Big Robots as Big Robots

Over the years, I've noticed that folks have a certain fascination with big robots. There are, of course, many examples in video games, anime, manga and toys like Mazinger Z, Gundam, Robotech and Mechwarrior. However, in my net surfing over the years, I've noticed a number of fictional "big robots" that have been realized as...well...big robots. (Okay, they're really just big sculptures, but nonetheless...) The above picture is "Travelling Man" by Reel FX Creative Studio created for a Dallas train station.

The following is my list:

Mazinger Z in Tarragona, Spain:
Gundam in Odaiba, Tokyo:


Tetsujin in Kobe, Tokyo:

Bumblebee by Transformers fan Tim Rhodes in California

Big Dog--- Science Fiction becomes Science Fact

Science Fiction

Science Fact

The very clever folks over at Boston Dynamics are well on their way to making an agile robotic quadraped. Of course, they're doing it with a government grant to help make a robotic pack animal that is more like a mule than a dog in its usefulness to troops. Sound improbable? Check out this set of videos:
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=big+dog+robot&aq=f

While you're at it, check out this spoof:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VXJZVZFRFJc

Imagine riding to work on a robotic horse that can go 50 miles per hour. It can happen.

Interactive R2-D2

I have to say that one of the most impressive personal(ahem..."toy") robots on the market is without a doubt the Interactive R2-D2 by Hasbro. When I first saw one sitting on a shelf in the clearance aisle at Toys Rus years ago, I was skeptical. I now have one, and am a skeptic no longer. I t is the closest thing to having a real R2-D2 that you could imagine. It is a must have for anyone who loves robots.

I think the most impressive thing is that the Interactive R2-D2 has no controller. The controller is you; the voice recognition is the best that I've ever seen in a "toy." The obvious goal of the brilliant creators was to create the feeling that you really owned and were interacting with a working thinking R2-D2. Games, music, dancing...R2 will even follow you.

The toy came on the market years ago in 2002, and then quickly vanished. Then ebay prices soured to about $400 or so for used ones as they became more and more rare. Then sudenly...bam, they were re-issued. In fact you can get one today. (Try Amazon for good prices. (Reliable retailer.))

R2 comes with 5 secret (not in the manual) commands:

1) The "Follow Me" easter egg can be activated by saying "Follow Me" in Companion Mode. R2 will then follow you if you walk slowly.
2) The "Come Here" secret feature is activated by saying "Come Here" in Companion Mode. R2 will use his heat sensor to attempt to locate you. Sit still.
3) Ask both 'Do you remember Darth Vadar?' and 'Do you rememberAnakin?' in any order and your R2 will do the imperial march.
4) When asked 'Do you remember Darth Vadar?' and 'Do you remember Han Solo?' and 'Do you
remember Chewbacca?' in any order R2 will do the throne scene.
5) If R2's laser light is on & you tap him on the head 3 times R2 will tango.


Click on the image below for another reliable online retailer that sells them:

First Post-- Robot News and So Forth and So On

Okay, so I'm a bit of a robot fan boy. (I suppose it all started with R2-D2 and C-3Po on the big screen when I was a child. )

This blog is intended to cover interesting robot news in a sort of light hearted spirit.