Nxtbot.com

Timed to coincide with the release of the new Simpsons movie, a Homer Simpson-skinned version of Wowwee’s Robosapien toy has just been sighted trampling Springfield in various gadget shops on the Internet. It appears that the product is primarily available in the UK, as I’ve yet to find a North American shop that’s selling one.

Regardless, Homersapien features a bevy of features that Simpsons fans should recognize. Here’s an excerpt from a product description over at UK-based retailer Gadgetshop:

With 67 new pre-programmed functions, Homersapien can pick up objects, throw objects, kick objects and dance around the room as well as the more expected “Homerisms” such as belching, snoring, farting, and the classic Homer “Doh!” – he’s even programmed with a number of Kung Fu moves! Homersapien is pre-programmed with catchphrases galore taken from all manner of shows from various series’ and even has his own Krusty Burger cup which he holds so dear.

Now that everyone’s favorite underachieving (albeit lovable) slacker had been roboticized, will he go the way of Futurama’s Bender and turn to the consumption of alcohol for energy? Or perhaps the Asahi beer-bot can be modded to dispense Duff-brand beer? Regardless, it’s clear that Homer has more technical wherewithal than we’ve previously given him credit for. (Source: Gadgetshop) [- Jeff James]

Since iRobot decided to release its iRobot Create do-it-yourself robot kit, robotics fans everywhere have been brainstorming the possibilities of what they could concoct with this relatively affordable Scooba/Roomba device. And, it sparked at least one challenge sponsored by Tom’s Hardware, the iRobot Create Challenge.

Just what is that challenge? Well, they “threw down the gauntlet” (in their own words) to Roomba hackers around the globe a short while back, prodding them to get involved in iRobot’s contest, which ended June 30, to come up with the most remarkable robot possible with the Create platform. Booty for the winner is the tidy sum of $5,000.

Since that time, ideas, submissions and accomplishments have been coming in and the folks at Tom’s Hardware decided to share a few of the more public ones with its readers (some contestants are staying tight-lipped on their creations). Among the offerings are iRobots that play tennis, scan homes for intruders, recreate art or digital photos, assist people with disabilities and, surely one of the best, a robotic pooper scooper (provided it’s not too proactive in its duties). For the full scoop, check out Tom’s Hardware and the iRobot Create Challenge forums. (Source: Tom’s Hardware) – [Chuck Miller]