The Japanese consumer robotics industry is — in many ways — a few years ahead of the rest of the world. The unveiling of Akazawa’s new PLEN robot serves to underscore that point.
As reported over at Digital World Tokyo, the PLEN is a humanoid robot that comes equipped with a pair of roller skates. The little guy can reportedly skate on his own power for 25 minutes or so, as well as perform a number of other impressive tasks. Akazawa has an online order form here, although the DWT post mentions that only 50 units are being produced initially.
We came across a short YouTube video of the PLEN in action on a skateboard, cruising on roller skates and lugging a red ball. Check out the original DWT story for more information. (Source: Digital World Tokyo, Akazawa) – [Jeff James]
Sounds very, very cool, although I’d like to know whether they can recharge themselves, or I’ll have to get two and teach them to change each other batteries.
I want to get one of these but they’re limited and are around $2000 but it seems worth it. I wonder if you can teach it to ice skate as well?
Paul NeoStormer (Owner and founder of Neostormer.co.nr)