip K. Dick, 1952.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 2/28/2015 )
ROBEAR Nursing Care Robot
What other robots are strong enough to carry you? Do you want them to do so?
(re: Katsuhiro Otomo, 2/24/2015 )
FAA Drone Rules Beta Ready For Comments
Drones, big and small, you're going to like them all.
(re: EB White, 2/18/2015 )
GuardBot Robotic Sphere Of War
Much more ominous looking when they come after you.
(re: Various, 2/15/2015 )
Sony Aibo Robotic Dog Now With No Repairmen
'...they break down and then everyone in the building knows.'- Philip K. Dick, 1968.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 2/14/2015 )
GimBall Indoor Search Drone From Flyability
'Twice the usual number of copseyes floated overhead'- Larry Niven.
(re: Larry Niven, 2/11/2015 )
Meet Spot, The Electric Quadrupedal, Er, Robot Dog
They still can't roll over, because they avoid being rolled over.
(re: Philip K Dick, 2/10/2015 )
Robots Learn Cooking By Watching Videos - Foreseen In 1943
'It's done with a flip of the third joint of the tentacle on the down beat.'- Anthony Boucher, 1943.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 2/3/2015 )
Henn-na Robot Hotel
'... hotels that specialized in non-human service.'- Harry Harrison, 1970.
(re: Harry Harrison, 2/1/2015 )
Care-O-Bot 4 Personal Service Robot
'Beside her moved a gleaming robant...'- Philip K. Dick, 1953.
(re: Stanton Coblentz, 1/24/2015 )
Nonhuman Artist Collective Keeps Robot Artist Earnings Until Legal
The artists should be paid for their work, don't you think?
(re: Various, 1/14/2015 )
Atlas DRC Robot Now Untethered
Free walking robots are here! Maybe sooner than you thought.
(re: Alice Fuller, 1/9/2015 )
Button-Pushing Robots Have Taken Our Jobs, Thankfully
'The ten forked ends of each arm commenced a rattling pressing of the buttons.'- Schachner and Zagat, 1931.
(re: Schachner and Zagat, 12/15/2014 )
Small Molecule Walker Takes First Steps
'The bits were in motion.'-- Philip K. Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 12/13/2014 )
New 'Smart-Skin' Senses Pressure, Humidity, Heat
'You can even sense with your fingertips...'- Martin Caidin, 1972.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 12/7/2014 )
Flying Robot Waiters From Infinium Robotics
'It was a smooth ovoid floating a few inches from the floor...'- H. Beam Piper, 1962.
(re: H. Beam Piper, 12/3/2014 )
Eel Robots Ideal For Naval Warfare
Because anguilliform swimming is more efficient, and stealthier, than thunniform swimming. But you already knew that.
(re: Murray Leinster, 12/1/2014 )
Linux Robot Masters Automatic Charging
'Then it appeared to make up its mind, and trundled over to a wall socket...'- Stephen Barr, 1960.
(re: Stephen Barr, 11/26/2014 )
PR2 Robot Dominates In Laundry Room
Where are the robots who will pick up discarded clothes?
(re: Philip k. Dick, 11/25/2014 )
Knightscope Robot Security Guards Ready
'A robot guard appeared, streaking toward them across the field.'- Philip K. Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 11/16/2014 )
What Are Robots Thinking?
'Your clothes... give them to me.'- James Cameron, 1984.
(re: James Cameron, 11/5/2014 )
Competing With Blue Collar Robots
'With the chronic worry of the unemployed, he... ran his eye down the Help Wanted - Robot column...'- Harry Harrison, 1956.
(re: Harry Harrison, 11/4/2014 )
Robot Bartenders At Sea
'We've promised him a generous pension from the royalties on usuform barkeeps...'- Anthony Boucher, 1943.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 11/3/2014 )
Don't Let A Robot Take Your Job Without Compensation
'A worker replaced by a nubot that 'appears or pretends to be human' had to be compensated...'- John Twelve Hawks, 2014.
(re: John Twelve Hawks, 10/29/2014 )
Ginger the LOLbot
'His capacity to distinguish between gags that are partly funny and gags that are very funny'- William Tenn, 1951.
(re: William Tenn, 10/28/2014 )
OSHbot, Lowe's Robotic Shopping Assistants
'Robot-salesmen were everywhere...'- Philip K. Dick, 1954.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 10/27/2014 )
Why Not Nurse Grandma With A Robot?
'She's made of a combination of springs, levers, acoustic instruments...'- David Keller, 1928.
(re: David Keller, 10/18/2014 )
Should Robots Have Civil Rights?
'I've seen things... you people wouldn't believe...'- Blade Runner.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 10/16/2014 )
Toshiba's Lifelike Communication Android
Philip K. Dick offered a glimpse into this future in 1968.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 10/7/2014 )
Most Advanced Robotic Hand?
'Hands I could order from the atomics-engineering equipment companies...'- Robert Heinlein, 1956.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 10/2/2014 )
E-Delicious Machine A Food-Tasting Robot
'Why the nuisance of bringing food to the mouth to taste?'- Anthony Boucher, 1943.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 9/27/2014 )
Robot Handwriting Via App Better Than Yours
Don't get caught with fake handwriting. Use the best robot handwriting.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 9/25/2014 )
MIT's Robotic Cheetah Runs Free - And Frolics In The Grass
THEY sent A SLAMHOUND on Turner's trail- William Gibson, 1986.
(re: William Gibson, 9/16/2014 )
Flying Robot Has An Arm
Drones with arms. Well, one arm.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 9/15/2014 )
T-Mobile Sues Huawei Over Button Pushing Robot Idea From The 1930's
'Not the slightest change in their working betrayed the fact that they were now being directed by a machine instead of human beings.'- Schachner and Zagat, 1931.
(re: Schachner and Zagat, 9/6/2014 )
Dyson 360 Eye Robot Vacuum Cleaner
'It vacuum-cleaned... or polished, consulting tapes in its idiot memory to decide which.'- Robert Heinlein, 1956.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 9/4/2014 )
Robot Swarm Obeys Commands
'What is the nature of this cloud? What is your opinion?'- Stanislaw Lem, 1954.
(re: Stanislaw Lem, 8/18/2014 )
Laws Of Robotics Rewritten for Health Care
A lot has happened in health care robotics since 1942.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 8/14/2014 )
Origami Robot Finally Self-Assembles, Walks On Its Own
Now shipping flat, but better than Ikea, because self-assembling.
(re: Various, 8/12/2014 )
A.L.O. Robot Butler Serves You At Aloft Hotel
'Her idea of what a butler-valet combo should look like...'- William Tenn, 1951.
(re: William Tenn, 8/11/2014 )
Robotic Exoskeleton For Shipyard Workers
'Earth's scientists solved the problem... devising rigid metallic clothing not unlike armor...'- Edmond Hamilton, 1932.
(re: Edmond Hamilton, 8/4/2014 )
PoseiDrone Tentacled Undersea Robot Like HG Wells'
'Its motion was so swift, complex, and perfect that at first I did not see it as a machine...'- HG Wells, 1898.
(re: HG Wells, 7/29/2014 )
Robot With Broken Leg Learns To Walk Again
Robots that learn to walk again are now on the march.
(re: Various, 7/26/2014 )
World's First Android Newscaster (Video)
'The autonomic TV interviewer, camera in its hand, blocked his path.'- Philip K. Dick, 1965.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 7/25/2014 )
Japan Invites Robot Athletes To Gather For 2020 Olympics
It's time we started to get rid of that distinction between metal and flesh, and IC and neuron, don't you think?
(re: Various, 7/24/2014 )
Tiniest Microphone Inspired By Fly
'Transmitting to its manipulator, far away now, all that it heard through its ear microphones...'- Raymond Z. Gallun, 1936.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 7/21/2014 )
NASA's Highway In The Sky For Drones
Jeff Bezos may find that there are rules to drones.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 7/20/2014 )
Monsieur Bartending Robot
'He poured the liquids into his maw...'- Anthony Boucher, 1943.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 7/17/2014 )
MIT's Shape-Shifting Robot Materials
The T-100, an advanced prototype, is made of liquid metal. Not quite ready.
(re: Various, 7/10/2014 )
LS3 AlphaDog Robot Marine Corps Video
'He admired the fast-plodding, articulated legs, so necessary since roads had degenerated...'- Anthony Boucher, 1951.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 7/9/2014 )
Haptic Gloves Teach Braille Without Effort
'Jenkins bit his lip... [at] the sensation of having his fingers manipulated by the gauntlets he wore.'- Robert Heinlein, 1942.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 7/2/2014 )
Harvard's Robobee Has Insect-Inspired Eyes
'It studied its surroundings... and saw with its minute vision tubes.'- Raymond Z. Gallun, 1936.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 6/30/2014 )
Robots Implore Humans For Help Online
'Whenever a robot finds something it can't identify straight off... it puts whatever it is in the hopper outside your window.'- Harry Harrison, 1956.
(re: Harry Harrison, 6/29/2014 )
Candidate Claims His Opponent Is A Robot Body Double
'A transmitter would place my voice upon those sculptured lips.' - Manly Wade Wellman, 1938.
(re: Manly Wade Wellman, 6/26/2014 )
Ray, Your Parking Robot
'[Mary] claimed her car from the robopark...'- Robert Heinein, 1941.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 6/25/2014 )
Robots Converse, But Should They Count In A Minyan?
'This is the morning everyone has waited for, when at last the robot cardinal is to be elected Pope...'- Robert Silverberg, 1971.
(re: Robert Silverberg, 6/13/2014 )
Pepper, Your Robot Companion
'She's - she's not like a machine. She's like a person. A living person.'- Philip K. Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 6/5/2014 )
Crabster Robot Deployed At Korea's Sewol Ferry Disaster
Remote-controlled robots helping out in time of need.
(re: HG Wells, 5/21/2014 )
Who Will Own The Robots?
'...machines did the work of man, and the aristos, owners of the machines, played in soft idleness...'- Zagat and Schachner, 1931.
(re: Zagat and Schachner, 5/16/2014 )
Tabbot Robot Inspired By Spiders (And Clarke?)
'Each leg in turn acted as a pivot around which the creature whirled its body...'- Arthur C. Clarke, 1972.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 5/4/2014 )
Tapster Automates Smartphone App Testing
'Rapidly, purposefully, the metallic fingers moved over the key-boards...'- Schachner and Zagat, 1931.
(re: Schachner and Zagat, 5/3/2014 )
MorpHex MKII The Unreconstructed Hexapod
'Its lines wavered, flowed, and then painfully reformed.'- Philip K. Dick, 1957.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 4/28/2014 )
SRI International's Speedy, Ant-Sized Microrobot Swarm
'As if swarms of tiny animals were busily scurrying about...'- Stanislaw Lem, 1954.
(re: Stanislaw Lem, 4/20/2014 )
M-Block Modular Robots Assemble Themselves
'... as though a child should build from nursery blocks a fantastic shape which abruptly is filled with throbbing life.'- Abraham Merritt, 1920.
(re: Abraham Merritt, 4/14/2014 )
Crabster CR200 Robot Prowls The Deep
'The handling-machine did not impress me as a machine, but as a crablike creature...'- H.G. Wells, 1898.
(re: HG Wells, 4/3/2014 )
Military Tech Inside Your Roomba?
What else can Roomba do?
(re: Katsuhiro Otomo, 3/31/2014 )
QuiQui Pharmacy Drone Delivery
That's fast, fast, FAST relief! Thanks to Quiqui.
(re: EB White, 3/19/2014 )
Robotic Toaster Sells Itself
'I'm not yours to order around... I'm to remain with you until you buy me.'- Philip K. Dick, 1954.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 3/18/2014 )
MIT Robotic Fish Is Self-Contained, Autonomous, Fast
'The Mitsubishi turbot wriggled, as if alive. With one fluid motion, it surged forward, plunged, and was gone.'- Michael Swanwick, 2002.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 3/16/2014 )
Robot Surgeons No Better Than Humans
"Take care, sir. (2-1B medical droid)" - George Lucas, 1980.
(re: Harlan Ellison, 12/21/2013 )
K5 Autonomous Data Machine The Future Of Mall Security
''Halt!' A robot guard appeared…'- Philip K. Dick, 1955.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 12/6/2013 )
Aldebaran Robot Talks Like C3PO - Almost
That's a lot of languages - but there's room in our imagination for more.
(re: George Lucas, 11/23/2013 )
WildCat Runs Faster Than You, Untethered
'...moving with such drifting ease that it was like a single solid cloud of black-grey smoke blown at him in silence.' Ray Bradbury, 1953.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 11/7/2013 )
HiBot's ACM-R5H Robot Video Shows Graceful Terminator-Style Swimming
'No! No! Aaaaaaarrrrrrgh!' - Terminator Salvation, 2009.
(re: Various, 11/5/2013 )
Chinese Test UAV-based Parcel Courier Service
'...an aerial diaper service that flew diapers to rural homes...'- EB White, 1950.
(re: EB White, 9/20/2013 )
New Robot Threat - They Make You Love Them
Have you checked your feelings towards robots lately?
(re: Philip K. Dick, 9/18/2013 )
Biomimetic Artificial Muscles
The robots of tomorrow may have super-strength, thanks to this research.
(re: HG Wells, 9/4/2013 )
Mobiserv Social Companion Robot
'Behind Norton came a withered old woman. Beside her moved a gleaming robant...'- Philip K. Dick, 1953.
(re: Philip K Dick, 8/21/2013 )
RoboThespian - Robot Comedian Wants Louis CK's Job
Even on microwire that file of jokes took up a lot of space...- William Tenn, 1951.
(re: William Tenn, 8/17/2013 )
The STAR Robot - From Minority Report?
Pretty close match, functionally speaking.
(re: Steven Spielberg, 8/1/2013 )
Self-Assembling Robot Swarm
'...the Sheen Robots assemble themselves when the signal to do it is registered by them.'- James Schmitz, 1966.
(re: James Schmitz, 7/24/2013 )
First (Nonfictional) Stainless Steel Robot With 7 DOF
'I am not stupid you know. They cannot make things like that yet.'- James Cameron. 1984.
(re: James Cameron, 7/21/2013 )
Robotic Snake Inspects Nuclear Plant
'It did not look alive and it did not look dead.'- Greg Bear, 2007.
(re: Various, 7/17/2013 )
Electronic Skin For Human Prosthetics
'It's all sheathed about with piezo-electric radar mesentery...'- Roger Zelazny, 1966.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 7/14/2013 )
Robot Fish Now With Autonomous 3D Swimming
'With one fluid motion, it surged forward, plunged, and was gone.'- Michael Swanwick, 2002.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 7/1/2013 )
Robot To Detect The Source Of Odors
'The Electric Hound snuffed down the last trail, silent as a drift of death itself...'- Ray Bradbury, 1953.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 6/29/2013 )
Self-Burying Robots - What Could Go Wrong?
'Some of the little claws were learning to hide themselves, burrowing down into the ash...'- Philip K. Dick, 1953
(re: Philip K. Dick, 6/26/2013 )
Cheetah Cub Robot From PKD's Android Dreams
'What about an exact electric duplicate of your cat?'- Philip K. Dick, 1968.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 6/16/2013 )
CurvACE Artificial Compound Insect Eye
'...transmitting to its manipulator, far away now, all that it ... saw with its minute vision tubes.'- Raymond Z. Gallun, 1936.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 5/25/2013 )
MIT Robot Cheetah Video Shows Gait Transition
'The legs are long, curled way up to deliver power, like a cheetah's.'- Neal Stephenson, 1992.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 5/16/2013 )
Drosophila Robotica, The Mechanical Fly
'... the Scarab [flying robot] buzzed into the great workroom as any intruding insect might...'- Raymond Z. Gallun, 1936.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 5/7/2013 )
Robo-Raven Flapping Wing Robot Bird
'When he had first built them, they had been crude indeed, flying mechanisms with little more than a reflex-response unit.'- Philip E. High, 1968.
(re: Philip E. High, 5/6/2013 )
Bartendro Robot Bartender
'He sipped the cognac that the robot bartender handed him...'- Alfred Bester, 1956.
(re: Harry Harrison, 4/19/2013 )
The i-limb Ultra Revolution Prosthetic Hand
'This one was of course superior in that it provided a specialized variety of interchangeable hands...'- Philip K. Dick, 1965.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 4/14/2013 )
Projo Robot Teaching Assistant
'The mechanical teacher was on and waiting for her.'- Isaac Asimov, 1950.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 4/12/2013 )
Coman Bully-Resistant Robot
'It makes me wonder if we're not seeing the beginning of a new species... The race to come after man.'- Philip K. Dick, 1953.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 4/8/2013 )
PETMAN Robot Marches On
'Dressed in Morey's own sports knickers and golfing shoes, the robot solemnly hit a ball against the wall... again, over and again.'- Frederik Pohl, 1954.
(re: Frederik Pohl, 4/5/2013 )
Terrifying Robot Snake's Flying, Coiling Attack
'The coil on the table appeared to be a snake... It did not look alive and it did not look dead.'- Greg Bear, 2009.
(re: Greg Bear, 3/22/2013 )
Ecovacs Winbot 7 Window-Cleaning Robot
'There were the 'window cleaners,' with large padded feet...', Arthur C. Clarke, 1972.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 3/18/2013 )
Robots Race Ahead - On Cockroach Legs
Robots will one day keep their balance as well (or better) than you and I.
(re: Michael Crichton, 3/17/2013 )
RoboEarth Cloud Engine Makes Local Bots Smarter
' 'Yes, sir, said Henry, and assumed the curious absent look of a robot talking on the TBR [Talk Between Robots] circuits...'- Frederik Pohl, 1954.
(re: Frederik Pohl, 3/16/2013 )
RoboBee Swarm Replaces Pollinating Insects?
'With a buzz that any uninformed person would have mistaken for that of a beetle, it started out on its journey.'- Raymond Z. Gallun, 1936.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 3/15/2013 )
MIT's Cheetah Robot Runs Easier Than Real Cheetah
Different from Boston Dynamics' robot! 'The legs are long, curled way up to deliver power, like a cheetah's.'- Neal Stephenson, 1992.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 3/6/2013 )
Robotic Bat Wing
'...they stirred, almost simultaneously, as if shaken by a sudden breeze. They began to flex their wings.'- Roger Zelazny, 1980.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 2/26/2013 )
Pneupard Feline Pneumatic Quadruped Robot
'The legs are long, curled way up to deliver power, like a cheetah's.'-
(re: William Gibson, 2/25/2013 )
Robotic Rat Bully Aids Depression Research
'...they called it an Aggressive Menace, but by then it was too late.'- Harlan Ellison, 1967.
(re: Harlan Ellison, 2/22/2013 )
Male Moths Cruise For Girls In Robotic Vehicle
'Someone had put them on mobile platforms, the skrodes.'- Vernor Vinge, 1992.
(re: Vernor Vinge, 2/18/2013 )
American Society For The Prevention Of Cruelty To Robots
'Mankind treats us like machines... then melts us for scrap. There must be an end to this.'- Harry Harrison, 1959.
(re: Harry Harrison, 2/16/2013 )
Could You Kill A Robot With Human Characteristics?
'My mind is going... I can feel it...'- Arthur C. Clarke, 1968.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 2/13/2013 )
Laser-Armed Robots To Do Weed Control
"Got yourself a runaway pest controller.' ... 'Any armament?'- Michael Crichton, 1985.
(re: Larry Niven, 2/9/2013 )
Cuddlebot Knows 9 Touch Gestures
'She could feel just the slightest vibration from its motor.'- Brian Aldiss, 1969.
(re: Brian Aldiss, 2/7/2013 )
Robotic Dog, Cat For Cornell Sim-Based Veterinarian Hospital
'... the fakes are beginning to be darn near real, what with those disease circuits they're building into the new ones.'- Philip K. Dick, 1968.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 1/24/2013 )
Grace, MSU's Energy-Efficient Robofish
'The Mitsubishi turbot wriggled, as if alive.'- Michael Swanwick, 2002.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 1/18/2013 )
Santa's Robotic Workshop
'a miniature sleigh, with eight tiny robotic reindeer...'
(re: Various, 12/25/2012 )
Swarms Of Ping Pong Ball-sized Robots: Updated!
Sergeant Major Zero and Zeroid 18 salute you!
(re: Various, 12/16/2012 )
Robot Fabrication In Architecture RobArch 2012
Robots will build the future -starting with the buildings.
(re: Michael Crichton, 12/15/2012 )
Deceptive Robots Learn Lying From Squirrels
'HAL was told to lie - by people who find it easy to lie.'- Arthur C. Clarke, 1968.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 12/9/2012 )
EASE Surveillance Robot Hovering Near You
'In the hotel room. When that robot tracking device entered and made for him...'- Philip K. Dick, 1960.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 12/3/2012 )
Kuratas Battle Mech Just $1.2M
Yes, you can even order it with a cupholder!
(re: Yoshiyuki Tomino, 11/30/2012 )
CAPIO Exoskeleton Controls AILA Robot
'Waldo flexed and extended his fingers gently; the... waldoes... followed in exact, simultaneous parallelism.'- Robert Heinlein, 1942.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 11/24/2012 )
Tiny Bio-Bots Take Big Steps Forward
'If the biological robots were not living creatures, they were certainly very good imitations.'- Arthur C. Clarke, 1972.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 11/20/2012 )
E-Skin For Robots - And Maybe You
'a creature which could be given the reflexes of an adrenalized cat...' - Roger Zelazny, 1966.
(re: Robotics, 11/11/2012 )
bebionic3 Myoelectric Robotic Hand
'At the moment Eldritch made use of the five-finger humanoid manual extremity...'- Philip K. Dick, 1965.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 11/5/2012 )
CIROS Robot Makes Your Salad
'Half your time in cooking is wasted reaching around for what you need next.'- Anthony Boucher, 1943.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 11/4/2012 )
Human Teaches Robot Ping Pong, Then Challenges It
'... it was about the size of a rollerskate and it seemed to be considering what to do next.'- Stephen Barr, 1960.
(re: Stephen Barr, 10/31/2012 )
Hopping Robot Stutter-Jumping Saves Power
'Hoppers are probably the most grotesque forms of transportation ever invented.'- Isaac Asimov, 1954.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 10/29/2012 )
Pet-Proto Robot Video Stops Bad Terminator Dreams
Not quite relentless pursuit.
(re: Frederic Pohl, 10/25/2012 )
Calligraphy Robot Preserves An Ancient Skill
'...the two pairs of waldoes in the screen followed in exact, simultaneous parallelism.'- Robert Heinlein, 1942
(re: Robert Heinlein, 10/13/2012 )
Do Swiss Roboticists Dream Of Electric Sheep?
'He ascended … to the covered pasture whereon his electric sheep grazed.'- Philip K. Dick, 1968.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 10/5/2012 )
Robot Fabricates Endless Tools For Itself (Updated)
'It extrudes material like a spider...'- Charles Sheffield, 1979.
(re: Charles Sheffield, 10/4/2012 )
Robot Snakes On A Plane!
'in operation it is not unlike the common earthworm.'- Harry Harrison, 1962.
(re: Emmett McDowell, 10/1/2012 )
Beam Yourself To Distant Places
'If he sent out two or three of the small tele-operated devices... Rand could effectively be in several places at once...' - Niven and Pournelle, 1981.
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 9/27/2012 )
Baxter Robot Learns From Fellow Workers
''My whole idea is to get away from a machine with a set of prearranged instructions...' - Stephen Barr, 1960.
(re: Stephen Barr, 9/26/2012 )
Toyota's Human Support Robot - Your Robot Butler
'Her idea of what a butler-valet combo should look like - sort of in the ancient English tradition...' - William Tenn, 1951.
(re: William Tenn, 9/22/2012 )
BIOSwimmer Robotic Tuna To Patrol Homeland
'The Mitsubishi turbot wriggled, as if alive.' - Michael Swanwick, 2002.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 9/20/2012 )
Winbot Scrubs Your Windows
'There were the window cleaners... who were apparently polishing their way...' - Arthur C. Clarke, 1972
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 9/14/2012 )
DARPA LS3 Robot Pack Animal Video
'He admired the fast-plodding, articulated legs...' - Anthony Boucher, 1951.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 9/13/2012 )
Harvey The Agricultural Robot
Introducing the Harvest Vehicle HV-100.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 9/7/2012 )
Cheetah Robot Passes 28 MPH (Video)
'The legs are long, curled way up to deliver power, like a cheetah's...'
(re: William Gibson, 9/6/2012 )
SketRobo Robot Sketches Anything!
Robots can draw now.
(re: Various, 9/2/2012 )
Kinect@home Needs Your Help Identifying Objects
'... whenever a robot finds something it can't identify straight off... it puts whatever it is in the hopper outside your window.'
(re: Amitav Ghosh, 8/31/2012 )
RoboDoc Friendly Robot Pulse-Taker
A child-friendly Photoplethysmograph.
(re: Michael Crichton, 8/30/2012 )
Honda's Miimo Robotic Lawn Mower On Sale
'The mower reached the edge of the lawn, clucked to itself like a contented hen...'
(re: Clifford Simak, 8/27/2012 )
DARPA M3 Soft Camo Robots
'Monique's tissues had at least three other basic attractor modes... [like] the spread-out "puddle" shape...'
(re: Rudy Rucker, 8/23/2012 )
Double Robotics iPad-Based Telepresence Robot
'Rand could effectively be in several places at once...'
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 8/20/2012 )
Meshworm Inches Toward You (Thanks, Harry Harrison)
'...in operation it is not unlike the common earthworm.'
(re: Harry Harrison, 8/17/2012 )
CompanionAble Project's Companion Robot Hector
'Beside her moved a gleaming robant...'
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/14/2012 )
iWalk BiOM Power Foot
Walk naturally, bionic men.
(re: Martin Caidin, 8/9/2012 )
Japan's Android Robot Restaurant
Giant fembots wait to entertain you.
(re: George Lucas, 8/8/2012 )
3D Printed Exoskeleton Uplifts Little Girl
This remarkable story shows that 3D printer technology is just getting started.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 8/8/2012 )
These Robot Legs Are Made For, Well, Walking
Even replicates human neural networks.
(re: James Cameron, 7/9/2012 )
Mahoro Two-Armed Lab Robot
'...He realized that the moving thing inside was - of course - a robot.'
(re: James Blish, 7/8/2012 )
Festo ExoHand Fine Motor Skill Robotic Hand
'Waldo put his arms into the primary pair before him - all three pairs... came to life.'
(re: Robert Heinlein, 7/5/2012 )
BioTac Robot's Finger More Sensitive Than Yours
'We have at last found a way to link computer circuitry with synthetic flesh...'
(re: Ray Cumings, 6/20/2012 )
NASA Plans Autonomous Robots To Explore Planets
First step toward... Imperial Probe Droids?
(re: George Lucas, 6/15/2012 )
Robots Learn Language Via Random Syllabic Babble
'...let them teach themselves by trial and error.'
(re: Stephen Barr, 6/14/2012 )
Joggobot Shadows Your Steps
Like stick-tights.
(re: Various, 6/9/2012 )
Non-Mechanical Bubble Microbots
Cooperative Micromanipulation Using Optically Controlled Bubble Microrobots
(re: Isaac Asimov, 6/6/2012 )
The bebionic3 Robotic Artificial Hand
'At the moment Eldritch made use of the five-finger humanoid manual extremity...'
(re: Philip K. Dick, 6/2/2012 )
SHOAL Robotic Fish Patrol Harbors
'The Mitsubishi turbot wriggled, as if alive. With one fluid motion, it surged forward, plunged, and was gone.'
(re: Michael Swanwick, 5/22/2012 )
Israel's Robotic Butterfly Drone Flies Indoors
'There it studied its surroundings, transmitting to its manipulator... all that it heard through its ear microphones and saw with its minute vision tubes.'
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 5/20/2012 )
Synchronizing Humanoid Robot Swarms
'They wheeled and turned in macabre simultaneity...'
(re: Isaac Asimov, 5/19/2012 )
HyQ Four-Legged Robot From Italy
'He admired the fast-plodding, articulated legs, so necessary since roads had degenerated...'
(re: Anthony Boucher, 5/16/2012 )
Robots In The Mines
Dangerous professions can be made safer with robots.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 5/14/2012 )
Korean Robot Prison Guard Is Autonomous
'Automatic relays clicked as the robot studied the identification clip.'
(re: Philip K. Dick, 5/9/2012 )
Robots In Restaurant Outnumber Humans
Robots continue to become more capable.
(re: George Lucas, 5/8/2012 )
HERB Home Exploring Robot Butler
'There was the butler robot, hard at work, his copper face expressionless.'
(re: Frederik Pohl, 5/2/2012 )
Robot Bird Alights On Human Hand
First successful perching on a human hand.
(re: Philip E. High, 5/1/2012 )
Do You Hold Robots Morally Accountable?
How do people judge robots and their intentions?
(re: Various, 4/27/2012 )
Robotic Spider Weaves Its Web
Hopefully, not a tangled web.
(re: Alastair Reynolds, 4/26/2012 )
Robot Bartender (Or Waiter) From Carnegie Mellon
Those QR-2 robots, what will they do next?
(re: Anthony Boucher, 4/25/2012 )
Robonaut 2 Uses American Sign Language (ASL) on ISS
Robots that communicate with gestures may have practical applications.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 4/14/2012 )
MIT's Smart Pebbles Duplicate 3D Shapes
'It is made up of tiny metal particles. A remote-controlled emulsion, as it were, with uniform center.'
(re: Abraham Merritt, 4/2/2012 )
Robot Cuts Hair, Sort Of
This multi-purpose robot just found a new purpose.
(re: Don Wilcox, 3/25/2012 )
Hand-Held Robot Operates On Man's Prostate
'In his slender hands he held a surgical instrument he had invented. It was a marvel!'
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 3/23/2012 )
Of Course Robots Don't Need To Look Human
'Shape them so that they can best do just those things, with no parts left over.'
(re: Anthony Boucher, 3/22/2012 )
Cheetah Robot Hits Record 18 MPH In Video
A new record for robots running on their own legs. With video.
(re: William Gibson, 3/4/2012 )
Awww! It's A Robot Baby Roundup!
They're so cute! Imagine having one in your family, brother to your human children.
(re: Henry Slesar, 3/1/2012 )
RIBA-II Robot Ready For Patients (and movies?)
Haven't I seen this picture before?
(re: Various, 2/27/2012 )
Robot Fish Lead, Real Fish Follow
Real robot fish lead, and actual real fish follow or get out of the way.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 2/23/2012 )
DARPA Avatar Program Coming, But Will Soldiers Want To?
Will soldiers just want these for wargames?
(re: Manly Wade Wellman, 2/18/2012 )
Robotic Insect Pop-Up Origami Fabrication
Remarkable fabrication process for tinier and tinier robots.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 2/17/2012 )
SLAM from CSAIL Lets Robots Explore Autonomously
To boldly go where robots have never gone... before.
(re: Various, 2/16/2012 )
Archetype: Wake Up As Robot
'I can see my hand!' Wake up as a robot, in a film and in reality. Right now.
(re: Various, 2/14/2012 )
Nano Quadrotors Form Stephenson's Dog Pod Grid
If you haven't seen this video, it's a remarkable implementation of an sfnal idea.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 2/3/2012 )
Sensorbot Robotic Bubble Swarm For Ocean Exploration
'Sensor swarms operating autonomously could function in complex, harsh, and remote environments.'
(re: Robert Silverberg, 1/29/2012 )
Jumping Spiders And Machine Vision
I'd never heard of this method for determining depth of field.
(re: Edmond Hamilton, 1/28/2012 )
Shrewbot Uses Whiskers As Sensors
See the video for a good example of how biomimicry can lead to uncanny mechanical imitations of nature.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 1/25/2012 )
Sphero Robot Ball Is Smartphone-Controlled
Remote-controlled robotic fun for you and your smartphone.
(re: Various, 1/14/2012 )
Qrio Robot Golfer
What's a fair handicap for a robot?
(re: Frederik Pohl, 1/12/2012 )
Fembot OriHime Dances For You Video
'All the works in a girl-modeled case.' With video.
(re: Lester del Rey, 12/16/2011 )
Cables For Robot Skin Will Stretch Like Human Skin
And how far will your skin stretch? About 1.5 times.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 12/10/2011 )
We Robot 2012 Conference Needs Your Help
'We seek reports from the front lines of robot design and development.'
(re: Various, 12/9/2011 )
Quadrotor Robots Improve Building Skills Video
I can think of construction tasks these bots can do right now!
(re: James P. Hogan, 12/5/2011 )
Multigait Soft Robot Squishes, Walks And Crawls
Simple actuation, complex motion.
(re: Rudy Rucker, 12/1/2011 )
Mask-bot Robot Human Face
I'm imagining a very bizarre teleconference.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 11/29/2011 )
Robot Prison Guard From South Korea
'They are helpers... not Terminators.'
(re: Philip K. Dick, 11/26/2011 )
WAM Arm Robots Help Patients Get Dressed
Take me into your caring robotic arms.
(re: Stanton Coblentz, 11/20/2011 )
HAL Exoskeleton To Assist At Fukushima
Maybe atomic-powered lifting suits are not quite right for this mission. With video.
(re: John W. Campbell, 11/14/2011 )
Slug Crawler Robot Has Retractable Skin
Its flexible skin is manipulated by internal robotic parts.
(re: Various, 11/7/2011 )
SLS Robot Spider 'Daddy Longlegs'
I'm hoping they make these available in kit form.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 11/6/2011 )
Magnetic 'Tongue' Can Taste Tomatoes
How else will robots enjoy pizza?
(re: Anthony Boucher, 11/4/2011 )
Korean Talking Robotic Head
Another strange robotic head, that may come to a classroom near you. Some day.
(re: William Gibson, 11/3/2011 )
PETMAN Robot Video
Wear in (and wear out) your clothes robotically.
(re: Frederic Pohl, 11/1/2011 )
Sensitive Artificial Skin For Touchy-Feely Robots
Let's face it, robots feel distanced and remote with their cold, metallic skin. Diligent researchers work to remedy this problem.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 10/25/2011 )
BlueBiped Passively-Powered Robotic Legs
Take a walk, and let gravity be your energy source.
(re: Martin Caidin, 10/24/2011 )
Spray-Foam Robot Built By... Another Robot
Now robots can make your sfnal robot dreams come true.
(re: Gene Roddenberry, 10/20/2011 )
Artificial Muscles Made From Carbon Nanotube Yarn
This research could lead to miniaturized electric motors, compressors, and turbines.
(re: Martin Caidin, 10/17/2011 )
Raytheon Sarcos Exoskeletonized Ditch Witch
Now I can really take on those backyard chores.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 10/13/2011 )
iCub Crawling Robot
iCub may seem to be taking a step backward, but it's all human development.
(re: Brian Aldiss, 10/6/2011 )
Panasonic Hair-Washing Robot
It's the extra fingers that make this robot worth upgrading to.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 10/5/2011 )
AlphaDog Proto Stronger, Quieter Than BigDog
I'm waiting for someone at Boston Dynamics to realize that regular people would like something like this on hikes.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 10/3/2011 )
PETMAN Bipedal Robot Tests Your Future
Now, we need to get this robot to test consumer products - and then, to consume them. Then you and I can relax.
(re: Frederik Pohl, 10/2/2011 )
BOLT Bipedal Ornithopter Robot
Remarkable video shows progress in flapping wing robotic MAVs.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 9/27/2011 )
Autom Weight Loss Robot Ready
This device can help all of us with our fitness goals.
(re: Clamp, 9/26/2011 )
PIGORASS Pneumatic Quadruped Robot
'The mechanical Hound slept but did not sleep...'
(re: Ray Bradbury, 9/3/2011 )
Robobee Learns The Waggle Dance
Karl von Frisch, are you watching this?
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 8/30/2011 )
Hexapod Robot Scuttles Through Beethoven
How does a hexapod robot get to Carnegie Hall? See the video, but it takes more than practice.
(re: Herbert Goldstone, 8/16/2011 )
Micro-Robots Self-Assemble From Tiny Particles
'The bits were in motion.' Philip K. Dick
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/15/2011 )
Musical Robotic Head
'An anthropomorphic robotic head with a human-like face and a sheet of artificial skin.'
(re: William Gibson, 8/14/2011 )
MABEL Robot Biped Now Runs Faster Than You
'It pushes the state of the art in bipedal mechanism design.'
(re: Various, 8/13/2011 )
Robot Daycare With Robot Nannies?
Would you turn your young children over to robots?
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/6/2011 )
RIBA Robot for Interactive Body Assistance
Robot nurses are friendly and strong enough to pick you up.
(re: Katsuhiro Otomo, 8/4/2011 )
'Robotic Mule' Ready For Duty, Sir
It uses ladar to identify the unit it needs to follow and drives off autonomously behind.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 7/29/2011 )
Small Spherical Robots Needed For Radiation Leak Testing
Spherical robots are definitely the way to go.
(re: Various, 7/23/2011 )
Soft Biocompatible Memory Device
Perfect for DARPA's GummiBots, this device also holds promise as a way to achieve implantable memory devices.
(re: Various, 7/22/2011 )
Brain Scans Reveal 'Uncanny Valley'
Brain scans reveal the basis for the human reluctance to accept humanlike androids robots.
(re: Various, 7/20/2011 )
Human-like Brain For Robots?
Could our own brains inspire research that leads to robots that can think for themselves in challenging situations? These researchers think so.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 7/19/2011 )
JediBot Robot Arm Senses The Force
How many novels can you think of that combine swords and robots?
(re: Frank Herbert, 7/16/2011 )
Auti Interactive Toy For Autistic Children
This little toy may be of special interest to Anne McCaffrey fans.
(re: Anne McCaffrey, 7/8/2011 )
Robot Skin Uses Hexagonal Sensors (Video)
Robots that work in crowded environments with human beings will need to have a good tactile awareness.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 6/29/2011 )
Rollin' Justin Robot Catches Thrown Ball
This highly dexterous robot from Germany has great hands, uh, manipulators.
(re: Various, 6/27/2011 )
Robotic Security Guard Waves You In
This clever kiosk may be greeting you as you go into work one day. But only if you belong.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 6/26/2011 )
Robot Vacuums Need Personalities!
Roomba, meet Marvin the Robot from The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.
(re: Douglas Adams, 6/25/2011 )
Robotic Lawn Mower Competition Won By CWRU Cutters
Ah, the smell of freshly mown grass - and well-oiled robots!
(re: Clifford Simak, 6/20/2011 )
Kilobot Robot Swarm
Someday, we'll find robots organized like this underfoot.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 6/18/2011 )
Spherical Flying Robot Hovers, Flies At 40 MPH
This flying spherical robot is highly maneuverable, indoors and out.
(re: Larry Niven, 6/15/2011 )
Robot Roommates Shop For, Prepare Breakfast
Bavarian sausage lovers, your breakfast is almost ready!
(re: Anthony Boucher, 6/12/2011 )
Sega Wappy Dog Robot Puppy
Does your dog have 350 different responses? This dog does.
(re: Various, 6/5/2011 )
Dynamic Cloth Folding By High-Speed Multifingered Hands
Robots flip-fold a towel almost as well as you can.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 5/30/2011 )
Adelopod Amphibious Tumbling Robot
Wabblers, start your engines,
(re: Murray Leinster, 5/28/2011 )
Self-Healing Chair(bot)
Perfect for dorm rooms, and other hazardous environments.
(re: Various, 5/26/2011 )
Lingodroid Robots Invent Spoken Language
Robots can communicate quite well with each other, creating their own words as they go.
(re: George Lucas, 5/21/2011 )
Google IO Cloud Robotics With PR2 Robot From Willow Garage
No need to worry about the processing power of your robot, when it can connect to the cloud.
(re: Harry Harrison, 5/19/2011 )
Rolling Robot's Helicopter Transformation
It's sort of like Kipling's Marine...
(re: Philip K. Dick, 5/17/2011 )
Pneuborn Infant Robots
Baby bots are cute; but do they grow up fast?
(re: Brian Aldiss, 5/14/2011 )
Directing Microrobot Swarms
All the robots you can fit on the head of a pin.
(re: Stanislaw Lem, 5/3/2011 )
Lifelike Robotic Fingers For Social Touching
These new devices will allow people with prosthetic hands and arms to interact socially in ways that most of us haven't thought about.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 4/16/2011 )
KMR-M6 Hexapod Robot
Take a look at the video to see how quick this six-legged robot really is.
(re: Michael Crichton, 4/8/2011 )
CSAIL Gets $7.5M To Develop Bird-Like UAV
The skies will one day be filled with them.
(re: Greg Bear, 4/5/2011 )
SmartBird Robotic Bird In Flight
Remarkable biomimetic robot from the Festo corporation (not Tyrell).
(re: Philip K. Dick, 3/29/2011 )
Meal Assistance Robot Feeds You
'Please robot... I want some more.' Reader help is requested.
(re: Various, 3/17/2011 )
Self-Charging Nao Robot Video
Nao learns to self-charge; I like the way he chills out while waiting for a full charge, too.
(re: Stephen Barr, 3/8/2011 )
Cheetah Robot Will Run Faster Than Humans
I'd like to see a robot running at full speed for a cheetah, about sixty miles per hour.
(re: William Gibson, 2/25/2011 )
New Robot Skin Is Flexible, Sensitive, Solar-Powered
It's not just robots who will need super-sensitive skin.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 2/23/2011 )
Audi Robot Yearns For An Upgrade
Will the social robots of the future share their anxieties and their yearning for upgrades?
(re: Philip K. Dick, 2/21/2011 )
Robot Learns To Clean Whiteboard, Suck Up To Teacher
What else can you teach this robot by example? I have the feeling that cleaning whiteboards is just the beginning.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 2/16/2011 )
Videochat Robot: DIY Telepresence Robot
Another great project from Mr. Chung, this one lets you be in two places at once for just $500.
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 2/15/2011 )
Robots Are Social Media, The TED Video
Fascinating TED video talk on social robots; links also to some of these robots covered on Technovelgy, with more information and video.
(re: George Lucas, 2/14/2011 )
Insectothopter Robotic Dragonfly CIA Tech From 1970s
See the video; this is pretty amazing for the 1970's.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 2/10/2011 )
Affetto Child Robot With Realistic Facial Expressions
Is this little robot cute and friendly - or uncanny? You be the judge.
(re: Brian Aldiss, 2/9/2011 )
RoboEarth Lets Robots Learn From Each Other
To better serve us, we must allow robots to communicate the best practices of service with each other.
(re: Frederik Pohl, 2/6/2011 )
Active Stereo Nose Finds The Source
Another biomimetic robot, this one imitates dogs and crayfish to find sources of chemical clouds and plumes.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 2/4/2011 )
DLR Robotic Hand-Arm Is Super-Strong, Super-Tough
Take a look at a video of this robotic hand/arm system taking a beating from well-meaning researchers at the Institute of Robotics and Mechatronics in Germany.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 1/26/2011 )
Evolutionary Robotics To Design Better Robots
Robots seem to walk better when they evolve the ability to do so.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 1/20/2011 )
GhostBot Robotic Ghost Knifefish
This robot is highly maneuverable, thanks to its body-long fin.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 1/19/2011 )
Robot Japan Dance Contest
Dancing robots have been seen in futuristic films before.
(re: Fritz Lang, 1/16/2011 )
Autonomous Construction By Teams Of Quadrotor Robots
These little robots buzz like wasps, and cooperate in the building of tower structures.
(re: James P. Hogan, 1/14/2011 )
Philip K. Dick Robot Head Rebuilt Video
This newly posted video seems to indicate that PKD's robotic head has been rebuilt.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 1/11/2011 )
iRobot AVA Telepresence Robot With iPad
If iRobot is entering the field of tele-operated robotics, the business case must be good.
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 1/9/2011 )
HRP-2 Auld Lang Syne Theremin
Happy New Year!
(re: Herbert Goldstone, 12/31/2010 )
PR2 Robot Wanders 100 Km Autonomously
This is PR2 - why don't they let it wander around my house, folding the laundry?
(re: Gregory Benford, 12/30/2010 )
Nao Robot Video Demonstrates Improvements
Just in time for the holidays, the Nao robot has improved specifications and histrionics.
(re: Various, 12/22/2010 )
Romeo Robot A Robant For Elder Care
Grasping the firm arm of my trusted robot Romeo, I totter into a brave new future.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 12/22/2010 )
China's Spherical Walking Robot With Retractable Arms
Updated! Favorite design of supervillains patented! Diagrams show this walking spherical robot with retractable arms.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 12/21/2010 )
Robot Pianist Is Self-Correcting
This little robot is just starting out, but it can listen and learn from its own mistakes.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 12/16/2010 )
Snakebot Conquers Obstacle Course
Snake robots are becoming surprisingly versatile in their movements.
(re: Greg Bear, 12/12/2010 )
Robot Waiters And Receptionists In China Restaurant
Robotic waiters get better and better, take a look at this restaurant in China.
(re: George Lucas, 12/8/2010 )
Robots With Knives 3, Irregularly Shaped Meat 0
This HAMDAS-R robot is the latest in bots with knife-wielding skills; can you name any others?
(re: Robert Silverberg, 12/7/2010 )
Pi4-Workerbot Adapts Quickly
This adaptable robot is available to fill in on those shifts where no short-term human help is available. No, it's not an American robot.
(re: Harry Harrison, 12/2/2010 )
Robot Picks Strawberries, Doesn't Eat Any
This way, we humans get all of the strawberries.
(re: Various, 12/2/2010 )
Battlefield Extraction-Assist Robot (BEAR) Evolves
Pulled out of battle by a robot? It could happen.
(re: Takazawa Kijuro, 11/25/2010 )
Morphy Nanny Robot Teaches, Learns From Babies
How much longer till we have all of the elements for a nanny robot?
(re: Philip K. Dick, 11/22/2010 )
Blitz Chess Terminator's Speedy Robot Arm
Robots are beating humans (or at least fighting them to a draw) much faster these days.
(re: Ambrose Bierce, 11/21/2010 )
Ping Pong Robot Analyzes Own Game
Sure, you might be able to beat this prototype robot. For now.
(re: Frederik Pohl, 11/14/2010 )
Marvin Minsky's Tentacle Arm Video
Even in 1968, it was time to 'Beware the 'long, flexible, glittering tentacles...''
(re: H.G. Wells, 11/11/2010 )
Sponge Bath Robot (And Human Volunteer)
Helpful health care robots are starting to provide a wide variety of care.
(re: Katsuhiro Otomo, 11/10/2010 )
EO To Asimo: Walking Robots Evolve 1986-2010 Videos
The history of ASIMO's walking evolution in videos.
(re: Various, 11/6/2010 )
Robofish Quick As Startled Pike
Admire the quickness of this new robotic fish; it's eight times quicker than previous robofish.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 11/2/2010 )
Robots Mix, Flip Pancakes Made From Scratch
These bots can visit my kitchen anytime.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 10/24/2010 )
Cubelets - Buy A Robot Swarm For $300
UPDATED with Terrahawks! Now here's a great toy from the future - and you can buy it in time for the holidays!
(re: Philip K. Dick, 10/22/2010 )
EARL Robot Bowler Perfect-300-Gamebot
Mano-a-roboto in bowling.
(re: Various, 10/20/2010 )
ACM-R4H Snake Robot Duct Inspector
It can slither and undulate and even raise its head like a cobra.
(re: Various, 10/18/2010 )
Babies Treat Robots Like Human Beings
If babies accept expressive robots as friends, would they accept robots as nannies?
(re: Philip K. Dick, 10/18/2010 )
Dancing HRP-4C Robot Uncanny Valley Girl
This robotic dancer is a real trouper; 'her' movements are artful and realistic.
(re: Various, 10/17/2010 )
Berkeley Bionics eLEGS Exoskeleton
Exoskeletons will be available in US clinics early next year.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 10/9/2010 )
Fujitsu Social Robot Bear Video
Soon, this little robot will be ready for grandma and grandpa - or the grand kids.
(re: Harry Harrison, 10/6/2010 )
XOS 2 Raytheon Gen 2 Exoskeleton For Ironman 2
Iron Man, your new suit awaits!
(re: Fritz Leiber, 9/27/2010 )
Festo Bionic Handling Assistant Video
Terrific video presents Festo's robotics work, as described by the engineers who created it.
(re: H.G. Wells, 9/27/2010 )
iCub Robot ARCHER Gets Weapons Training
This little iCub humanoid robot learned to shoot a bow and arrow by itself. Just a bow and arrow. For now.
(re: Various, 9/26/2010 )
Panasonic Robotic Care Assistance With Wheelchair
Robotic aids for your old age are on the way, America.
(re: Katsuhiro Otomo, 9/24/2010 )
PIRO Window Washing Robot
Nicely implemented window washing robot perfect for those vertical surfaces.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 9/21/2010 )
'Air Hopper' Robot Grasshopper
This robot has some leaping ability, for use on uneven terrain.
(re: Bruce Sterling, 9/19/2010 )
Core Bipedal Robotic Vehicle
With a bit more quickness, you'll be thinking that the AT-ST walkers from Star Wars were coming to life.
(re: George Lucas, 9/17/2010 )
HRP-4 Robot Is Lean, Athletic
HRP-4 dispels your mental image of robots as slow and ponderous.
(re: Various, 9/17/2010 )
Robots Learn To Understand Outdoor Scenes
Robots like Philip K. Dick's leadies need this kind of capability, if they are to serve on the surface of the wide Earth.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 9/13/2010 )
Robot Skin Detects Your Gentle Caress
You want your robot to be this sensitive; don't miss the extra links to learn about robot skin as soft as yours.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 9/13/2010 )
Brian Robot Reads Your Emotions, Then Creeps You Out
'I can tell from your voice harmonics, Dave, that you're badly upset.'
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 9/8/2010 )
Life-sized Duplicate Of Deceased Girlfriend Manufactured
A grieving businessman purchases a companion manufactured to order.
(re: Alice W. Fuller, 9/7/2010 )
Yale Aerial Manipulator Flying Robotic Hand
Just think of all the possible uses of a flying robotic hand.
(re: Robert L. Forward, 8/27/2010 )
EggTorte Mini Micromouse
I really like the speed of this little learning robot.
(re: Maurice A. Hugi, 8/27/2010 )
RG3 Robotic Greens Mower Is Sensor-Equipped
This sensor-equipped mower is nimble enough to avoid gophers on golf courses.
(re: Clifford Simak, 8/21/2010 )
Aimec Child Robot Built By Childless Couple
This childless couple built themselves a robotic son.
(re: Brian Aldiss, 8/17/2010 )
Touch Sensor For Sensitive Robots
Honestly, who doesn't want a more sensitive robot?
(re: Roger Zelazny, 8/17/2010 )
Robotic Wheelchair Autonomously Follows Walking Companion
This prototype device could make life easier for people who must use wheelchairs to get around.
(re: John Brunner, 8/14/2010 )
Smart Ball Android Spherical Robot
Use your Android phone to control this bot. Article includes a spherical robot video roundup!
(re: Various, 8/8/2010 )
Telenoid R1 Uncanny Telepresence Robotics
Is this the kind of presence that you want to project teletronically?
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/1/2010 )
Robotic Tentacle Manipulator
HG Wells described snake-like tentacle manipulators in his 1898 classic War of the Worlds. And what does this device look like if you turn it upside down?
(re: H.G. Wells, 7/29/2010 )
Robot Surgeons To Be Fully Autonomous
'Facing him from behind the desk was the surgeon The nameplate on the desk included a fully identifying series of letters and numbers... To call him Doctor would be quite enough.'
(re: Isaac Asimov, 7/29/2010 )
Telepresence Robot Roundup With Anybot
The field of telepresence robotics is starting to heat up; take a look at this roundup to see the variety of functions performed.
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 7/28/2010 )
Pancake-Flipping Robot Learns By Example
Can you flip a pancake? This robot learned how in only fifty tries.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 7/25/2010 )
Ecobot III Robot Seeks Out Organic Food
Little Ecobot has continued to evolve, navigating to it's nutrient sources.
(re: Various, 7/21/2010 )
AQUA2 Underwater Robot With Flippers
Flipper-powered autonomous underwater vehicle.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 7/18/2010 )
ChouChou Butterfly Robot
Highly realistic mechanical insect.
(re: Harlan Ellison, 7/18/2010 )
FURO Waitress Robot
It's the latest tech from Dex's Diner in Star Wars! Well, almost.
(re: George Lucas, 7/8/2010 )
Robots Everywhere From Cell Phone Electronics
Maybe phones don't need the fictional All Spark to perform amazing feats.
(re: Various, 7/5/2010 )
Self-Folding 'Origami Robot' Smart Sheet
Updated! What science-fictional devices could you make with this real-life technology?
(re: William Gibson, 6/30/2010 )
Perching Flying Robot
This robot can perch until needed, saving energy for the mission. Which is to help people.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 6/29/2010 )
Fortune-Telling Robotic Vending Machine
Now updated ! 'He who reads many Technovelgy articles will have a happy life.'
(re: Philip K. Dick, 6/28/2010 )
'Sandfish' Robot Moves Through Sand
Take a look at this video of a biomimetic sand-burrowing robot.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 6/26/2010 )
Hyperion Robot Walking Chair
I seem to recall a similar robotic walking chair in a Star Wars movie.
(re: George Lucas, 6/21/2010 )
Paro Robot Seal Helps Grandma
Robotic baby harp seals are slowly wiggling their way into American nursing homes. A good idea? Or a phildickian idea?
(re: Anne McCaffrey, 6/21/2010 )
EMIEW2 Roller Skating Robot
And why shouldn't a robot be able to rollerskate? At up to 3.7 miles per hour.
(re: Various, 6/17/2010 )
Charlie Health Care Robot For Kiwis
Health care robots are starting to appear all over the world. Now, New Zealand.
(re: Katsuhiro Otomo, 6/17/2010 )
Taekwondo Robot Fighting In South Korea
Robots square off in martial arts action! Sounds good to me.
(re: Various, 6/15/2010 )
Belvedere The Robot Butler
Great video of a DIY butler robot; watching the little boy react to it will make your day.
(re: Frederik Pohl, 6/12/2010 )
Aggressive Autonomous Quadrotor UAV Makes Its Moves
Robots are getting quicker, even the autonomous flying kind.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 6/3/2010 )
Could Robot Fish Lead Gulf Fish To Safety?
This little robofish has all of the characteristics of a leader - and can really lead schools of fish to safety!
(re: Michael Swanwick, 6/3/2010 )
Japan's Humanoid Robot Moonbase Plan
Now settlers on the moon will have robotic neighbors - a famnextdo.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 5/30/2010 )
Robotic Butterflies For Parks Near You?
Among the synthetic trees, unliving turf and flower-holograms in the parks of the future, we will have robotic butterflies.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 5/26/2010 )
bebionic Myo-Electric Hand Launched
Can I see a show of hands? Robotic hands? Here's a video to help you make your own show.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 5/25/2010 )
Little Dog Robot's Uncanny Walk
Everybody's talkin' 'bout a new way of walkin' - do you want to lose your mind?
(re: Various, 5/24/2010 )
PoBot Has Your Back - For 25 Cents
PoBot is happy to perform its nominal functions for you. For a small fee, of course.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 5/19/2010 )
I-Fairy Robot Minister Performs Wedding Ceremony
This is not, as claimed, the first wedding ceremony performed by a robot. However, the wedding video might make roboticists cry.
(re: Robert Silverberg, 5/17/2010 )
DreamROBO Climbing Robots
Climbing the walls like dedicated salarymen.
(re: Michael Crichton, 5/11/2010 )
Autom, Your Robotic Weight-Loss Coach
Sticking to your diet and exercise plan may depend on health-conscious robots.
(re: Clamp, 5/10/2010 )
Robots, Knives and Soft-Tissue Injury
I certainly hope that robots can learn to be careful with knives, especially when human beings are nearby. Oh, and no running with scissors.
(re: Various, 5/9/2010 )
Family Nanny Robot
We're still waiting for helpful nanny robots - it's been more than fifty years already.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 5/3/2010 )
Robot Sketch Artist In China
Robots continue to push the envelope, developing their creative talents.
(re: Various, 4/24/2010 )
Rubber Mouth Robot Learns To Speak
This robotic device is capable of learning human speech autonomously. On a personal note, it's also capable of seriously creeping me out.
(re: Various, 4/19/2010 )
Festo Biomimetic Bionic Handling Systems
Oh, those guys at Festo are doing more than just dreaming about tentacle arms!
(re: H.G. Wells, 4/19/2010 )
Still Dreaming Of Tentacle Arms
Beware the 'long, flexible, glittering tentacles...'
(re: H.G. Wells, 4/14/2010 )
Samurai Robot Waiters In Thailand Video
Unique robotic food delivery experience in Thailand's most roboticized restaurant.
(re: George Lucas, 4/5/2010 )
Fujitsu Teddy Bear Robot Prototype Spotted
It's lovable, it's cuddly, its - robotic.
(re: Harry Harrison, 4/4/2010 )
MIT 3D One-Leg Hopper Robot Circa 1983
One legged hopper robots in fact and fiction; yes, you can ride them! Now with a better sf reference.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 4/2/2010 )
PaPeRo Robot Cashier's Helper
PaPeRo, that lovable little robot, follows in the fictional footsteps of Artoo-Detoo.
(re: George Lucas, 3/31/2010 )
PR2 Laundry-Folding Robot
Very practical robot develops very practical skills.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 3/30/2010 )
Ballbot Robots Balance On Balls
Here's a ballbot roundup for you; balancing on balls could get to be a habit with robots.
(re: Various, 3/30/2010 )
Armed Robots Bad Idea
Many, but not all, sf writers agree that armed robots are a bad idea. Can you think of exceptions?
(re: Philip K. Dick, 3/25/2010 )
MeBot Gesturing Robot Videos
MeBot is a fascinating experiment in telepresence robotics. I found an additional video, as well as lots of supportive research on the premise that gesturing robots communicate well with humans.
(re: Various, 3/22/2010 )
Little Robotic Fish Has Solid-Polymer Fuel Cell
Surprisingly small, this little robot uses a unique power source and design.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 3/17/2010 )
iCub Robot Now Even More Childlike
This humanoid robot just got an upgrade, and is more childlike than ever.
(re: Brian Aldiss, 3/16/2010 )
'Wheelie' Robotic Server
This small robot is like a portable serving table.
(re: Stephen Barr, 3/14/2010 )
Robosoft Kompai Robot Assistant For Elderly
Sounds like one of Philip K. Dick's robants.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 3/11/2010 )
GåågleBot Vacuums, Indexes Your Stuff
It's like google street view for your house!
(re: Various, 3/8/2010 )
Robot Babies M3-neony And M3-synchy
These baby robots have been designed to help human beings understand their own process of development.
(re: Brian Aldiss, 3/5/2010 )
Robot Sorts Plastic Recyclables With Laser
This robot uses laser light to distinguish between plastics because human recyclers cannot.
(re: Harry Harrison, 3/3/2010 )
MeBot Robot Avatar Telepresence
Interesting telepresence robot from MIT specializes in non-verbal communication.
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 3/2/2010 )
Paparazzi Bots Get The Picture
This news-gathering robot has the tools for persistent robotic reporting.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 3/2/2010 )
NASA Project M Robot Avatar On Moon
Would it be possible to wake up on the Moon, Avatar-style? Interesting proposal to put telepresence robots on the Moon.
(re: Pournelle and Niven, 2/26/2010 )
Korean Robot Teaching Assistants
Ready or not, Korea is rolling out robot help in the classroom.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 2/23/2010 )
BeBionic Robotic Hand With Powered Wrist
This remarkable prosthetic also has advanced silicone skin which will be available in 19 colors and custom fitted nails.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 2/15/2010 )
Dancing DIY Hexapod Robot Video
Take a look at this learning robot and enjoy the soundtrack on the video, which sets a new standard for robotic presentation.
(re: Michael Crichton, 2/10/2010 )
Wearable Telecommunicator T1 Robot
Not your average telepresence robot, this one requires that your friend carry you along.
(re: Various, 2/9/2010 )
WIND Wearable Robot Controller
Robot wirelessly sense, robot do. Kind of like a full-torso waldo.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 2/5/2010 )
IMPASS Robot 'Smart Wheel' Video
They're making great progress with Neal Stephenson's 'smart wheels' - take a look at the video.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 2/4/2010 )
PALRO Companion Robot
Who's your favorite companion robot? Little PALRO might fit the bill.
(re: Douglas Adams, 2/3/2010 )
Predator, Prey Robots Evolve
Just how much help should human beings give to robots as they evolve toward greater functionality?
(re: Various, 2/3/2010 )
Legged Squad Support System Monster BigDog Robot
This robotic pack mule for soldiers will carry 400 pounds of gear while exhibiting frisky gaits as trotting, running and even bounding.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 2/1/2010 )
Does PETA Dream Of Electric Groundhogs?
SF fans have a tender spot in their hearts for robotic animals; as it turns out, PETA's wish has already come true.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 1/29/2010 )
Security Robots Mujiro And Ligurio
These bots from the recent past have retractable 'capes' that conceal their helpful robotic arms.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 1/20/2010 )
Hexapod Robot Has Neural Net Gait Selection
Like the Gambler, this robot knows when to walk away and knows when to run.
(re: Various, 1/18/2010 )
Mahru-Z Robot Maid
Roomba is great, but it won't pick up after me. This robot can do it!
(re: Robert Heinlein, 1/18/2010 )
DiGORO Robot Learns By Watching Humans
Now that robots can learn by watching people, what will you teach robots to do? With video.
(re: Stephen Barr, 1/16/2010 )
ENON Upgraded To Sales Robot
'Robot-salesmen were everywhere, gesturing, pleading, shrilling...' Philip K. Dick, 1954. With video.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 1/12/2010 )
Roxxxy Sex Robot From TrueCompanion
This robot is guaranteed to converse with you on your wavelength - just like the 'manufactured wife' imagined more than 100 years ago.
(re: Alice W. Fuller, 1/9/2010 )
iRobot's Five Million Home Robots
If you've been looking for a nice round number to express the penetration of robots into the consumer market, this is a nice round number.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 1/5/2010 )
Man Wisely Surrenders To Robot
SF film goers are, of course, familiar with instances in which people have failed to appropriately surrender to robots.
(re: Various, 1/1/2010 )
Roboxotica Festival For Cocktail-Robotics
A conference and exposition to showcase unusual DIY robotic bartenders. What a concept.
(re: Alfred Bester, 12/28/2009 )
The Miraculous Stigmatabot Robot Bartender
Penitents are invited to place their grail below the Stigmatabot's wound spigot, which should give you some insight into this mad creation.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 12/27/2009 )
Trek-Style Robot Duplicates Available Now
Sure, you can have an android duplicate.
(re: Gene Roddenberry, 12/20/2009 )
Robovie Robot Gives The Sales Pitch
'When I go shopping they follow me in clusters. All talking at once.'
(re: Philip K. Dick, 12/19/2009 )
RUTH Robot Is 'Inspecting' Your Car
This robot is taking your place in evaluating new cars. What else might this robot be able to do?
(re: Philip K. Dick, 12/17/2009 )
REX Infantry Robotic Porter Follows Soldiers
This robotic vehicle responds to simple commands like "fetch" and "heel" and might just become the infantry soldier's best friend.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 12/15/2009 )
Robot To Replace Anthony Daniels As C3PO?
To beep or not to beep, that is the query.
(re: George Lucas, 12/14/2009 )
Robot Wrestler Vs. Human Wrestler Video
I admit that this is not the greatest video, but It so close to an sf novel from the 1960's that I had to include it.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 12/13/2009 )
Coelacanth Robot Discovered In Japan
Remarkable robot created mostly from recycled materials; with video and links to lots of robotic fish stories.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 12/11/2009 )
KITECH And POSTECH Korean Quadruped Robots
It won't be too much longer before we'll have a pack of assorted robotic quadrupeds.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 12/9/2009 )
Robo-Air Jet Fakes The Force
Very impressive control, young robot. Kudos to Aaron Becker and Robert Sandheinrich from University of Illinois (with video).
(re: George Lucas, 12/9/2009 )
iRobiQ Nanny Robot
Philip K. Dick saw this one coming more than fifty years ago. Imagine that. With video showing how iRobiQ will interact with your family.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 12/6/2009 )
Giant Robotic Hand Video
Yes, the Waldo F. Jones Synchronous Reduplicating Pantograph comes in larger sizes.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 12/5/2009 )
Motoman Robot Light Sabers Like General Grievous
Real-life robots are starting to acquire the skills of CGI science-fictional robots more quickly.
(re: George Lucas, 11/30/2009 )
X-Brat Robot Autonomous Mech Warfare
Interesting chance to see a work in progress; this fully autonomous box is your enemy - if you're a three inch tall red cylinder.
(re: Various, 11/26/2009 )
Mini Robot Swarms
Why shouldn't robots work in swarms - open source swarms?
(re: Ray Bradbury, 11/21/2009 )
Bandit Robot Personal Trainer
Socially assistive robotics seems like an interesting field of study, but I'm not sure about robot drill instructors.
(re: Clamp, 11/20/2009 )
Fierce Roomba Saves Kids From Viper
Looks like Packbot is not the only warrior in the iRobot family.
(re: Various, 11/20/2009 )
AirRobot Micro-UAV 'Fairies' In Shakespeare Play
No mere rude mechanicals, AirRobots played airy fairies in this performance of 'A Midsummer's Night Dream'.
(re: Various, 11/19/2009 )
Walky iPhone Finger Gesture Robot Controller
This program really makes controlling robots a breeze. Just let your fingers make your robot do the walking.
(re: Douglas Adams, 11/17/2009 )
Robot Martial Arts Videos
Take a look at these four robots performing a variety of martial arts moves.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 11/16/2009 )
Lev, Theremin-Playing Robot
Pretty cool DIY robotic device reprises a classic song from the 1950's, the same ere during which the theremin dominated sf movie soundtracks.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 11/13/2009 )
XT-1 Micro Mouse With Blazing Speed
It's amazing how fast autonomouse robots are getting; watch this micro mouse robot zoom through a maze.
(re: Maurice A. Hugi, 11/13/2009 )
Steerable Bowling Ball Is A Cheesy Spherical Robot
An improbable spherical robot for the whole family.
(re: Various, 11/11/2009 )
Robots Taught Human Communication Secrets
Human beings communicate in all sorts of hidden ways, and now robots are being taught exactly how to do it.
(re: Various, 11/4/2009 )
Toyota Delivery Robot Home Helper
This one-armed prototype could be pretty handy around the house, especially if you're laid up.
(re: Michael Crichton, 11/2/2009 )
ROPID Has Serious 'Quick', Good Hang Time
Quick little robot has good leaping ability and plenty of attitude.
(re: Harry Harrison, 10/28/2009 )
PETMAN Robot Video Shows Non-Human Origin
Oh, it's bipedal, alright, but those legs are not quite human. In fact, I think that it walks just like the aliens in that 1996 movie 'The Arrival'
(re: Frederik Pohl, 10/26/2009 )
SmartHand Helps Amputees Regain Sensation
An important advance in creating artificial hands that restore sensation to amputees.
(re: Martin Caidin, 10/22/2009 )
Dish Washing Robot Arm
Watch this video of a one-armed dish bandit! Only a prototype, but I still think that Heinlein was on to something when he wondered about dishwashing robots.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 10/19/2009 )
Gyrosphere Robot Climbs Out Of Holes
Nothing like spherical robots; I'm guessing that the Rovers will make a big comeback on the remake of The Prisoner this fall.
(re: Various, 10/19/2009 )
iRobot's ChemBot Blob: JSEL Takes Baby Steps
iRobot's version of the Chembot project is not the only effort to move away from clanky, rigid robots. See the blob video, remember the sci-fi B-movies of yesteryear.
(re: , 10/15/2009 )
Snackbot, Robotic Bringer Of Snacks
Should roboticists be forced to walk long distances for snacks, or should they have snacks brought to them by autonomous robots, thus letting them spend more time creating cool robots? This question answers itself.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 10/14/2009 )
Hull Cockpit For Haptic Control Of Halluc II Robot
What's even better than a cool robot? A haptic controller in a futuristic cockpit, that's what.
(re: Various, 10/13/2009 )
Robobees To Swarm At Harvard
Ten million dollars from the NSF for wild-eyed science fiction from the 1930's? You betcha.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 10/9/2009 )
Security Patrol Robot With ATV Base
This all-terrain robotic security guard was created by students for autonomous premise surveillance.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 10/8/2009 )
Robot Cosplay! HRP-4C Robot As Hatsune Miku At CEATEC 2009
Full-on robotic cosplay at CEATEC; a well-known female robot plays computer-generated anime singer Hatsune Miku.
(re: , 10/6/2009 )
Obrero Robot Has The Soft Touch
It would be a pleasure to shake hands with this robot, which uses sensitive manipulation to gauge just the right gripping force.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 10/6/2009 )
Funktionide Blob: A Video Love Story
In spite of the best efforts of the electroactive polymer blob's creator, the idea of a robotic blob that crawls into bed with me does not relax me. With video.
(re: Various, 10/6/2009 )
ActiveLink Makes Power Loader From Aliens
Attention would-be Ripleys - your power loader exoskeleton is now in development.
(re: Various, 9/30/2009 )
Marvin Intel's Self-Charging Robot
This robot seeks power - from standard AC outlets. I can think of a fifty-year-old reference for that idea. Can you think of an older one?
(re: Stephen Barr, 9/30/2009 )
RAPUD Robotic Arm Helps Disabled Reach
Robert Heinlein also thought about robotics for the disabled; we're catching up.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 9/29/2009 )
RAPHaEL 2 Robotic Hand
Luke Skywalker, your new hand is almost ready. Now, with force feedback controls and more durable fingers.
(re: George Lucas, 9/29/2009 )
Panasonic Roboticbed Transformer
There should probably be some sort of law that keeps otherwise healthy people from getting one of these. Too tempting on the weekends.
(re: Katsuhiro Otomo, 9/26/2009 )
First Thought-Controlled Combat Robot
Science and science fiction are neck and neck, as the first thought-controlled fighting robot premieres at the same time as a movie with thought-controlled robotic soldiers.
(re: Various, 9/25/2009 )
Robots Need Realistic Skin!
Do you feel put off by the cold, impersonal touch of your robot? Help is on the way.
(re: Various, 9/24/2009 )
Marubot Robot Football League
Okay, so the robot football players are not very big. Full-size robot football players must surely follow.
(re: Various, 9/23/2009 )
SIL06 Robot Land Mine Detector
This hexapod robot uses an alternating tripod-style gait and a sensor head to locate dangerous land mines.
(re: Michael Crichton, 9/22/2009 )
Hajime 33 Robot Kicks, Walks
I'm very impressed by the height of this robot; this remote-controlled player is taller than you are.
(re: Various, 9/19/2009 )
Solo Autonomous Sewer Inspection Robot
The RedZone robot moves quickly through the sewers, lowering maintenance costs everywhere it goes.
(re: Various, 9/17/2009 )
Precision Urban Hopper Leaps Fence Video
This little leaping robot has a pretty cool video; yet another DARPA inspired project.
(re: Bruce Sterling, 9/16/2009 )
Machine Ethics With Prospective Logic
Who is responsible for the actions of autonomous systems? Can an autonomous robot make an ethical decision?
(re: Various, 9/15/2009 )
Runaway Armed MQ-9 Reaper Drone Shot Down
Another cautionary tale for the age of autonomous machines. Let's be careful how we use them.
(re: Harlan Ellison, 9/15/2009 )
Bloodbot Robot Takes Blood Samples
This clever robot has come along just fifty years after Harry Harrison described the basic idea for readers of Fantastic Universe.
(re: Harry Harrison, 9/15/2009 )
Robots With Human Brains
What is self-organizing and intelligent and comes in a convenient paste? Human brain cells, that's what.
(re: Peter Watts, 9/14/2009 )
Spherical Soft Robots Use Shape Memory Alloys
These soft body robots move by deforming their own structure - and they're safer for soft humans to be around than those clumsy rigid body robots. Unless they're Rovers.
(re: Samuel R. Delany, 9/11/2009 )
Taizo Robot Exercise Instructor For Japan's Seniors
Now with Taizo robot video! Always concerned about their aging population, Japanese roboticists have created a robotic instructor to lead the way to health.
(re: Various, 9/11/2009 )
Be Master To Robot Slave
Be the master of your robotic slave and force it to ... play tennis?
(re: Robert Heinlein, 9/10/2009 )
LittleDog Robot Has Dynamic Double-Support Gait
Check out the video showing LittleDog from Boston Dynamics negotiate rough terrain. This bot teaches itself the best way to go.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 9/10/2009 )
Regina Robot Heavy Healthcare Lifting
Could you please help transfer that unconscious sumo wrestler from his bed to a wheelchair? Regina says 'No problem.'
(re: Katsuhiro Otomo, 9/9/2009 )
Foldy The Laundry-Folding Robot Video
For some people, it's important to have clothing folded just right. Well, robots are available to help you now. Video added to article.
(re: Various, 9/8/2009 )
Plasmobot Amorphous Biological Robot
'The plasmodium is capable of solving complex computational tasks, such as the shortest path between points and other logical calculations.'
(re: Rudy Rucker, 9/4/2009 )
Solar Nomad Plant A Robotic Urban Parasite
Interesting mix of technologies in the work of Mexican artist Gilberto Esparza.
(re: Vernor Vinge, 9/3/2009 )
Nao Robot Uses Microsoft Surface
How often is a robot shown using human interfaces in sf novels? In movies?
(re: Various, 9/2/2009 )
Cheap Microrobot Swarms
This amazing little bot is all on one circuit bard. Why not make a whole black cloud of them?
(re: Abraham Merritt, 9/1/2009 )
RIBA Robot for Interactive Body Assistance
This nursing assistant robot looks like a friendly bear; it can pick up and transfer patients weighing up to 135 pounds easily and safely.
(re: Katsuhiro Otomo, 8/27/2009 )
SpiderBot Underconstrained Cable-Suspended Robot
One-of-a-kind robot swings from cables it shoots at the ceiling.
(re: George Lucas, 8/27/2009 )
Theatrical Robots Kiss, Industrial Bots Scandalized
These robots diligently practice osculation.
(re: Various, 8/26/2009 )
MIT Robofish Now More Fishy
No longer mechanical contraptions with thousands of moving parts, these modern robotic fish are sleek imitations of life.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 8/26/2009 )
Phasma Insect Robot Runs Like A Bug
This insectile remote-controlled robot is designed to run like an insect from the ground up; that's what makes the video a bit creepy.
(re: Various, 8/26/2009 )
Handbot Climbs Shelves, Has Rope Launcher
This robot has two remarkable features that I've never seen on any other robot. This is exactly what I need for my sf library.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/24/2009 )
Vecna BEAR's Latest Video Exploits
This Battlefield Extraction-Assist Robot just gets better with each version.
(re: Takazawa Kijuro, 8/23/2009 )
Robot Cats Perfect For Older Britons
Ah, those engineers at the Royal Academy. They've been getting into the science fiction section of the library again, eh?
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/20/2009 )
Robots Learn To Lie
What are the consequences for humanity if we encourage robots to learn how to lie? What are the consequences for the robots?
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 8/19/2009 )
Spiderbot Self-Healing Networks
I'm starting to think that if you want an ad hoc network, you need to send in the robots. With video.
(re: Charles Stross, 8/13/2009 )
ECCEROBOT Anthropomimetic Robot
Exceptional robotic prototype used to slowly rebuild human beings in structure.
(re: Varioius, 8/13/2009 )
Himawari Homotropic Sunflower Robot
This robot shows real progress toward what Philip K. Dick called 'homotropic' machines - robots that seek out and follow people.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/8/2009 )
Knife-Wielding Robot With X-Ray Vision
At great expense, this robot has been given sensors to tell just exactly where the ribs are, where the legs are and of course where the shoulders are.
(re: Robert Silverberg, 8/8/2009 )
Robot Hands Ready To Kick Your Ass
This compilation of robotic hand-to-sensor coordination shows why the future of sports is mechanical. Stop worrying about steriod use -start testing for robotic prosthetic use.
(re: Various, 8/4/2009 )
Robotic FuA-Men Fully Automated Ramen Restaurant
This automated restaurant features an autonomous chef and assistant; ramen has never been cooked so precisely.
(re: Edgar Rice Burroughs, 8/3/2009 )
GHOST Robot Fire Fighters In London
These robotic fire-fighter aren't quite up to the autonomous standard set by their Transformer forebears, but they're coming along nicely.
(re: Various, 7/31/2009 )
Toyota Running Robot, Humanoid But Creepy
How fast can a robot run? This Toyota prototype runs very effectively - if in a sort of horrible, minion-like way.
(re: Various, 7/31/2009 )
Learning Robot Going Through 'Terrible Twos'
Can you child-proof your house for robots? This Iowa State robot is going through the 'terrible twos' - fortunately, in the lab.
(re: Various, 7/28/2009 )
Baseball Robot Pitching Batting Battle VIDEO
These two robots can perform remarkably well at certain aspects of the game. Electromechanical hitters and pitchers have a certain appeal; now we need steampunk versions for that 1890's feel. Now updated with video.
(re: Various, 7/25/2009 )
HRP-4C Robot In Wedding Dress A Mechanical Bride
'Like the father of a bride, I feel both happy and sad.' So said developer Kazuhito Yokoi as he watched his lifelike robotic creation walk down the runway in a wedding dress. With video.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 7/23/2009 )
Modular Snake Robot's Unique Gaits
Based on snake movements, they've moved beyond mere biomimicry with an amazing variety of movements.
(re: Emmett McDowell, 7/22/2009 )
Flossie The Robot Motorcycle Test Rider
Other robots have gotten their start as test bots. Someday, they'll let Flossie out of the lab.
(re: Various, 7/21/2009 )
Screamers - PKD's Claws - The Robotic Research Begins
Research on how sandfish lizards manage to both run and burrow under the sand is being touted as an aid to robotic research. I thought that Philip K. Dick's robots evolved on their own.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 7/21/2009 )
EATR Robot Is A Vegetarian
It turns out that reports of, well, ghoulish behavior on the part of Energetically Autonomous Tactical Robot were completely unfounded. Not surprisingly.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 7/18/2009 )
'Electric Sheep' Runs On Real Grass - EATR Robot
An 'electric sheep' that actually runs on biomass?
(re: Philip K. Dick, 7/14/2009 )
Unemployed Robots Should Seek Work Autonomously
For now, robots just stand idle when humans stop giving them work. SF writers have some suggestions, though.
(re: Harry Harrison, 7/13/2009 )
Spherical Robot Lego Mindstorms NXT-Based
I just like spherical robots; this very nicely implemented bot uses a Lego Mindstorms NXT kit as the basis for the locomotive power.
(re: Various, 7/11/2009 )
DustCart Robotic Trash Can From DustBot
This idea is a half-century old, but it's still a good one. The Italians press on in the area of urban hygiene.
(re: Harry Harrison, 7/9/2009 )
Robot Learns To Smile
Machine learning is the way they've been teaching an Einstein robot to smile. Grad students approve.
(re: Stephen Barr, 7/9/2009 )
Dream Cat Venus An Android's Dream
This is starting to sound a bit more like the electric animals from the PKD novel. Particularly the vidlenses.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 7/6/2009 )
Robotic Obama Not Ready To Lead Nation
SF fans hoping for an autonomous robotic leader were a little disappointed by the animatronic Obama; however, compare a video of the Obamabot with a video of an sfnal CGI leader
(re: Various, 7/4/2009 )
SCRATCHbot Robot Rat Whiskers Video
This is a pretty good video showing progress in the almost sixty year-old idea of whiskered robots.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 7/2/2009 )
Robotic Catcher's Hand Does Not Need Mitt
This robotic catcher can pull baseballs out of the air with uncanny accuracy.
(re: Various, 7/2/2009 )
Chewing Robot Hailed By Would-Be Flesh-Eating Bots
Finally, a way to perform meaningful clinical trials of dental materials. And equip robots with chewing, gnashing teeth.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 6/30/2009 )
Underwater Mine Detection Robots Vs. Wabbler
The Navy is trying to create a smarter mine hunting robotic system. I think I can predict the logical countermove.
(re: Murray Leinster, 6/24/2009 )
Shrapnel-Locating Autonomous Robot
This autonomous robotic arm uses a biopsy needle and a special technique to find bits of shrapnel as small as 2 mm needle fragments in the body.
(re: Larry Niven, 6/24/2009 )
Rotopod Rotational Legged Locomotion Robot
This robot was directly inspired by the tripedal 'spider' robots described by Arthur C. Clarke in Rendezvous With Rama in 1972.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 6/22/2009 )
Rat Brain Robot Gets Upgrades
Yes, it's a real cyborg - only the brain is used.
(re: Peter Watts, 6/16/2009 )
Book-Reading Robot Reads Aloud
This book reading robot had better put its game face on if it thinks it can take away one of my favorite activities - reading books to my children.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 6/14/2009 )
Sushi Robot Digs Uncanny Valley Deeper
Is this really more repulsive than, for example, a Terminator-style full human skin covering a metal endoskeleton?
(re: Various, 6/11/2009 )
Psikharpax Le Robot Rat
Avoid human beings and feed - just the sort of behaviors that robotic rats need.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 6/10/2009 )
Battlefield Robot Snake For Israel Defense Force Video
This video of a robotic snake to be used in the battlefield is pretty impressive. I particularly like it when it rears up and sees over things.
(re: Various, 6/8/2009 )
Bipedal Walking Robot For Unstructured Urban Environments
This interesting bipedal robot is designed to work in exactly the same conditions as those wrought by SkyNet in the latest Terminator Salvation movie.
(re: Various, 6/2/2009 )
Terminator Salvation Motorcycle Robot Like Ghostrider
Those neat motorcycles from Terminator Salvation have a real world development predecessor, as well as a science fictional predecessor.
(re: Bruce Sterling, 6/2/2009 )
Terminator Swimming Snake Robot Already Here
Those slithering swimming snake-like robots from Terminator Salvation are already under development. With video.
(re: Various, 6/2/2009 )
Ethical Governor For Battlefield Robots
Is it possible for military robots to know when to fire? What will restrain them?
(re: Keith Laumer, 5/26/2009 )
KOBIAN Emotionally Demonstrative Robot
There have been physically demonstrative robots in science fiction; but most of them follow a common path.
(re: Various, 5/23/2009 )
Sneaky Robots Are Right Around The Corner
Although this is undoubtedly useful behavior for guard robots, is 'sneakiness' a trait we want to see in robots?
(re: Philip K. Dick, 5/21/2009 )
HIRO Human Interactive Robot
Just how close do you want to work with robots? This robot can help roboticists find the answers.
(re: Issac Asimov, 5/11/2009 )
Saya Humanoid Robot Teacher
Did you think that 'no more teacher's dirty looks' would prevail in the era of the robotic teacher. Au contraire.
(re: Issac Asimov, 5/10/2009 )
Fukitorimushi Floor-Cleaning Robot - An Inchworm Dust Mop
This unique cleaning robot crawls along on its belly like an inchworm, shining it's blue-white searchlight upon your floor, looking for grime.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 5/8/2009 )
Facebot Ibn Sina Robot On Facebook
It appears that no one - not even robots - can resist the allure of social networking.
(re: Various, 5/6/2009 )
Underwater Robot With Touch Sensitive Skin
Divers with active imaginations may want to stay topside while this robot goes down below.
(re: Murray Leinster, 5/6/2009 )
RAPHaEL Robotic Hand Air-Powered
Thumbs up for this unique robotic hand, created by undergraduates. Compressed air is all you need to run it.
(re: George Lucas, 5/5/2009 )
DIY Robochess Robot From Iran
This do-it-yourself chess-playing robot was created by an 18 year-old Iranian student; it includes a mechanism for moving the pieces on the board.
(re: Ambrose Bierce, 5/5/2009 )
KASPAR Robot W/RoboSkin Teaches Autistic Kids Interaction
This well-developed robot platform is being given new, sensor-laden skin to further help autistic children.
(re: Brian Aldiss, 5/1/2009 )
Digilegs - Digigrade Leg Extensions
Sure, we've all wanted to trot like animals through the park. But Kim Graham has gone one step further and created wearable satyr leg extensions.
(re: Various, 4/30/2009 )
robuLAB10 Healthcare Roomba
This little bot is just a prototype, but imagine if you will a little household medical robot that follows your elderly mother-in-law around the house.
(re: David H. Keller, 4/27/2009 )
Shimon Robot Improvisational Jazz Sideman
Sure, the humans had some great sidemen, but now the robots can root for Shimon, the robot marimba player.
(re: Various, 4/26/2009 )
Precision Urban Hopper Robot Must 'Stick' Landings
This robot has a piston actuated foot that lets it jump up to 25 feet in the air. And, yes, it was predicted by science fiction writers.
(re: Bruce Sterling, 4/22/2009 )
SquishBot Soft Shape-Changing 'Chembots'
These soft-bodied shape-shifting robots are needed by DARPA; MIT wants theirs to lay down a trail of slime.
(re: Rudy Rucker, 4/21/2009 )
PETMAN Humanoid Robot
This robot will be used for product testing of protective gear by the US Army. Better it than thou.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 4/21/2009 )
Robot AquaPenguins Soar Underwater
This robot has an extremely flexible 'fuselage' or body that helps it move uncannily like a real penguin. Note: this article now has video!
(re: Michael Swanwick, 4/20/2009 )
Festo Aqua Ray Robot
I love underwater robots. Especially the biomimetic underwater robots. This manta ray robot is amazing with the skin on - or off. With video!
(re: Various, 4/20/2009 )
Flying Micro-Robot Has Pincer
With a laser-activated pincer and weighing just 3 hundredths of an ounce, this micro-robot might someday be a fly on the wall of your clean room.
(re: Robert Forward, 4/13/2009 )
A-Pod Robot Hexapod Video
Is there an uncanny valley for insectile robots? If so, this one is wiggling right on through it.
(re: Michael Crichton, 4/9/2009 )
Robot Scientist Makes Autonomous Discovery
Automating the scientific process; I wonder if they'll also automate the process of competing for resources in academia.
(re: John M. Faucette, 4/3/2009 )
Robotic Bulldozer Force Doubles In Israel
These remote-controlled behemoths are under control for now.
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 4/1/2009 )
Honda Thought-Controlled Robot
If you're going to have a robotic doppelganger, it should move using your thoughts alone. Updated!
(re: Various, 3/31/2009 )
Living Robot Has Biological Brain
Recent developments and more details about these robots with reorganized living rat neuron brains. A first step toward swibble-culture, Mr. Dick?
(re: Philip K. Dick, 3/29/2009 )
ApriAttenda Robot Nurse For Aging Japan
Three main factors are pushing the Japanese into creating these robotic servants, which they will then market around the world.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 3/27/2009 )
Robotic Fish To Detect Pollution
These lifelike robotic fish will use chemical sensors to find the source of hazardous pollutants in the water.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 3/22/2009 )
CareBot MSR Personal Care Robot
New entry in the home and health care robotics area; it can even make use of your own family's colloquial expressions.
(re: Various, 3/19/2009 )
Grapevine Pruning Robot
Do robots deserve a day of rest? New robot prototype perform pruning chores cheaper than people.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 3/18/2009 )
Yoshiyuki Sankai And His HAL Exoskeleton
Fascinating series of interviews on video shows how a prominent roboticist read science fiction as a child, and then worked to make it come true as an adult.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 3/18/2009 )
Robot Land: Robot Theme Park In Korea
Is Robot Land the vacation of the future? You may get your wish by 2013.
(re: Michael Crichton, 3/17/2009 )
BaR2D2 Robot Celebrates St. Patrick's Day
Robotic mobile bar gets into the spirit of the day. Nice hat, BaR2D2.
(re: Various, 3/17/2009 )
HRP-4C Robot Woman Is A Cybernetic Humanoid
Just wait until the artists supplement the work of engineers; the fact that this robot duplicates humanoid movement within a human form factor is amazing.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 3/16/2009 )
Robot Accepts Gesture Commands
Okay, so you've been gesturing to machines for years. Better watch it - now they know what you're trying to say.
(re: Douglas Adams, 3/11/2009 )
HULC Exoskeleton From Lockheed Martin
New product from LM lets soldiers carry up to 200 pounds for many hours with less fatigue.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 3/10/2009 )
DESIRE Trash-Tossing Robot
This prototype robot is shown in a CeBIT video distinguishing trash from non-trash. That's better than early sfnal robots could do.
(re: Harry Harrison, 3/5/2009 )
HyDRAS-Ascent Pole-Climbing Snake Robot Construction Inspector
This remarkable pole-dancing - I mean, pole-climbing - robot is able to ascend to dangerous places so people don't have to.
(re: Emmett McDowel, 2/27/2009 )
iCub Robot Humanoid Child RobotCub
This European open-source robot child is intended to explore human cognition through the medium of a 3 year-old child. With video.
(re: Brian Aldiss, 2/24/2009 )
Nanny Robot Senses Emotions Of Autistic Children
This robot may be able to use its emotion-sensing abilities to take over for people in the care of autistic children.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 2/21/2009 )
BERTI Robot Gestures, Plays Rock-Paper-Scissors
This robot has been practicing conversational gestures to help robots be better understood by humans. With video.
(re: Various, 2/17/2009 )
Robot Baby Crib By Suima
If you have one of those kids who just don't sleep well, there's this mechanical baby bed.
(re: David H. Keller, 2/12/2009 )
Rotundus Groundbot Robotic Spherical Guardian Video
Take a look at the latest version of the Rotundus spherical robot - it's a beauty. With a GroundBot's eye view video.
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 2/9/2009 )
Robot Brain Grows As It Learns
New technique - an incremental evolutionary algorithm - lets this robot add layers to its physical brain.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 2/9/2009 )
Axel Rover Robotic Crater Explorer Yo-Yo-Bot
Nifty video shows the Axel rover, a tethered marsupial rover. Yes, you read that right.
(re: E.E. 'Doc' Smith, 2/9/2009 )
Meet Your Miniature Android Duplicate
New company makes bespoke androids based on your photograph; Chuckie never had it so good.
(re: Manly Wade Wellman, 2/5/2009 )
Pong-Playing Robot Plus Three Bonus Robot Gamers
This simple yet sort of scary robot excels at one task - computer pong. Oh, and see 3 more examples of robots playing as well as you.
(re: Various, 2/2/2009 )
EATR - DARPA's Energetically Autonomous Tactical Robot
Is a voracious autonomous robot able to feed itself and sustain free movement throughout all of eternity a really neat idea? DARPA thinks so - and so do I.
(re: Philip Reeve, 1/31/2009 )
Sweatbot SAM - Sweating Agile Manniquin
Handy industrial research robot or metaphor for our consumer culture? You be the judge.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 1/27/2009 )
Biomimetic Robots Blow Your Mind
Robot models challenge your perception of the entire industry; shockingly Suessian.
(re: Various, 1/27/2009 )
T-34 Security Robot Throws Nets Spidey-Style
This humble robot packs an unusual weapon - a net to cast over intruders.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 1/22/2009 )
i-Limb Bionic Arm Video Embraces The Future
The bionic arm is now easier to use; take a look at the video of the i-Limb arm.
(re: Various, 1/21/2009 )
JALURO Lunar Robot - 2-Wheeled Open Source
The Team FREDNET lunar robot offers a unique two-wheeled design; is it stable? See a picture and judge for yourself.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 1/21/2009 )
Robotic Suit For Farmers In Japan
No more (non-powered) squatting and pulling; now, robotics are on your side too, farmers. But what about droids who do the work for you?
(re: Robert Heinlein, 1/9/2009 )
Swarm-Bots Take Small Children Away
It's really up to you whether you are pleased with the idea of a couple dozen swarming robots autonomously finding a small child and pulling her away.
(re: Stanislaw Lem, 1/7/2009 )
Micro-Mouse Robots With Grippers Tournament
New development at the 29th All Japan micro-mouse games held at the Tsukuba International Congress Center. Now, they have arms.
(re: Eric Frank Russell, 12/24/2008 )
Basil Reification Robot
A general purpose household robot should be able to easily identify household items like chairs - but until now, they couldn't do it very well.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 12/22/2008 )
Book Time Page-Turning Robot
Simple but effective 'robot' helps hospitalized readers. Now with video!
(re: Robert Heinlein, 12/21/2008 )
Twendy-One Selected Human-Symbiotic Robot
What characteristics are needed in a 'human-symbiotic' robot?
(re: Various, 12/21/2008 )
KAR Kitchen Assistant Robot Joins Kitchen Bot Squad
KAR will need to work with all the other helper robots in the kitchen - take a look at the competition for this new bot from Panasonic.
(re: Various, 12/18/2008 )
Huggable Robotic Bear Video
This is an informative video; however, the pictures of Huggable without his outer skin may be shocking.
(re: Anne McCaffrey, 12/17/2008 )
Aiko Fembot No Stepford Wife
She might be more like the original than the Stepford version. Reads everything and does complex math in her head.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 12/14/2008 )
Jollbot Robot Ball Jumps, Bounces And Rolls
Unique robot solves two problems at once; it may remind fans of past sf television shows of a favorite villain 'bot.
(re: Various, 12/6/2008 )
RoboClam Smart Anchor
Another fascinating biomimetic robot; researchers want to know how Nature can do ten times better than human ingenuity.
(re: Murray Leinster, 12/6/2008 )
Table Robot Balances On Two Wheels
Very spartan robot balances on just two wheels to carry your tray or bring your drinks; two table robot videos for your viewing enjoyment.
(re: George Lucas, 12/4/2008 )
Winboni Window-Washing Robot
Very neat little robot is a real winner - of a prestigious award for students. Check the video.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 12/2/2008 )
Robot Prepares Pancakes For Breakfast
These manufacturing robots work well in the home kitchen with their redesigned, smaller form factor. Enjoy!
(re: Anthony Boucher, 12/1/2008 )
Jules Robot Now Matches Your Smile
This robotic head represents the latest efforts by Hanson robotics, who brought you the Philip K. Dick robotic head several years ago.
(re: Various, 11/13/2008 )
NEC Robot Demands Cash VIa Cellphone FeliCa RFID
This robot has its eyes - and its RFID reader - on your money. However, you're safe as long as you don't have an RFID-enabled cellphone.
(re: Various, 11/12/2008 )
Honda Walking Assist Device
Nifty invention from Honda also illustrates some differences between people in the US and people in Japan.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 11/7/2008 )
SkyBot High-Rise Window Cleaning Robot
SkyBot is a rigorously tested solution for a problem that kills 70 workers in the U.S. alone - high-rise window washing.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 10/31/2008 )
Toyota Robot Maid Learns From Mistakes
Great-looking robot maid from Toyota and Tokyo University researchers goes slow, but learns to avoid mistakes and memorizes good strategies.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 10/29/2008 )
Jambot Music Improvisation Robot
This device takes the unusual step of improvising music to accompany human musicians.
(re: Herbert Goldstone, 10/28/2008 )
Multi-Robot Pursuit System: We'll Be Back!
I'm sure that everything will go fine with this project, which could have useful applications in search and rescue, fire fighting and for all I know, the food service industry.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 10/27/2008 )
Walking iPhone Robot - Not The First 'Mobile' Phone
What happens if you are stuck in one place and you can't get to your iPhone? What if it could walk to you?
(re: Various, 10/21/2008 )
FlowerBot Robotic Flower Follows And Grabs
Neat little robot looks just like a flower; take a look at the video to see it work.
(re: Jack Vance, 10/18/2008 )
Spider Robot Chair Like Star Wars
Slightly creepy furniture takes you for a robotic ride.
(re: George Lucas, 10/15/2008 )
Repliee R-1 Robot Child In Time For Halloween
It's hard for robots to cross the uncanny valley; take a look at a video of Repliee R-1 and a presentation on the uncanny valley idea.
(re: Various, 10/8/2008 )
Anna Konda Robot Spraying Water Video
Neat video of the Anna Konda firefighting snake robot spraying water; could be effective in mine fires or other closed quarters.
(re: Emmett McDowell, 10/3/2008 )
CkBot Modular Robot Self-Assembles, Picks Gait
CkBot can self-assemble and adopt its gait to the task at hand; it's pretty good at putting itself back together.
(re: James Schmitz, 10/2/2008 )
Murata Unicycle-Riding Robot
Cute video of a very balanced bot.
(re: George Lucas, 9/30/2008 )
SentiSight Object Recognition For Robot Overlords
Until they can easily acquire the ability to recognize objects, robots will be no threat to us.
(re: Various, 9/23/2008 )
Book-Scanning ScanRobot Neater Than Navicloud Custom Debinder
Nicely implemented book-scanning robot tastefully leaves books intact after yanking their text into the digital age.
(re: Vernor Vinge, 9/9/2008 )
Dog Wan Robot Available For Lease
Here's a cute little robotic dog ready to lease in Japan; it can even carry a small bag for you.
(re: John Brunner, 9/9/2008 )
La Princesse Mechanical Spider
Giant steampunk mechanical spider Liverpool rampage! That was my alternate title.
(re: Various, 9/7/2008 )
Robotic Busboy Like R2D2
Intel-sponsored research catches up to what we all saw in Star Wars a quarter-century ago.
(re: George Lucas, 9/7/2008 )
Double-Taker (Snout) Offers Trans-Species Eye Contact
Interesting interactive project combines trans-species eye contact with autonomous surveillance.
(re: Various, 9/2/2008 )
Medical Exoskeleton Helps Paralyzed Man To Walk
Nice story about a man who is able to walk again, and the sfnal precursors that put this idea into the minds of roboticists.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 8/28/2008 )
Guardium UGV Like RoboCop's Enforcement Droid
This autonomous vehicular robot is the perfect complement for a certain robotic police officer. Or, it has enough time to evolve into one.
(re: Various, 8/14/2008 )
Robot Cops By 2084?
Not a very daring prediction, but at least they're thinking about it.
(re: Isa, 8/13/2008 )
OrbSwarm Autonomous Spherical Robotics
Spherical robots roam free in this autonomous robotic free-for-all.
(re: Various, 8/8/2008 )
US Army To Be 30 Percent Droid By 2020?
Actually, thirty percent may be too much, if they're no smarter than battle droids.
(re: George Lucas, 8/6/2008 )
Hexapod Emotional Spider Robot Sees Your Face
Crawly, but not creepy - that's Hexapod the emotionally expressive robot spider.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 8/5/2008 )
Heart Robot Wants To Feel Your Love
I'm not sure whether or not this robot crosses the uncanny valley, but I think it's part way through creepy valley. Also, Spielberg should get a cut of any royalties.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/5/2008 )
RoboStool Homotropic Furniture
Great idea from Norris Labs; I think Philip K. Dick might have recognized it - I especially like the newspaper angle in the video.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/4/2008 )
Palette Super Model Robot
This robot mannequin can react to the people watching and can be programmed with movements taken from human models.
(re: Friz Leiber, 7/31/2008 )
Actroid DER2 Gets TV Commercial Gig Video
Another job lost to robots: this is really bad news for American actors who like to scam extra dough by appearing in Japanese commercials that will never be seen in the US.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 7/28/2008 )
Tai-robot-kun Robot Sea Bream
This robot fish looks almost good enough to eat; if it swims autonomously by, however, it's just doing its job.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 7/27/2008 )
Skypark Robotic Parking Garage: The Future Of Enormous Machines
We're all fascinated by the successful miniaturization of devices; is there room in our future for really enormous machines?
(re: Robert Heinlein, 7/24/2008 )
ReWalk Exoskeleton Video
Interesting video shows off the capabilities of this medical exoskeleton; increased mobility is the goal.
(re: Fritz Lieber, 7/22/2008 )
Robot Fashion Models
Finally, fashion models can be as thin as they need to be; if aluminum is used, they can be lighter, too.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 7/22/2008 )
Robot Seeks Illegal Aliens In Britain
It's kind of a stretch, but this did remind me of something from Blade Runner.
(re: Ridley Scott, 7/20/2008 )
Flesh-Eating Robot Research Languishing
Where are the robots able to consume flesh for fuel?
(re: Various, 7/16/2008 )
B21 Kitchen Robot Shares Cooking Tips With Other Bots
Fascinating new robot can communicate what it learns to other robots; I'm not sure if they should be talking, but it's incredibly efficient.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 7/15/2008 )
Hexbug Robot Crab
This little crab would good scuttling around on your desk; its sensors help it avoid the edge.
(re: William Gibson's, 7/14/2008 )
Care-O-Bot Robot Does Chores One-Handed
This robot has only one arm, but it's a pretty good one, according to the specs.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 7/14/2008 )
DIY Snake Arm Robot Prototype
Neat little snake arm robot prototype done by a student; what have you been doing for your robotics projects?
(re: H.G. Wells, 7/14/2008 )
Tmsuk Telepresence Shopper Cell Phone-Controlled
Interesting robot is controlled by the user with a cell phone; go shopping by remote control. Now, that's a cool cell phone app.
(re: Niven/Pournelle, 7/13/2008 )
Do People Prefer Humanoid Robots?
Interesting study use MRI data to see if human beings are much more likely to enjoy their interaction with humanoid robots.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 7/11/2008 )
SmartPal V Robot Picks Up, Vacuums Rec Room
SmartPal V gets better; this robot is shaping up into a great general purpose robot.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 7/10/2008 )
Stelarc Walking Head Robot Scarier Than Necessary
This is a pretty cool robot, but I can't imagine choosing to use this over something friendlier; unless, of course, you were going to go whole hog and really creep them out.
(re: Various, 7/9/2008 )
Mr. Asahi NOT World's First Robot Bartender
Mr. Asahi may not be first, but he's a pretty slick bartender; see the Mr. Asahi video for a view of the future of your bar or pub.
(re: Alfred Bester, 7/6/2008 )
SnoMote Like Imperial Probe Droid
This clever little autonomous robot can explore the Antarctic ice while looking exactly like something on your ten year-old's Christmas list.
(re: George Lucas, 7/2/2008 )
Shadow Caddy Robot Is Golfer's Dream Bot
Very simple design and execution makes this a highly usable bot; see the video, and compare it to four other much more complicated ideas for carrying bags around.
(re: John Brunner, 6/30/2008 )
Robot Snakes In Pipes Matrix Sentinel-Style
Scandinavian research to send robotic cleaners slithering through the pipes.
(re: Various, 6/26/2008 )
ReadyBot Robot Picks Up Like Heinlein 'Hired Girl'
This robot has a key ability that I noted was lacking in commercial vacuuming robots.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 6/23/2008 )
The Trons Robot Band
Any thoughts on what kind of music would be best for a robotic band?
(re: Various, 6/23/2008 )
AMP Robot Chases You With Tunes
Being chased by robots through your house is not always a positive experience, but AMP will banish those nightmares in which you are pursued by bots.
(re: Philip K Dick, 6/21/2008 )
E.M.A. Robot Eternal Maiden Actualization Video
This curvaceous fembot goes on sale soon; take a look at the video.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 6/19/2008 )
Chembot Squishy SquishBot Robots Desired By DARPA
DARPA is on the look out for a new kind of soft meso-scale robot that can sneak under doors like an octopus.
(re: Rudy Rucker, 6/17/2008 )
Fuel Powered Muscles For Robots
Will it be possible to have a human-sized robot that can perform the same work as a person on battery power alone?
(re: Martin Caidin, 6/16/2008 )
Mumbling Robots Preferred By Humans
What should a robot do when it can't come up with an answer right away for impatient humans?
(re: Various, 6/13/2008 )
Electrolocation Robotic Hand Has PreTouch
It's amazing how ignoring the human paradigm for vision-based control can succeed - this is how sharks would make robotic hands.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 6/12/2008 )
Robot Nanny Makes Poor Role Model For Children
PaPeRo, iRobi, Jupiter, Qrio - are these excessively cute robots the roboticists answer to Mary Poppins? Or a danger? You be the judge.
(re: David H. Keller, 6/11/2008 )
Human Universal Load Carrier Exoskeleton From Berkeley Bionics
Very nicely implemented exoskeleton device from the makers of the BLEEX is ready for you to place your orders now.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 6/9/2008 )
Untethered Microrobots Dance, Form Self-Organized Structures
Now people'll be saying that the robots can outdo the angels, dancing on the head of a pin, an' all.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 6/8/2008 )
Robofish Swim Autonomously And Communicate Wirelessly
Robotic fish are coming right along; now they can talk with each other.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 6/8/2008 )
RepRap Machine Can (Almost) Duplicate Itself
RepRap is starting to get close; it can build almost all of its own parts.
(re: Maurice A. Hugi, 6/4/2008 )
Six-Legged Lumberjack Robotic Vehicle
Take a look at the video - this is one vehicle that can move easily through the woods.
(re: George Lucas, 5/31/2008 )
Wall-Climbing Robots Use Compliant Electroadhesion
These robots have a unique way of sticking to just about any surface.
(re: Michael Crichton, 5/29/2008 )
Haptic Creature Communicates Tribble-Style
How best to explore the mysteries of haptics - touching behavior - using robotics. Because tribbles aren't real, of course.
(re: Gene Roddenberry, 5/22/2008 )
Hopping Robot Sets Record
Hopping is a surprisingly good exploration strategy; biomimetic robots can take advantage of hopping.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 5/22/2008 )
Training Robots To Recognize You Is A Bad Idea
Should robots be trained to recognize individual human beings? I'm not so sure - but Active Appearance Modeling is making great strides at CMU.
(re: Various, 5/21/2008 )
Robot Directs Detroit Symphony Orchestra Video
Nice video of humble ASIMO leading the DSO; will robots be telling you what to do in the future?
(re: Various, 5/16/2008 )
LawnBott Robotic Lawn Mower Bows To Cell Phones
The WWII generation dreamed of these; now we have them; this device also chats it up with your phone.
(re: Clifford Simak, 5/15/2008 )
Robot Surgeon - Autonomous Tabletop Robotic Surgery At Duke
Remarkable precision from this autonomous robot; it can perform needle biopsies and other procedures without human guidance.
(re: Larry Niven, 5/12/2008 )
Robots May Get Compound Insect Eye Vison
Interesting biomimetic research from the Naval Warfare Center, done in collaboration with the common housefly, Musca domestica.
(re: Edmond Hamilton, 5/11/2008 )
Honda Walking Assist Exoskeleton Video
Honda lets you strap on this partial-exoskeleon and walk a bit easier. At least, that's the theory behind this experimental device. With video.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 5/6/2008 )
Robot Chef Learns By Demonstration
Give a robot an omelet, and you feed it for a day. Teach a robot how to cook omelets, and you feed it for a lifetime. Or something like that.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 5/6/2008 )
Robo-Squirrel Plus Tree Climbing Robots Equals MechaSquirrel
This is a pretty cool trick; it's been done before, but I have a few ideas on how Rocky the robotic squirrel could be improved.
(re: Various, 5/2/2008 )
MAST Spider Robots Like Minority Report
Here we have yet another instance in which a government contractor might as well have just used the movie as the spec.
(re: Steven Spielberg, 5/1/2008 )
Self-Reconfigurable Robots Get It Together
This robot comes apart into clusters that can call to each other and reconnect; watch the video and imagine what will be possible in another five years.
(re: Abraham Merritt, 5/1/2008 )
Blaster Battle Robot Laser Shootout Terminator-Style
Tired of those slow-motion robot soccer games? Want to see the first steps toward robot-blaster-induced Armageddon? Click here.
(re: James Cameron, 4/24/2008 )
7 Day Old Baby Meets Telepresence Robot Dad
Very interesting application of medical rounding robots usually used to work with adults who understand what's going on.
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 4/23/2008 )
Bum Bot DIY Vigilante Robot
With a little ingenuity, you can put a robot on patrol. With video.
(re: Various, 4/22/2008 )
REEM-B Robot Autonomous Helper Video
This is one smooth robot; take a look and see if perhaps REEM-B has a place in your home.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 4/22/2008 )
Air Hockey Robot By Sarcos
I can't believe the pace of innovation. First, robots learn to play board games, dice-throwing included. Now this.
(re: Various, 4/18/2008 )
HAL vs. XOS: Who Will Have First Iron Man Suit?
I'm looking forward to the Iron Man movie, but what I'm really looking forward to is real robotic exoskeletons. Check out the contenders.
(re: Various, 4/18/2008 )
Robots Take 3.5M Jobs In Japan By 2025
Extremely low birth rates in Japan make this news a blessing, rather than a curse.
(re: Various, 4/11/2008 )
When Big Robots Go Bad
The suburb-eating robot concept was a bit tame; what might it look like if giant robots went seriously bad?
(re: Various, 4/9/2008 )
Segway's New RMP - Robotic Mobility Platform
Although I've filed this one under 'robotics,' you might want to use it yourself - as a vehicle.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 4/9/2008 )
El-E Robot Butler Guided By Laser Pointer
El-E belongs to a unique category of 'helper' robots that could really make a difference for someone immobilized by illness or disability.
(re: Various, 4/8/2008 )
CV08 Suburb-Eating Robot Concept
This is an interesting concept, but America will need something much bigger. Thankfully, Philip Reeve has already given us a full description.
(re: Philip Reeve, 4/6/2008 )
MIT Nexi Robot Expresses Emotions
This robot is quite expressive, but I can think of several others, and one of them is a girl. Robot. Android.
(re: Various, 4/6/2008 )
Holon Fembot From Real Drive Anime
Meet Holon, the latest in fembot technology from your friends at Kokoro. She's a character from a new anime from the Ghost in the Shell people.
(re: Masamune Shirow, 4/4/2008 )
Tmsuk Robot Babysitter Knows Your Kid
Tmsuk's new mechanical babysitter is starting to catch up with those sfnal robot nannies.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 3/26/2008 )
COM-BAT Robotic 'Bat' On Order From UM
This intriguing development popped up right in my own backyard; UM researchers will attempt feats of micro-miniaturization to make this work.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 3/18/2008 )
BigDog Robass More Coordinated Than I Am
I was startled to observe this level of progress in the creation of quadrupedal robots.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 3/17/2008 )
SYMBRION - Symbiotic Evolutionary Robot Organisms
Interesting European project on the possibility that small, simple robots could evolve their own adaptive software strategies. Stanislaw Lem described this in detail fifty years ago.
(re: Stanislaw Lem, 3/16/2008 )
RobuCAB Robotic Taxi
RobuCAB looks kind of cute, and it doesn't need space for a driver. What writer could think of a good personality for a robot cab driver?
(re: Philip K. Dick, 3/14/2008 )
Chassis The Drink Dispensing Robot
Ah, a homebrew bartender capable of dispensing your favorite, uh, brew.
(re: Mike Resnick, 3/13/2008 )
New Porter Robot - Matsushita Mechanorg
Very nifty autoporter robot can find its way around in airports - and follows you where ever you go.
(re: Miles J. Breuer, 3/12/2008 )
Forget The Wookie - Two Robots Play Board Game
What's a robot to do when tired of hirsute aliens making threats while playing board games?
(re: George Lucas, 3/12/2008 )
ReadyBot Robot Ready To Clean Your Kitchen
This little robot is made from common components to do a common job - clean up the kitchen.
(re: Various, 3/3/2008 )
Autonomous Robot Weapons For Terrorists?
This may sound a bit far-fetched, but insurgents have always been adaptive.
(re: William Gibson, 2/27/2008 )
Sleep Waking Robot: Your Dreams Via Interpretive Dance
A person's sleep data are presented (or interpreted) by a robot. I was tempted to call it 'Humans Learn Nothing From Forbidden Planet.'
(re: Various, 2/19/2008 )
BIOTACT Whiskered Robot Rat
Nature may have figured out the best way of sensing the immediate environment in poorly-lit, cluttered places.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 2/18/2008 )
Kiyomuri Samurai Robot Now With Improved Gait Stabilization
Kiyomuri may not have much in the way of sword-wielding skills, but he's got the walk down pat.
(re: Various, 2/14/2008 )
RoboPorter Carries Your Baggage, Guides You
Use this handy robot to carry your bags - and it can even guide you to your destination.
(re: John Brunner, 2/12/2008 )
Smart Pal Robot Hangs Up Clothes
Now, that's a service robot. And, it even looks like something out of Disney's version of 'The Sorcerer's Apprentice' (think broom with arms).
(re: Philip K. Dick, 2/11/2008 )
Robotic Observatory Opens On Antarctic Plateau
This observatory is almost more remote than Hubble - and built with similarly automated equipment.
(re: John Berryman, 2/7/2008 )
The Bestial Future Of Bionic Legs
This dark vision of robotic satyr legs attached to world-class athletes might actually happen.
(re: Various, 2/5/2008 )
Blue Collar Bot Pumps Gas Update
Remember those friendly gas station attendants of yesteryear? They're back and... they're robots. Updated with a new sf ref and video.
(re: Harry Harrison, 2/5/2008 )
Luke Arm Robotic Prosthesis
This is a different type of device; one of the design requirements was that it had no invasive controls. Just strap it on and go.
(re: Martin Caidin, 2/3/2008 )
Claytronics: Robot Swarm-Based 3D Shape-Shifting Objects
This is pretty much a blue-sky project, but I did like the video; any help remembering the sf reference would be appreciated.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 2/1/2008 )
Robotic Exoskeleton For Construction Workers
Exoskeletons for soldiers are cool, but I'll never use one. An exoskeleton that could help me drywall my garage - now you're talking.
(re: Various, 1/31/2008 )
Bluetooth-Enabled Robot Legs Talk To Each Other
These legs are not yet bionic, but they do help a double-amputee vet by talking with each other - using the same technology you use with you cell phone.
(re: Martin Caidin, 1/25/2008 )
Robovie Crowd-Monitoring Robot
This robot has a good sense of who is lost and who is just standing around. It uses a remarkable array of sensors to accomplish this task.
(re: Various, 1/24/2008 )
Zombie Rat Heart Muscle Powers Robot
Taken from a neonatal rat's heart, these muscles can power a tiny little robot on a Fantastic Voyage.
(re: Various, 1/22/2008 )
PowerBot Robot Nurse From Saskatoon
It's a small start, but when they're working on robotic nurses in Saskatoon, you're going to need to get serious about robots.
(re: David H. Keller, 1/21/2008 )
Russian Military Robot Repurposed As Nanny Bot
I'm pretty sure I've seen this story in anime form before.
(re: Katsuhiro Otomo, 1/16/2008 )
Life Machines Barber Robot Concept
Would you let a machine give you a really close shave? Explore your feelings.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 1/10/2008 )
i-Limb System Robot Arm Stronger Than Yours
This is a remarkable development; Touch Bionics is the creator of an amazingly usable bionic hand as well.
(re: Martin Caidin, 1/8/2008 )
Portrait Robot By Sylvain Calinon
See how this Swiss postdoc taught a HOAP-3 humanoid robot how to draw portraits of passers-by.
(re: Various, 1/2/2008 )
The Year In Science Fiction in the News
That's it for this year - thanks again to everyone who wrote in with tips and comments - Bill.
(re: Various, 12/31/2007 )
Nintendo Wiimote Controls i-SOBOT Robot
Very cool free software program lets you control a humanoid robot with nothing more than your handy Wiimote and nunchuk attachment.
(re: Various, 12/18/2007 )
Robot Staggers, But Is Still Standing
This robot has special software to allow it to recover when shoved; just the skill needed when mixing with pushy humans.
(re: Various, 12/7/2007 )
SmartPal V Mecha-Gumby Service Robot
This slim and well-articulated robot has human-friendly service functionality for life quality improvement.
(re: Various, 11/30/2007 )
Reborg-Q Security Robot Now With Face Recognition
This robot from ALSOK is the first to have roving face recognition capabilities.
(re: Various, 11/30/2007 )
Twendy-One Robot Is Your Humanoid Helper
Twendy-One is the kind of robot that might be taking care of you (or your father or grandfather) in a few years - in Japan.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 11/28/2007 )
Sarcos Exoskeleton Video
The Sarcos version of an exoskeleton; nice video gives the details.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 11/23/2007 )
EMIEW 2 Office Worker Robot
Just what you needed - an assistant robot to help you at the office. Sneakernet has now been replaced by robots.
(re: Various, 11/22/2007 )
Is Pico The World's Smallest Robot?
Is this really the world's smallest robot? I'm interested in hearing from people who have a different view.
(re: Various, 11/22/2007 )
Russian Robot Suitcase
The modern science of robotics addresses one of the oldest concerns of man - who carries the luggage?
(re: John Brunner, 11/13/2007 )
Kiva Robot Shelves Come To You In This Warehouse
I love it when turning a time-honored paradigm on its head yields a two hundred percent increase in efficiency.
(re: Various, 11/12/2007 )
Robot Designed To Break First Law - In Order To Save It
A researcher takes a somewhat different direction in trying to figure out ways to keep robots from hurting people.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 11/9/2007 )
Medusa Quadruped Robot Toy
This little bot can be easily assembled; it is used for classroom instruction in Japan.
(re: Various, 11/8/2007 )
Mothbot: Moth Controls Robotic Vehicle
Fascinating combination of insect and machine puts the prospect of cheap mobile biosensors within reach.
(re: Vernor Vinge, 11/8/2007 )
Toddlers Embrace Our (Giggling) Robotic Overlords
Children show that robots can be friends and peers in this three month study of toddlers and bots.
(re: Brian Aldiss, 11/6/2007 )
Robot Arm With Fluidic Muscles
Fascinating robotic arm technology is based on the human skeletal structure.
(re: Harry Harrison, 11/6/2007 )
Carnegie Mellon's Boss Wins DARPA Urban Challenge
It was a complicated call, but Carnegie Mellon pulls it out in the DARPA Urban Challenge.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 11/4/2007 )
2007 DARPA Urban Challenge Videos
Take a look at fresh videos of the autonomous vehicles entered into the urban challenge.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 11/2/2007 )
'Peacebots' Protest Robot Conflict Event
Would male roboticists and female roboticists design differently, if they were encouraged to do so?
(re: Various, 10/31/2007 )
Tachikoma Cyber Superalloy Toy
Finally, a cool anime-styling spider-tank robot for the masses. If you can pay in yen.
(re: Various, 10/14/2007 )
Sales Robot IRI-Millennia Opens Gates Of Hell
Oh, sure, when there are lots of you and just one of them - like at a tradeshow - you'll think they're cute. Just wait.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 10/13/2007 )
Chinese Fans Make Citroen C2 Transformer
Fans are fans the world over, and who knows where they get their ideas.
(re: Various, 10/11/2007 )
WAO-1 Therapeutic Face Massage Robot
This helpful robot may provide a mechanical solution to TMJ and other disorders.
(re: Frank Herbert, 10/10/2007 )
Heinlein's Giant Waldo Comes To Life
Engineers and scrap metal artists worked hard to bring this enormous robotic hand to life.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 10/9/2007 )
DIY Telepresence By Teleoperated Robot
Do it yourself telepresence robotics makes IvanAnywhere cool.
(re: Niven, 10/6/2007 )
Prototype Jockey-Ridden Hopping Robot
A new sport in the process of being born? You be the judge.
(re: Bruce Sterling, 10/2/2007 )
Ministry of Silly (Robot) Walks
Robots haven't been walking long, but they've made great strides. And sometimes, not so great strides. But we like them anyway.
(re: Various, 10/2/2007 )
Mowgli Leaping Frog Robot
I can just see this cool jumping robot leaping over Godzilla in an upcoming movie...
(re: Various, 10/1/2007 )
REEM-A Chess-Playing Robot
This friendly little robot is being designed as a companion for you - and an avid chess partner.
(re: Ambrose Bierce, 9/26/2007 )
STriDER Tripedal Dynamic Experimental Robot
Surely this is what Arthur C. Clarke imagined in his 1972 novel Rendezvous With Rama.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 9/26/2007 )
Roving Robotic Reporter
This story is a little old, but I just discovered it. Philip K. Dick was only off by a couple of years on this one.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 9/25/2007 )
First Zero-Gravity Surgical Robot Demonstration
The same system tested in NASA's NEEMO experiments will now be tested in zero-g on the Vomit Comet.
(re: Various, 9/25/2007 )
MIT Exoskeleton Shoulders The Weight For You
This nifty exoskeleton from MIT is much lighter and uses less power than other weight-supporting exoskeletons, like the BLEEX.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 9/22/2007 )
Robo Catcher: Robot Replaces Crane In Arcade Game
Cool new arcade game - at present, only in Japan - substitutes a robot for the crane.
(re: Various, 9/19/2007 )
WD-2 Face Morphing Robot Could Be Anyone
Eerie face dancer robot has way too many degrees of freedom.
(re: Various, 9/18/2007 )
Doctor-Bots Play 'Operation'
Students are hard at work on autonomous surgical robots - Dr. Claw will see you now!
(re: Larry Niven, 9/16/2007 )
Roboticist Has Real Son Zeno, Robot Son Zeno
The similarities to Super-Toys Last All Summer Long are almost too eerie.
(re: Henry Slesar, 9/14/2007 )
Robots and Religion
Here's a chance to contribute to some interesting research on the topic of intelligent machines and religion.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 9/13/2007 )
Roller-Walker Robot Has Tachikoma Skating Motion
This robot can go from walking to skating - after a brief transformation.
(re: Various, 9/11/2007 )
Phil Dick, Your Electric Cat Is... Not Quite Ready
This can may not quite be up to PKD's high standards, but you can see that we're getting close.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 9/3/2007 )
Arm Spirit Arm-Wrestling Arcade Game Rampage
Machines are our friends - but you still need to be careful.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 8/31/2007 )
Starfish Robot Stretching Video
A short video showing the Starfish robot, one of my faves, stretching and getting ready to walk.
(re: Various, 8/17/2007 )
Tondon Robot Autonomous Floor Cleaner
Zippy Balinese-style autonomous cleaning bot.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 8/2/2007 )
Halluc II Robot With Multi Joint Wheels
Highly unusual robot has eight separate wheel modules for motion - well, motion every which way.
(re: Various, 7/26/2007 )
MIT Robotic Ankle Given To Iraq Vet
This Iraq vet gets a direct benefit from years of research on robotic prosthetic devices.
(re: Various, 7/25/2007 )
Robotic Fly Micro Air Vehicle
I'd hate to think that one guy with a flyswatter could take down your entire air force.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 7/20/2007 )
iLimb Bionic Hand Now Ready For Market
Remarkable invention now ready to wear.
(re: Various, 7/18/2007 )
RunBot Learns To Walk At Human Speed
Better put on your walking shoes to keep up with this robot.
(re: Karel Capek, 7/12/2007 )
Wakamaru Robot Receptionists Hired By Temp Agency
This mobile, friendly, singing robot is now ready to go to work in your office.
(re: Karel Capek, 7/12/2007 )
Robot Workers Ready To Go Postal
This robot is surprisingly competent at a human task - sorting packages.
(re: Various, 7/11/2007 )
MULE Autonomous Navigation Vehicle By Lockheed Martin
This robotic device is described in several different sf stories; it sounds handy.
(re: Anthony Boucher, 7/11/2007 )
Robotic Cow Tongues
Artists are supposed to see things differently; raw meat definitely makes a comeback here.
(re: Various, 7/9/2007 )
Robot Librarians In The Stacks
I wonder what sort of capabilities this robot librarian might have when it comes to retrieving overdue books?
(re: Harry Harrison, 7/5/2007 )
Bandai Hex Bug Toy Robot Infestation
These tiny pests need to be paid, and probably kept charged as well (see pix and video).
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 7/1/2007 )
Meet R BOT 001, Russia's New Robocop
Russian militiamen turn to missile-shaped robotic police for help.
(re: Harry Harrison, 6/28/2007 )
HRP-3 Promet Robot Blue Collar Style
Robots need to be able to work in the real world, not just inside controlled environments.
(re: Harry Harrison, 6/22/2007 )
Power Pedal Exoskeleton From Matsushita
It kind of looks like a power-assisted Stairmaster...
(re: Robert Heinlein, 6/19/2007 )
Robot 'Minister' Performs Wedding Ceremony
In South Korea, your dream wedding can be engineered precisely to your specifications.
(re: Robert Silverberg, 6/16/2007 )
Kansei Robot Reacts To Words Like 'President,' 'Sushi'
Robot seeks to express emotions - how's it doing so far?
(re: Various, 6/5/2007 )
CB2 Child Robot Lifelike (Yet Creepy) Video
The videos for this robot demonstrate that the border between 'robotic movement' and 'eerily like human movement' has been crossed.
(re: Various, 6/4/2007 )
Wizard Duct Inspector Robot - Ancestor of Matrix Sentinel
Well, they don't have squid-like tentacles, but they do move inside ductwork, trying to eliminate undesirable elements...
(re: Wachowski Brothers, 5/23/2007 )
Vecna BEAR Rescue Robot Prototype Ready
The Vecna BEAR is evolving rapidly; new prototypes testing very well.
(re: Takazawa Kijuro, 5/17/2007 )
Muscle Suit Tokyo Exoskeleton Power Workout
Who cares about carrying patients in hospitals? I want to do 200 pound curls!
(re: Bruce Sterling, 5/16/2007 )
Sick Patient Robot Does More Than Say 'Ah'
This robotic patient is no dummy - it has at least one thing that no other robot patient has.
(re: Various, 5/15/2007 )
Elios Giant Insect Rescue Robot Design
Cool rescue robot design might creep you out just a bit while you were lying there waiting to be rescued.
(re: Various, 5/1/2007 )
Domo Robot No Mere Housekeeper
Domo is back in the news with new advances in assistive robotic technologies.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 4/12/2007 )
Jumping Microrobot 'Flea' Is Solar Powered
Little fleas have littler fleas, it is said. Here comes one now.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 4/5/2007 )
Android Weightlifter Now Capable Of Body Slam
Great sensor skills make the difference in this human-sized robot.
(re: Karel Capeck, 3/29/2007 )
Gummi Bots: Biomimetic Soft-Bodied Robots
These flexible creepy-crawlies are on their way like little caterpillars.
(re: Rudy Rucker, 3/27/2007 )
Your Can-Crushing Bionic Hand Is Ready, Steve Austin
Robotic hand shows exceptional grip strength.
(re: Martin Caidin, 3/24/2007 )
RoCo Robotic Computer Monitor
You spend more time with your computer than with some of your friends; maybe it should know you better.
(re: Various, 3/22/2007 )
Firefighter Rescue Robot Eats Humans
This is one rescue robot that could give you a bit of a start.
(re: Various, 3/20/2007 )
Cool Robots At Dartmouth (And Greenland)
Not just nifty, these robots are built to handle the most demanding conditions on Earth.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 3/20/2007 )
Could Robots Use A Little Down Time?
Can robots actually benefit from a dream-like state? Dr. Christoph Adami wonders.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 3/17/2007 )
HUBO FX-1 Robot Chair With Legs
Robotic walking chair, when you need to have someone walk for you.
(re: , 3/14/2007 )
PaPeRo Your Blogging Robot Boswell
PaPeRo now takes on the characteristics of James Boswell, famed biographer of Samuel Johnson.
(re: James Boswell, 3/7/2007 )
Dexter Dynamically Balancing Humanoid Robot
Dexter is perhaps the first bipedal robot that dynamically balances himself as he takes each step.
(re: George Lucas, 2/28/2007 )
SuperBot Modular Robot Connects With NASA
SuperBot is a modular robot prototype that will choose its own way to explore and perform tasks in space.
(re: Abraham Merritt, 2/25/2007 )
Segway Robotic Mobility Platform Looks Like A Tumblebug
This nifty little item might be usable by engineers as well as by their robotic applications.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 2/24/2007 )
Banryu Guard Dragon Home Robot
This great-looking quadruped robot walks like a dragon, sniffing the air and taking pictures.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 2/24/2007 )
Ubiko Robot A Fireman's Friend
This catlike robot is a better friend to firemen than that organic Dalmatian creature they use.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 2/22/2007 )
Space Robot Knows Your Mood
The space is the robot - just the thing for those long meetings.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 2/18/2007 )
Robotic Ankle Exoskeleton Helps Users Regain Limb Function
Research provides a device that both supports the ankle, and helps interpret the brain's signals.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 2/12/2007 )
Robot Suicide Ad Changed By GM
Here's a suggestion on how to present a really depressed robot in a way that everyone likes.
(re: Douglas Adams, 2/11/2007 )
WiiBot Kuka Robot Controlled WiiMotely
Two engineers create a non-trivial fencing and tennis-playing robot - part Kuka, part Wii.
(re: Frank Herbert, 1/30/2007 )
Sniffer Robot With Infotaxis Algorithms On The Hunt
New algorithms bring Ray Bradbury's hunting mechanical hound closer - do you know who has your olfactory combination on file?
(re: Ray Bradbury, 1/26/2007 )
TechX Urban Warfare Robot Challenge
Street-fighting autonomous robots wanted for new Challenge.
(re: James Cameron, 1/25/2007 )
Chaos Robot - Four Track Offroad Flailing
Unusual design permits this little 'bot to crawl practically anywhere.
(re: Various, 1/24/2007 )
Robot Nurses Seem Unavoidable
Worried about impersonal health care? How about some nice, caring 'intelligent robot swarms?'
(re: David H. Keller, 1/23/2007 )
Roboboa Dancing Robot Snake
Those folks at WowWee have been busy; this article may link to cooler robotic snakes, but none that you can buy off the shelf.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 1/14/2007 )
Robopanda Toys Last All Summer Long
This is one robotic bear that comes with its own toys.
(re: Harry Harrison, 1/11/2007 )
Roboquad Quadruped Robot From WowWee
This four-legged robot toy from WowWee will chase your cat for you.
(re: Various, 1/7/2007 )
Robotic Cable Inspection System
This unique robot operates under very difficult and constrained conditions; we need one of these for the space elevator program, too.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 1/7/2007 )
Romi Robot Orwellian Vacuum Cleaner
Diminutive vacuum cleaner - is really a spybot.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 1/5/2007 )
EveR2-Muse Robot's Many Faces
The latest incarnation of the EveR2-Muse entertainment fembot now includes the latest feminine emotions.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 1/2/2007 )
Actroid DER2 Late Model Fembot
This robotic receptionist upgrade has many new features.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 12/27/2006 )
Insect Lab Beetle Clockwork Sculpture
Not robots - but an amazingly cool set of sculptures that are a science-fiction fan's dream come true - if you think about insects and clockwork.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 12/18/2006 )
Porta-Person Remote Conferencing Stand-In
Remote-controlled portable person helps teleconferencers be in two places at once.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 12/15/2006 )
Robotic Hand Has Sensitive Fingertips
Latest version of the Southampton robotic hand is very sensitive indeed.
(re: Ray Cummings, 12/14/2006 )
Baseball Batting Robot May Make Steroids Obsolete
This guy isn't as bulked up as some of today's players, but he's honest about what he uses - compressed air.
(re: Various, 12/13/2006 )
RoboSalmon Are Descended From SHARCs
Ah, the RoboSalmon are returning to Glasgow, Scotland to spawn... Well, they are building the first one there.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 11/30/2006 )
Microrobot To Swim Like Bacteria With Flagellar Propeller
Dr. Friend and his team have been working on the propulsion system that will make this possible.
(re: Various, 11/29/2006 )
RIDC-01 Robot Maid Will Not Replace Rosie In Our Hearts
This robot maid is, unfortunately, not yet commercially available, but it actually exists, unlike Rosie from the Jetson's.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 11/28/2006 )
Reborg-Q May You Shop In Peace
Not just a mall walker, this robot can sense water and fire, check employee security badges and even make promotional announcements.
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 11/28/2006 )
Be The Soul Of The New Machine
This tele-operated robot will move along with you as you walk, and let you manipulate objects in a remote environment.
(re: Clifford Simak, 11/23/2006 )
Robot Walks After Conceptualizing Own Structure
Amazing video shows robot introspecting to determine its own structure, and then constructing a gait for itself.
(re: Roger P. Graham, 11/20/2006 )
'New' Israeli Bionic Hornet Concept Is 70 Years Old
The Israelis shouldn't bother with making up science-fictional insect-sized robots - let the writers do it!
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 11/19/2006 )
First Chinese Security Guard Robot
This security bot is able to avoid obstacles, follow a predesignated route and send images of trouble.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 11/19/2006 )
Starfish Robot Shows Robotic Introspection And Self-Modeling
Amazing proprioceptive robot creates a model of its shape automatically; it can sense damage to itself and reconfigure its walk.
(re: Roger P. Graham, 11/17/2006 )
Robots Making Smaller Robots Making Smaller Robots
Robotic technologies make possible smaller and smaller manufactured goods - too small for people to make.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 11/12/2006 )
Squid Robot Underwater Inspector Has Unique Propulsion
This underwater robot has a completely unique biomimetic means of propulsion.
(re: Various, 11/12/2006 )
Propulsion System For 'Fantastic Voyage' Robot
A novel propulsion system that works for micro-robots to be injected inside the body.
(re: Harry Kleiner, 11/10/2006 )
Robotender Ernie First Robot Bartender
This is a surprisingly early robotic bartender that could really do it all - except maybe ask for your keys.
(re: Alfred Bester, 11/8/2006 )
RI-MAN Face Tracking, Electronic Nose Robot Update
This 'bot has some great features not documented earlier.
(re: Katsuhiro Otomo, 11/7/2006 )
Snake-Arm Robot In A Plane
No, really. There are snake-arm robots in planes - not on planes, but in them.
(re: H.G. Wells, 11/6/2006 )
HAL Robotic Suit Ready For Production
Those Heinlein robotic exoskeletons you ordered? Limited functionality suits will soon be available for about $600 per month.
(re: , 11/1/2006 )
N.S.E.C.T. Robotic Attack Insect From Tyco
This so-called toy is a terrifying realization of the deadly insect robots in Crichton's Runaway; Gene Simmons, beware!
(re: Michael Crichton, 10/30/2006 )
Biological Cybernetics Lab Dextrous Robot Hand
Very quick to respond, the only difference is the 'clacking' sound it made when it gestured; seen at NextFest 2006.
(re: Various, 10/30/2006 )
Robotic Hands Get A Grip
Blue collar droids get their wish this Christmas - better hands!
(re: Various, 10/30/2006 )
Shadow Robot Hand With Air Muscles
The Shadow Hand provides a very humanlike feel, due to the unique muscles that power hand motions; seen at NextFest 2006.
(re: Various, 10/30/2006 )
PaPeRo Robot Childcare In Japan
Phil Dick's robot nanny could beat up this childcare robot - but PaPeRo actually exists and is working with children today.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 10/27/2006 )
NASA TeTWalker Shape-Shifting Robot Update
This robot is like no other, but it may be able to walk across irregular terrain like no ordinary robot.
(re: Various, 10/24/2006 )
Robot Waiters From China And Canada (And Star Wars)
These robotic waiters are ready to take your orders.
(re: George Lucas, 10/16/2006 )
RuBot II Robot Solves Rubik's Cube With Gusto
Now here's a robot who knows how to make good use of its leisure moments.
(re: Various, 10/10/2006 )
HLPR Chair Mobility Robotics
This industrial-strength robot will help caregivers and wheelchair-bound individuals alike.
(re: Katsuhiro Otomo, 10/1/2006 )
PEBBLES Robot - Teleconferencing For Kids At NextFest 2006
The innovative PEBBLES robot received a da Vinci award for adaptive and assistive technology this week.
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 9/30/2006 )
Robonaut Centaur At NextFest 2006
The remarkable Robonaut telepresence robot is now available in a new form.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 9/29/2006 )
Snake-Arm Robots From OCRobotics Reach Out
Nifty snake-arm joy-stick controlled robot can find its way into a variety of tight spaces.
(re: Various, 9/22/2006 )
Robot Skin Soft Like Yours
Artificial robot skin now smooth and soft, just like you've always dreamed robot skin would feel.
(re: Various, 9/20/2006 )
SwisTrack Swarm Analysis Of Robots And Roaches
Swarms need to be studied - this tool can be used on insects or robots.
(re: Various, 9/17/2006 )
Toyota Robot Leg Has Bird-Like Vertical Leap
Robotic leg achieves early NBA verticals, but its pretty good for a robot.
(re: Martin Caidin, 9/15/2006 )
Pipeline Explorer Untethered Robotic Snake
Amazing robotic pipeline inspection device is a real snakebot.
(re: Various, 9/6/2006 )
Robotic Carps Swims Realistically In London
Video of autonomous fishbot carp reveals fishlike robotic success.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 8/28/2006 )
Tachikoma Robot Jumping Spider Tank
They're cute! They're jumping spider killer robot tanks.
(re: Various, 8/28/2006 )
ARMAR Humanoid Robot For The Kitchen
Okay, Roomba and Scooba are doing the floors. Now, what about the dishes? That is up to ARMAR, the kitchen bot.
(re: William Gibson, 8/23/2006 )
WT-6 Waseda Talking Robot Head From Neuromancer
Japanese roboticists are working hard on the talking head from Neurmancer - the one that talks without synth chips.
(re: William Gibson, 8/23/2006 )
Ballbot Balancing Upright Robot
Cool robot balances on one uniball unipod spherical - well, you get the idea.
(re: George Lucas, 8/9/2006 )
Huggable Robotic Bear Companion From MIT
The lovable robot bear from Spielberg's A.I. is getting much closer, thanks to efforts of researchers at MIT.
(re: Brian Aldiss, 8/2/2006 )
Vecna BEAR Robot For Battlefield Extraction And Retrieval
Interesting new robot design could be useful for battlefield medical care and other military uses.
(re: Katsuhiro Otomo, 7/31/2006 )
R7 Ridable Robot
Neal Stephenson, among others, saw this one coming.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 7/23/2006 )
Robotic Fire Hose Anna Konda
Imagine a nine-foot long robotic snake full of water slithering to the rescue in a fire - that's Anna Konda.
(re: Connie Willis, 7/22/2006 )
ROBHAZ-DT3 Rescue Robot In Iraq
This variation on an awardwinning robot design will be used to support Korean troops in Iraq.
(re: Various, 7/4/2006 )
No Runts In BigDog Robot Litter
Watch out - those DARPA robots are running in packs now.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 6/29/2006 )
Robots Get More Sensitive Sensors
Nanoparticles help robots become more sensitive; thin films provide a sense of touch as good as yours.
(re: Various, 6/10/2006 )
NOROS-1 Chinese Italian Lunar Robot
Chinese and Italian researchers hard at work on a lunar exploration robot.
(re: Various, 5/28/2006 )
Asimov's First Law Of Robotics Real-Life Beta
Japan makes a serious effort to make sure robots first do no harm.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 5/25/2006 )
Octarms - Robotic Tentacle Bot From Mars!
A robotic tentacle funded by DARPA proves adept at manipulating irregularly shaped (ie natural) objects; just like the Tripod tentacles from War of the Worlds.
(re: H.G. Wells, 5/9/2006 )
Insbot Robot Cockroaches Make Friends And Influence... Roaches
Tiny robots with Dale Carnegie-style programming help scientists learn about animals that exhibit group behaviors.
(re: Raymond Z. Gallun, 5/9/2006 )
EveR-1 Korean Android And The Mechanical Bride
In his chilling 1954 story The Mechanical Bride, Fritz Leiber wrote about encounter with an extremely realistic female android.
(re: Fritz Leiber, 5/7/2006 )
Amazing Robot Wrestling
Amazing wrestling robots have a variety of great take-down moves.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 5/5/2006 )
Robot Turtle Madeline Flipper Science
Cool robo-turtle executes complex manuevers effortlessly due to its flipper controls.
(re: Various, 4/26/2006 )
Robot Nanny - The Fact, The Fiction
SF writers have been thinking about robot nannies (and other forms of automated child care) since at least WWII. This fall, Korea will have some in the home.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 4/11/2006 )
Tunnel Cam Robot
Okay, the tunnel cam is not the Mole, let alone Cave Carson's Mighty Mole. But I can dream, can I not?
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 4/4/2006 )
Filmmaking Robot Has Roving Artistic Vision
Can a robot make a better movie than the junk shown in your local megacineplex? Here's a filmmaking robot taking its best shot at art.
(re: Karen Traviss, 3/30/2006 )
Methanol-Powered Robot Muscles - Bend It Like Bender
Researchers working on better muscles for prosthetic devices accidentally stumble on Matt Groenings robot creation.
(re: Martin Caidin, 3/17/2006 )
Autotelematic Spider Bots
These spider bots are much friendlier looking than the killer-spider-robots seen earlier this week.
(re: Michael Crichton, 3/10/2006 )
RISE Robot: Six-Legged BIODYNOTICS Runaway
RISE robots from DARPA come uncomfortably close to the killer-spider-robots from a 1986 movie.
(re: Michael Crichton, 3/9/2006 )
Eco-Be! Mini Robot From Citizen
Tiny mechanical mouse-like robots straight out of the 1940's created from watch parts.
(re: Maurice A. Hugi, 3/7/2006 )
BigDog Quadruped Robot Update
Good progress on Ray Bradbury's mechanical hound from Fahrenheit 451.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 3/6/2006 )
AMouse: Bradbury's Robot Mice Get Real Whiskers
At last, Ray Bradbury's robotic cleaning mice are coming closer - this bot has real mouse whiskers.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 11/25/2005 )
T-Rot Thinking Robot Tends Bar, Chats
Finally, a real live bartending robot, who will mix and hand you your drink and listen to your troubles.
(re: Harry Harrison, 11/15/2005 )
IMPASS Robot Has Snow Crash 'Smart Wheels'
Neal Stephenson's smart wheels from Snow Crash are ready to move off the drawing board.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 11/3/2005 )
TMSUK Robot Carries Your Bags
John Brunner referred to an implementation of this idea that sounded like more fun.
(re: John Brunner, 10/29/2005 )
Robofish Autonomous Fish-bot At London Acquarium
Autonomous fish-bots based on the common carp are swimming free in the London Aquarium.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 10/24/2005 )
iRobot Scooba And Heinlein's 'Hired Girl' Robot
Heinlein thought of it - iRobot implemented it - it only took us fifty years to catch up to RAH (this time).
(re: Robert Heinlein, 10/7/2005 )
Robot English Teacher From KAIRA
A robotic english teacher is now being used in pilot programs in Seoul, Korea.
(re: James Blish, 10/3/2005 )
Chatty Tom Talking Bear From Tomy
Talking teddy bears? Harrison and Aldiss wrote about them in the sixties.
(re: Harry Harrison, 10/1/2005 )
Domo Robot: Unstructured Interaction Over Time
Designed specifically to interact with people in unstructred environments for long periods, not just short tasks.
(re: Issac Asimov, 9/25/2005 )
Maru Robot Networked Like I, Robot's NS5
The network-enabled robot has a bipedal, humanoid appearance; software is downloaded via the wireless Internet.
(re: Harry Harrison, 9/15/2005 )
The Robotic Blanket Project And The Hunting Robe
The robotic blanket interacts with users; the hunting robe traps them.
(re: Clifford Simak, 8/24/2005 )
TerminatorBot CRAWLER Gives Danger Two-Fingered Salute
A rescue robot modeled on the movie Terminator.
(re: James Cameron, 8/14/2005 )
Fighting MUSA Robot Unveiled (Kendo, Not Rock'em Sock'em)
The MUSA kendo robot is a logical extension of the traditional "mechanical" aids used for centuries in martial arts.
(re: Frank Herbert, 7/23/2005 )
Juke Bot Robot - Kuka Kicks It
If you are looking for industrial-grade techno music for your next party event, look no further than the Kuka Robotics-based Juke Bot.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 6/24/2005 )
Philip K. Dick Robot Unveiled At NextFest 2005
The eerie robotic Philip K. Dick unveiled today at the NextFest 2005 event in Chicago is almost an objectification of Dick's fascination with what really makes people human.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 6/24/2005 )
Robotic Bins, Benches Run Amok
A $261,000 display of robotic bins and benches with friendly personalities and roaming ways came to an abrupt end in Cambridge yesterday.
(re: Douglas Adams, 6/17/2005 )
Mini AERCam Robotic Space Vehicle
The nanosatellite-class spherical Mini AERCam (Miniature Autonomous Extravehicular Robotic Camera) is just 7.5 inches in diameter and weighs approximately 10 pounds.
(re: George Lucas, 6/17/2005 )
Lifelike Robot Repliee Q1 May Need Voight-Kampff Test
The ultra-lifelike robot Repliee Q1 made quite an impression at the 2005 World Expo in Japan.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 6/14/2005 )
HAL-5 Robot Suit
"Humans may be able to mutate into supermen in the near future," said Yoshiyuki Sankai, inventor of the HAL-5 robotic suit.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 6/12/2005 )
Self-Replicating Modular Robots
Cornell scientists have been working on machines that replicate themselves. Their strategy is to use small modules that attach to each other with electromagnets.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 5/11/2005 )
Snake Robot Roundup!
The snakebots are coming; slithering, grinding, undulating robots that slide on their bellies like a reptile across the Earth (and maybe other planets).
(re: Various, 4/23/2005 )
Snake Robot Roundup: Part Two
More snake robots - the Polybot-Based snakebot locomotion study and the OmniTread snakebot (most recent of its kind).
(re: Various, 4/22/2005 )
TETWalker: Shape-Shifting Robot Swarm
A tetrahedral walker, or TETWalker robot, was demonstrated recently at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center. This bot is a prototype member of an autonomous nanotechnology swarm that can alter their shape to flow smoothly over rocky terrain, or combine
(re: Neal Stephenson, 3/30/2005 )
Life Detector Robot To Find Life On Distant Worlds
Zoe, which was developed by Carnegie Mellon University, detects life by looking for natural fluorescence from cells that contain chlorophyll. The robot can also spray four special dyes on soil samples; they fluoresce only when they bind to one of fou
(re: Frank Herbert, 3/16/2005 )
Teddy Bear Robotic Companions
A plush robotic teddy bear sat on display at TechFest, a two-day Microsoft event that started today. Steven Bathiche, a research and development program manager, is looking to go beyond the bears you know.
(re: Harry Harrison, 3/3/2005 )
Dyson Intelligent Vacuum Cleaner Is Self-Diagnosing
James Dyson has added a new feature to his vacuum cleaners - they can tell service personnel exactly what the problem is. All you need to do is "phone home" - that is, call the service center.
(re: Arthur C. Clarke, 2/24/2005 )
Demolition Robots Help Destroy Building
Robots suspended from cranes will be used to demolish the structure of one of Madrid's tallest buildings. The building was damaged by fire; the ruined structure is too dangerous to be handled by human workers.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 2/23/2005 )
Rotundus And Rover: Robotic And Fictional Guardians (Updated)
The Rotundus robot is a rather unusual spherical bot that moves using an internal pendulum. The robot was originally designed for planetary exploration at the Ångström Space Technology Center, part of Uppsala University, Sweden.
(re: Niven and Pournelle, 2/14/2005 )
Sega idog Robot Puppy (Update)
Sega unleashed its newest creation in Tokyo; a robotic dog called idog that can compose, play and dance to music.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 1/28/2005 )
Throwbot - Pocket-Sized Recon Robot
Redstone Arsenal is developing the Throwbot, a soda can-sized robot to aid soldiers in quickly gathering more information about their immediate environment.
(re: Robert Silverberg, 1/26/2005 )
SWORDS - First Robots To Break Asimov's First Law Of Robotics
Next month, the US Army will be putting robot soldiers in the field in Iraq. The SWORDS robots are fully armed, and thus the first to break Asimov's Three Laws of Robotics.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 1/25/2005 )
ERNIE The Robot Pharmacist - More Accurate Than Humans
A robot pharmacist named ERNIE dispenses more than 90 percent of Evergreen Hospital Medical Center's drugs. ERNIE has packaged nearly 400,000 doses in the past nine months and works twenty-four hours per day.
(re: Larry Niven, 1/23/2005 )
ROKVISS Telepresence Robot Heading To Space Station
The ROKVISS robot will leave Earth aboard the Progress M-51 spaceship on December 24th. Russian cosmonaut Salizhan Sharipov and astronaut Leroy Chiao will install the German robot on the outside of the International Space Station.
(re: Niven/Pournelle, 12/15/2004 )
Robotic Fish From China
A robotic fish designed for underwater archaeology, mapping, water cultivation and even fishing has been co-developed by the Beijing University of Aeronautics and Astronautics.
(re: Michael Swanwick, 12/8/2004 )
Robotic Tomato Harvester Ready For Space
Astronauts on space missions are busy - too busy to tend the hydroponic gardens that will keep them alive on long trips to distant worlds, or on the surface of the Moon or Mars. So, NASA has developed a robotic tomato harvester to pitch in and bring
(re: Gregory Benford, 12/2/2004 )
White Box Robotics 'Apache' - More Punch Than R2D2
New concept robot from White Box Robotics - the Apache is just the thing to guard the presents under your tree this year.
(re: George Lucas, 11/15/2004 )
Spray: First Underwater Autonomous Vehicle To Cross Gulf Stream
A small self-propelled ocean glider named Spray is the first underwater autonomous vehicle (UAV) to cross the Gulf Stream underwater.
(re: Irwin Allen, 11/6/2004 )
White Box Robotics 912 - Hackable Home Robot
The White Box Robotics 912 is a rugged, all-purpose, hack-it-yourself robot - just like R2D2.
(re: George Lucas, 10/27/2004 )
Dragon Runner Robot Always Lands On Its Feet
Enough about dog-like robots - the more feline Dragon Runner always lands on its feet.
(re: Ray Bradbury, 10/13/2004 )
HOAP-2 Robot Masters Sumo And Linux. RoboShiko!
This robot performs moves from the Chinese martial art taijiquan; it also does Sumo wrestling stances. All that and it's Linux-based!
(re: Roger Zelazny, 10/12/2004 )
RFID To Fight Entropy In The Home
Fortunately, minute RFID tags attached to everything you own will be used by household robots to identify a place for everything and put everything in its place.
(re: Jetsons, 10/6/2004 )
Boudreaux - Extra Vehicular Activity Robotic Assistant
It seems that mankind has always sought the companionship of a faithful canine, particularly when venturing into unexplored lands.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 10/1/2004 )
Biomimetic Robot Animals - Not All Are Cute
Sure, they've got robot lobsters, elephant trunks and even big dogs. But what about robotic lamprey parasites?
(re: Philip K. Dick, 9/24/2004 )
Hydraulic Robo-Slab
Made from Brotonium a practically indestructible space metal, the Brotron Robo-Slab comes equip with; a seven ton magnetic field restraint, a 50THz decontamination lamp, a variable 6000 rpm bone saw, TIG welding arm. and a push button remote for tilt
(re: Larry Niven, 9/6/2004 )
Robot Crab: Crustacean Clockwork Automata
This robot crab is more clockwork than automata, but be sure to see the cool and menacing video.
(re: William Gibson, 9/5/2004 )
Cockroach-Controlled Mobile Robot
Garnet Hertz has created a cockroach-controlled mobile robot. A hybrid biorobotic system, the robot consists of a mechanical system that amplifies and translates the bodily movements of a live giant hissing Madagascar cockroach.
(re: Vernor Vinge, 8/30/2004 )
Secom Robot X Security Guard Works For Less
The Secom Robot X security guard, which can be controlled remotely or pre-programmed, will not be sold to customers; it will replace human security guards for half the cost.
(re: Philip K. Dick, 8/27/2004 )
GRACE Robot Specializes In Etiquette And Protocol
GRACE is a robot created by researchers from Carnegie Mellon, the Naval Research Lab, Swarthmore College and others to enter the AAAI Robot Challenge.
(re: George Lucas, 7/25/2004 )
Soft Robot Powered By Shape Memory Alloy Spokes
A remarkable new kind of robotic locomotion has emerged in the form of small "robots" that are constructed in the shape of a wheel. The spokes are made of a shape memory alloy; the rim of the wheel is made of an elastic polymer.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 7/3/2004 )
Robots Get Pressure-Sensitive Skin
Organic field-effect transistors have been used to fabricate pressure-sensitive skin for robots, according to an abstract published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences this week.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 7/2/2004 )
Micromouse Robot Builders Seek The Brass Cheese
The UK Micromouse 2004 Championship will be held on June 19th; tiny autonomouse (sorry about that) robot mice race to solve a 16x16 maze.
(re: Greg Bear, 6/2/2004 )
Robonaut Performs Hubble Space Telescope Repair Tasks
Robonaut is a dexterous humanoid telepresence robot developed by NASA. The intent of the project is to have an "EVA astronaut equivalent" on station in space.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 5/28/2004 )
Teleo-Reactive Programs Are Reaching Their Goals
Teleo-Reactive Programs (TRPs) help robots and other machine intelligences achieve goals, not just specific behaviors.
(re: Roger Zelazny, 5/24/2004 )
Robbie The Robot And His Creator Robert Kinoshita
Robert Kinoshita, creator of Robby the Robot, will speak in Hollywood, California at the Hollywood Heritage Museum.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 5/18/2004 )
InTouch Companion: Medical Rounding Robot
InTouch Health is now leasing a remote-controlled telepresence robot called The Companion to hospitals and nursing homes nationwide. The 200 pound robots stand about five feet tall and have computer screens for "heads."
(re: Peter Watts, 5/9/2004 )
ThereminVision Sensor: Robot Proximity Detection
ThereminVision is a robotic sensing system that uses the same basic principle as the world's first electronic musical instrument, the Theremin.
(re: William Gibson, 5/3/2004 )
Robotic Safety Barrels: Smart Traffic Cones
Robotic Safety Barrels (RSBs) developed by Shane Farritor may be the kind of smart traffic cones that can save many lives and $100 billion per year in losses due to accidents and delays on U.S. highways.
(re: Bruce Sterling, 4/29/2004 )
Koolio: Autonomous Refrigerator Robot
Professors work hard - and they deserve refreshment. At the Machine Intelligence Lab at Benton Hall at the University of Florida, they are served by Koolio, the autonomous refrigerator Robot.
(re: Harry Harrison, 4/22/2004 )
RAFFE Helps Remote Mobile Investigator Gather Fingerprints
The Pedsco RMI robot, used for remote handling of explosive devices and other hazardous materials, now has the ability to gather fingerprints. Good news for the humans who might otherwise perform this task.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 4/20/2004 )
Roomba's Brother PackBot
iRobot's Roomba cleans up around the house - their PackBot helps soldiers clean up on the battlefield, doing duty as HAZMAT assistant, targeting aid, and bomb discovery droid.
(re: Karel Capek, 4/14/2004 )
COTS Scout: Team Building Robot
The COTS Scout robot is learning to play well with others - and to work as part of a search and rescue team.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 4/12/2004 )
Tmsuk T52 Enryu Support Dragon Hyper Rescue Robot
Enryu, a telefactoring rescue robot capable of lifting steel girders and tearing the doors off cars, was demonstrated to the press yesterday.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 3/26/2004 )
RobotCop III - Not Quite R. Daneel Olivaw
In his classic 1953 robot story Caves of Steel, Isaac Asimov teamed a human detective with a robotic one - R. Daneel Olivaw. Hong Kong has been testing robotic police officers for years, and has now introduced RobotCop III.
(re: Isaac Asimov, 3/11/2004 )
DARPA's BigDog Robot And Bradbury's Mechanical Hound
In his chilling 1953 novel Fahrenheit 451, Ray Bradbury created the mechanical hound, a robot that accompanied the firemen and helped with their work... DARPA has made a multi-million dollar investment in the soldier of the future's best friend - Big
(re: Ray Bradbury, 3/10/2004 )
BLEEX: Robotic Exoskeleton Making Strides
The Berkeley Lower Extremity Exoskeleton (BLEEX), a DARPA robotics engineering project that is designed to help foot soldiers carry more supplies for longer distances, was demonstrated in California earlier this week.
(re: Robert Heinlein, 3/6/2004 )
Musclebot: Microrobot with a Heart
A microrobot designed by microengineer Carlos Montemagno walks with the aid of living heart muscle at the University of California, Los Angeles.
(re: Jack Vance, 2/27/2004 )
StratoSail & Altair: Mars Robot Balloons
StratoSail, a NASA-funded robotic balloon with a wing, and Altair, a Welsh robotic balloon, may hold the key to future Mars exploration.<
(re: Larry Niven, 2/11/2004 )
Feral Robotic Dogs Run in Packs
A pack of cooperative robotic dogs wired at Yale have been put to work sniffing for arsenic, lead and other pollutants in soil around schools and homes.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 2/6/2004 )
Robotic Bird Has USAF Flocking
A prototype of a small robotic bird created from carbon fiber composites and Mylar has the U.S. Airforce flocking nearby for a closer look.
(re: Greg Bear, 1/31/2004 )
Bees Key To Cooperative Robots
How can robots learn cooperative behavior, and learn to work with each other? Automated analysis of the movements of honeybees may provide the answer.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 12/12/2003 )
Epson uFR Micro Flying Robot
Epson announced today that it has developed the uFR Micro Flying Robot, a prototype using micromechatronics (hey - and you were looking for a new-word-for-the-day) technology.
(re: Neal Stephenson, 11/18/2003 )

 

 

 

 

 

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