Very Exclusive Gadgets & Gizmos

If a human trainer does not cut it for you, then a robot trainer might give you the much needed push to stick to your fitness regimen. Intuitive Automata, a Hong Kong startup, is all set to launch Autom, a 15-inch-tall robot that helps you stick to your diet. The conversing robot will talk you through a personalized diet using its LCD touchscreen and will track your progress to help you achieve your fitness goals.

Imagine if you were to chop off Johnny Five’s head and put him on your dashboard. I realize that sounds gruesome, and I’m sure someone actually did that at the end of the original Short Circuit, but just imagine that cute little head on your dash having loving expressions, and showing you the way to go home.

This Ultimate Buzz Lightyear is a advanced remote-controlled robot, and measures 16" in height which is one of the largest Buzz Lightyear toys on the market, is slightly taller than actual movie size(12"). It is programmable and it is features can via remote control to control its hands head, arms, and legs, and with multiple smart-sensors for sound and motion detection.

With a name like the SRV-1 Blackfin Mobile Surveillance Robot you’re expecting something Ninja right? Something that makes Aibo look like the Barbie mutt that he is. Well disappointment is not your companion dear friend, because this baby has it all. Built-in web server, browser control, live feed video camera and a full suite of open source Java console code to let you do geek things that will frighten the neighbours. Supports Linux, WiFi and a four hour re-charge. Delicious! $474.99.

If you are going to build a robot that looks human, why not make it into a fashion model? This is exactly what Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology did when they unveiled the HRP-4C.

As you can see, it is 5 foot tall, weighs about 95 pounds, but I don’t know her bust/waist/hips measurements. They made her to look lifelike, and I thought she was real at first glance. She reminds me of Faith from the Mirror’s Edge video game.

I’ve never really understood this fascination with robotic arms, and this Edge Robotic Arm Kit doesn’t help. Why arms? Why not, say, legs? Or Robotic Torsos? Or Robotic Kneecaps? Doesn’t make sense. Sure, I know you can shake hands with the thing, and get it to mash peas and stuff, but still. Just a teeny bit creepy if you ask me. Which you didn’t. $49.99.

You’ve never had a pet, or a toy, like this. The Sakadachi Lucky Puppy from Sega Toys responds to 13 different voice commands—not only the basics like “come” and “lie down,” but also “sing” and “headstand.” The headstand is Sakadachi Lucky’s signature move, as sakadachi is the Japanese word for “headstand.” The clever toy dog can also bark Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

Takara Tomy is one of those rare companies that tend to impress with each release of its product, and the same applies to the latest addition to its stable of robots - the robo-Q. This bipedal robot is extremely small, measuring no larger than your thumb, and yet it possesses enough intelligence to receive and interpret commands from a remote control. The brilliant folks at Takara Tomy have even thrown in obstacle recognition software so that it is able to get around without tripping over all too often.

From the Edo Period of Japanese history, the Karakuri Ningyo mechanical dolls are famous for being ahead of their time. Now you can have a unique version of your own with the Karakuri Tea Serving Robot DIY kit from Gakken…Including all the pieces you need plus English instructions, the Tea Serving Robot is completely automated to carry your tea when placed on the tray, and then serve with a bow.

The Anybot telepresence robot is a videophone with a bit of a difference. The screen and phone are incorporated into a 2 wheeled human sized robot.

Like a Segwat the Anybot uses the same sort of technology to always remain upright even when bending (I’m guessing this is so it can look down on your minions even when you’re away from the office).

It has a top speed of 6 MPH, a built in laser pointer (maybe a gun in later versions), 2 cameras and full duplex audio. It’s a cool idea but somewhat big brotherish IMO.