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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]

According to a news release over at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI), a vessel (loaded with a few robotic submersibles) will soon be headed to the Arctic to search for signs of life on what WHOI dubs “…the seafloor of the world’s most isolated ocean.” The Swedish icebreaker Oden will serve as the transportation for a 30-member research team and a trio of new autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) developed for the mission: the Jaguar (pictured), the Puma and the CAMPER.

The 40-day mission — officially called the Arctic Gakkel Vents Expedition (AGAVE) begins on July 1st. One wonders if the WHOI folks anticipated a mission acronym that reminds people of tequila (which is created from the fermented sap of a blue agave plant) more than deep-water hydrothermal vent research, but I digress.

The Chief Scientist of the mission is WHOI geophysicist Robert Reves-Sohn, who summarized the focus of the mission in this comment from the news release:

“This is an exciting opportunity to explore and study a portion of Earth’s surface that has been largely inaccessible to science,” said Reves-Sohn. “Any biological habitats at hydrothermal vent fields along the Gakkel Ridge have likely evolved in isolation for tens of millions of years. We may have the opportunity to lay eyes on completely new life forms that have been living in the abyss beneath the Arctic ice pack.”

Kidding about the mission acronym aside, this expedition looks like a promising use of robotic technology to help researchers unlock the secrets of life in extreme environments, which could have numerous benefits for robotic exploration in other areas. NASA and the National Science Foundation (NSF) must agree, as both are contributing significant amounts of funding for the program. (Source: WHOI) – [Jeff James]

[Update: Click here to view the WALL-E Trailer] – Over the years we’ve seen a bundle of robot films, from the adaptation of Isaac Asimov’s I, Robot, the Terminator series, and the forgettable Short Circuit films. An upcoming film about a robot uprising (starring Shrek-star Mike Meyers) is also in the works.

One of the most promising new films may be WALL-E, a new Pixar animated film slated for release in June 2008. TIME Magazine drops a few hints about the flick in its June 18th issue that presents this summary: “The year is 2700. WALL• E, a robot, spends every day doing what he was made for. But soon, he will discover what he was meant for.”

This sounds a bit like the “exploited robot seeks freedom” storyline we’ve seen elsewhere, but you have to admit that Pixar’s track record is phenomenal. Mark your calendars, as this one will likely be worth a trip to the local super-uber-megaplex to see on the big screen. (Source: TIME Magazine, /FILM) – [Jeff James]

My late grandfather owned a chicken coop, which regularly produced a few dozen yellow, fluffy chicks every year or so. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to spend much time around baby chickens, you’ll notice a few things:

Cuddly? Check. Yellow? Check. Cute? Check. Prone to crap on everything in sight and make a mess of your easter clothes? Unfortunately, a smelly check there as well.

Now Japanese toy maker Sega has developed a range of robotic baby chickens that remove the messy bits and retain the furry, cuddly parts of these popular critters. According to Reuters, the little gadgets will wiggle their wings and peep when stroked. They don’t do much else, but it’s obvious that the appeal of fuzzy little robots endures. Check out some additional Reuters photos and some video as well. (Source: Reuters) – [Jeff James]

If you’re a Mecha/BattleTech fan who is eagerly looking forward to the day when giant walking robots are stomping about the ravaged battlefields of a post-apocalyptic earth, your dream came just one tiny step (or more accurately: a few stumbling, rattling steps) closer to fruition.

As shown on YouTube, an enterprising Japanese inventor has managed to build a functional walking ‘mech-type vehicle, complete with gasoline engine and joystick power. The vehicle doesn’t exactly walk — it moves by sliding its feet forward, shuddering and shaking with each step (sort of like everyone’s crazy Uncle Larry during his first go-round at the local skating rink).

It’s also armed with a gatling gun and an autocannon, both powered by compressed air and able to launch balls at nearby targets. The inventor is obviously preparing the vehicle to help defend the Earth from hostile takeover by pixelated aliens, as the target shown in the video is plastered with the blocky antagonist from the Space Invaders game.

All kidding aside, this is one impressive creation. Granted, it’s a bit wobbly and shaky, but if a few dedicated Japanese Mecha fans can build something like this, what could the Pentagon and DARPA do with a few $Billion and 10-20 years of development?  (Source: YouTube) – [Jeff James]

It isn’t a robot per se — it has more in common with a Kleenex box than any autonomous creation — but I couldn’t let this one pass by.

According to a post over at Far East Gizmos, this friendly fellow — dubbed the Hero — is hand-made from fibreboard and other conventional bits. Opening his belly reveals a storage area (with two moveable shelves) for various items, but the real purpose of the product is to dispense toilet or tissue paper from his smiling maw. The Far East Gizmos post indicates that the Hero is available in three colors (shown above) for around US $195. (Source: Far East Gizmos) – [Jeff James]

The ubiquitous Energizer bunny — who has obviously been going, going and going for some time now — has teamed up with the LEGO Group to offer Mindstorms NXT purchasers a special offer this holiday season.

During the month of December, LEGO and Energizer have joined forces to offer a free NXT Power Pack  – which includes a light sensor, a tounch sensor and an 8-pack of Energizer e2 Lithium batteries — simply for providing proof of purchase of a new Mindstorms NXT set purchased between December 1 and December 31 from the following retailers:

• Amazon.com
• Apple – Apple.com
• Best Buy – BestBuy.com
• CompUSA – CompUSA.com
• eToys.com
• Target – Target.com
• Toys “R” Us – ToysRUs.com
• Wal-Mart -Wal-Mart.com

Purchased separately the items would be worth about $50, so prospective NXT purchasers may want to check this one out. Visit the NXT Power Pack site for more info and a downloadable offer form. (Source: LEGO Group) – [Jeff James]

^{photo: © Energizer}

When you first hear the phrase underwater logging, you may think of underwater basket-weaving, that often joked about imaginary college course. Unlike the weaving of baskets, however, harvesting lumber underwater has proven to be a viable (and profitable) business for Triton Logging, a Canadian forestry equipment firm.

Many trees are submerged in dams and reservoirs, and Triton developed a unique robotic tool to handle the work of cutting and retreiving the wood: the Sawfish. According to Triton, the Sawfish is the world’s only deep-water logging machine and combines “…proven elements from timber-harvesting and submarine vehicle technology on an innovative platform.”

Operating by remote control, the Sawfish is maneuvered into position to grasp a viable piece of lumber. An airbag is attached and inflated above the cut point, then the sawfish cuts the timber. The log (with airbag attached) shoots to the surface, where it can be easily harvested.

Check out this Globe and Mail story (or Triton Logging) for more information on this impressive machine. (Source: Triton Logging) – [Jeff James]

^{photos: © Triton Logging}

^{photo: © Tamiya}

Like many American males, I spent a few years of my youth pining for an authentic Rock’Em Sock ‘Em Robots punching game. While the only thing robotic about the set was the blocky demeanor of the molded-plastic pugilists, it was good fun. Seriously, what’s not to like about robots beating each other into their component bits? That’s why Tamiya’s Boxing Fighter Battle Set recently caught my eye.

This set has a bit more credibility in the robotics department than the Mattel classic, as it relies on two remote-controlled pugilists equipped with gearboxes and motors. Using a two-stick remote you can order your robotic George Foreman to grill you a burger punch and jab while turning and moving forwards and backwards. There’s also a “judging plate” that lowers each time you’ve landed a good punch on your opponent’s kisser — multiple hits drop the plate completely and prove that you’ve won the match, eliminating the need to engage in an infinite shouting loop of “I won!” “You cheated!” with your boxing mate.

You can order the set for around $60 direct from the Tamiya online store, or Google your way to another vendor that sells one. (Source: Tamiya) – [Jeff James]

While the pioneering iRobot Roomba has managed to keep the shag carpet and hardwood floors of thousands of homes clean and lint-free, iRobot’s Scooba robotic floor washer has attempted to achieve the same level of domestic success.

Michael Kanellos over at CNET News.com recently posted an in-depth review of his experiences with the Scooba, a write-up that is well worth a read – be sure to check out the images and video clips as well. (Source: CNET News.com) – [Jeff James]