If you were Google, what would you do with an autonomous, camera-equipped quadrotor? Google, who is Google, must have a pretty good idea (or ideas), since they’ve bought their own Microdrone, which (last time we checked) costs somewhere in the neighborhood of $60k. According to the German publication Wirtschaftswoche, Microdrones GmbH says that their UAVs “are superbly suited to deliver more up-to-date recordings for mapping service Google Earth,” although that may just be a potential use that they’re suggesting as opposed to what Google is actually planning. Still, it’s kinda fun to think about… Like, it might be possible for Google to deliver a live version of Google Earth, at least over a small area, using a Microdrone (or a network of microdrones!) and a georeferenced live video network link. Or they could be doing something entirely different. The point is, I guess, that the Microdrone offers a way to collect data that is pretty much limited only by the imagination of the user, and Google has proven to be pretty creative when it comes to collecting and deploying imagery. So now that they have one, the sky’s the limit. Or rather, it isn’t. [ Microdrones GmbH ] VIA [ Blogoscoped ]

Yep, it’s yet another thing that robots can do that I can’t do. At least the skills of this Gifu robot hand, programmed by the Cognitive Interaction Technology center at Bielefield University, aren’t totally beyond human abilities… Not yet, anyway. [ Neuroinformatics @ Bielefeld University ]

Alex over at Trossen Robotics writes, “Our intern Jennero Rossi has been working diligently on his very first short documentary to give a first hand look into the world of robotics. We’re hoping that people who are interested in learning about robotics could find this video inspirational and see that they don’t need a PhD to start getting involved.” Not that you should underestimate the knowledge, skill, and ingenuity of robot builders, but you shouldn’t let the fact that it’s robotics intimidate you, either. As several people in the video point out, a lot has changed in a very short time, and robotics is easier to get started with now than it’s ever been before. Go to an event. Take a class. Join a club. Buy a kit. Before you know it, you’ll have your very own mechanical minion with which to enslave and/or destroy humanity. It’ll be fun, I promise! [ Trossen Robotics ]

That’s not my headline. That’s JPL’s headline. And when JPL talks about something busting a move, you know it’s gonna be good. This robot is called ATHLETE (All-Terrain Hex-Limbed Extra-Terrestrial Explorer), and although we first wrote about it over two years ago, it’s great to see an update. This latest version of ATHLETE actually consists of two entirely independent three-limbed robots that attach to each side of a cargo pallet and then operate as a single system. The wheels may look small, but ATHLETE is designed to traverse pretty much any terrain on Earth (or any other planet); if its wheels get stuck, it just uses its limbs and starts to walk. The limbs also function as arms: on the inside of each axle is a quick-disconnect adapter that can select a tool off of the base of the robot to let it do things like sample collection or even construction. Look for ATHLETEs in the near future (let’s hope) on the lunar or Martian surface, helping to unload and transport cargo over challenging terrain. [ ATHLETE ]

There must be a fundamental perceptual difference when it comes to robots in Japan (as opposed to robots in the rest of the world), because there seems to be a tendency there to at times more or less totally ignore the whole Uncanny Valley issue that we get so hung up on around here. Take Telenoid R1, for example: Maybe it’s just me, but that robot has horror movie written all over it. The idea behind the design of Telenoid R1 makes a lot of sense: the robot is intended for remote telepresence and communication, and as such, it’s supposed to distill a human form into just the essential communicative elements. So, you’ve got a face that’s intended to be featureless and asexual, stumpy little arm things, and a soft torso with no legs. But like, even though it makes sense from a rather academic point of view, you’ve still got to take a few steps back and say, “okay, but does this really work for people?” Telenoid R1 comes from Hiroshi Ishiguro, whom you probably remember for his not quite as creepy Geminoid F. Inside, it’s got 9 actuators that will mimic the arm, face, and head motions of the user who’s communicating through the robot (via a motion-capture webcam). I’m not sure, though, that the Telenoid R1 will actually enable users to “feel as if an acquaintance in the distance is next to you” as the developers assert… But in any case, it is going on sale: expect to pay $34k for the research version, and $8k for a general purpose version. Video, after the jump. [ Telenoid ] VIA [ IEEE ] and [ Robonoble ]

WowWee is continuing to release inexpensive robot toys, and unlike many of their previous offerings (with the obvious and excellent exception of the Rovio), the new Roboscooper actually might have some sort of practical application. Sort of. If you want things that weigh about an ounce lifted up and carted around. Here’s what Roboscooper can do: * Scoops objects up automatically when in autonomous mode, or when controlled by the included remote * Nimble. Has six wheels allowing it easy traversal over most terrain * Multi-directional mobility * Funny phrases and sound effects * Sensors in his hands allow it to detect objects in front of it on the floor and pick them up, or knock them around * Obstacle avoidance This is the robot that picks up objects at your command and loads them onto its cargo bed, emptying contents at your preferred location. The remote drives the robot left, right, forward, and backward–with skidding sounds for stops and beeps when in reverse–allowing you to nudge it into place for picking up small, 1 oz. items such as balls, toys, or socks with its two articulated arms and hands. It can also operate autonomously using its four infrared “eyes” that seek and detect objects within its 8 – 12? sight range while it announces “Let’s get to work!” Once an object is secured, the robot’s torso pivots to deposit an object into its cargo bay; it dumps contents by vibrating to dislodge objects from the bay, adding “one step closer to a cleaner world.” Completely aware of its environment, it informs you when an object is either too large or fixed with “too heavy for me” and “uh… a little help, please” if it gets stuck. It can also issue beefy, two-handed slaps to objects when set into “whack” […]