:::ROBOTIS:::

[BIOLOID] DUROYAL COMMERCIAL IN TAIWAN

2010-08-09T16:57:39+09:00

http://www.duroyal.com.tw

Duroyal, an ice cream company in Taiwan, did a summer commercial using the Bioloid Premium Kit (Humanoid).

The company gave out 10 Bioloid Premium Kits as a gift for crunch pie buyers, to those who had a stick that had “"曠世小子機器人" written on it. The robot plays the role of Caesar in the commercial.

Attached Multimedia

Click below to visit Duroyal’s website.

http://www.duroyal.com.tw/bioloid/index.html

[POPULAR SCIENCE] The Loneliest Humanoid in America

2010-08-05T11:01:24+09:00

[POPULAR SCIENCE]

The Loneliest Humanoid in America

[ See Original Article] CLICK

Walking, self-contained, adult-size robots are commonplace in robotics labs in Japan and South Korea, but there’s only one made here. Why are we falling behind?

By Jacob Ward Posted 07.20.2010 at 1:02 pm

Byoungsoo Kim is the founder and CEO of the Seoul-based company Robotis, which produces off-the-shelf parts for use in robotics systems, including CHARLI-L. Kim believes that an open-source community working on a standardized platform could transform American robotics the way open-source development has transformed computing. Without that community, he says, “the robot itself is nothing. The software is what’s important.”

Let’s assume that someday you will have, in your home, a humanoid robot helper. The robot, because it’s shaped like you, can use your tools and move easily around your house. It folds the laundry, it helps your elderly mother up the stairs, and on Sundays it makes brunch for the family. It’s capable of handling almost any household chore you can throw at it.

Now let’s imagine that you’re out on the lawn, kicking a ball around with your son. Your robot helper is in another part of the yard, its back to you both, fixing a drainpipe. Your son misses a kick, and the ball winds up a few feet from the robot. “Hey, robot!” you shout. “A little help?” The robot turns in place, spots the ball, walks over, and kicks it back to you. The game resumes.

Continued...

[ See Original Article] CLICK

[ICRA 2010] DYNAMIXEL will move on

2010-05-07T14:40:23+09:00

Dear Valued Customers,

Thank you for visiting our booth at ICRA 2010 in Alaska, USA.

ROBOTIS had chance to meet face-to-face with great robotics scientists

who have been using our products for their research and education.

In addition to basic display of DYNAMIXEL function & application in our booth,

National Instruments showed how to program & control Mini-Hubo by LABView

and Prof. Sven Behnke from Univ of Bonn presented a special demonstration of

DYNAMAID, a home service robot.

Overall, we had great time listening to our customers' feedback

and talking about the future development of DYNAMIXEL.

DYNAMIXEL will move on, because your success is our goal.

See you again at ICRA 2011 in Shanghi, China.

[TechSupport] Got Questions? We have Answers!

2010-05-04T05:14:29+09:00

Dear Valued Customer,

ROBOTIS proudly announces official release of Online TechSupport Center.

There were so many Q&As, e-mails and phonecalls rushing everyday,

And now, you can have the most up-to-date technical information from anywhere, any time.

(http://support.robotis.com)

At TechSupport, you can get almost every information you need for utilizing our product.

Thank you for choosing ROBOTIS, we'd be happy to support your project.

**** Copyright Notice:

All text, photos, graphics, artwork and other material on the ROBOTIS TechSupport are copyrighted

and may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.

[OLLO] Kids Tech Review

2010-04-08T09:18:14+09:00

Review: OLLO Construction Kits

Written on Mar 15, 2010 by RuthJS and filed under Featured, Reviews, Robotis

Some of the coolest toys I found at Toy Fair were the OLLO construction kits. They resemble a cross between an Erector® set and K’nex® with some LEGO® mixed in for good measure. Currently, there are just three sets available in the USA at three levels of sophistication and at three price points. But, this is a good start, and I see this toy becoming a real hit.

OLLO Figure and Action Kits

Overview

The OLLO line was created by Robotis, a robotic technology innovator from Korea who focuses on robotic learning at all levels, from the very simple (OLLO) to the extremely complex (BIOLOID). OLLO is brand new to the US market and is poised to make a significant splash in the tech toy space here.

Currently, three OLLO sets are being marketed in the US: Figure, Action, and Bug. The figure set is recommended for ages 7+, retails around $20, and contains basic building pieces with no robotics. The Action set is recommended for ages 8+, retails for around $30, and contains building bits along with a basic motor powered by one AA battery. The Bug set is recommended for ages 12+, retails around $100 and adds a remote control, object detection, and it can follow a dark line drawn on the ground. Based on complexity and sophistication and considering other similar products on the market, the age ranges and pricing are absolutely appropriate for what you get.

I was lucky enough to play with both the OLLO Action and the OLLO Figure sets. That said, I will gear this review to the more “tech” of the two simply because I write for Kids Tech Review. And, to get us started, here’s a video of the dinosaur I made with the OLLO Action. Too bad the Emmys are over . . .

Out of the Box

Sold in convenient carrying cases, each OLLO set comes with a variety of pieces and the instructions to make several different creations.

OLLO Action Open Case

The building bits come in multiple colors, the larger building pieces look somewhat like honeycomb while the connectors resemble confetti. (Please note, I do NOT recommend using them as confetti. You will NEVER find all the pieces . . . Don’t ask how I know.)

Some of the OLLO Bits From the Action Kit

Rivet Fasteners

The building pieces are secured together using a unique rivet technology where a pin is inserted into a housing that is then pressed into the grid to lock pieces together. Right, that was my description, next are the pictures which are worth those thousand (or so) words.

OLLO Pin, Housing, and Grid Apart

OLLO Pin and Housing in Grid

Inserting the rivets into the housing is a one-time-deal, if you do it correctly. If you line the bumps of the pin up with the grooves on the housing, they snap together and can be easily inserted and removed from your creation with little effort.

OLLO Pin and Housing Detail

This is what my 8-year-old did instinctively. In contrast, if you barbarically force the pin into the housing with no regard for bumps and grooves, you end up frustrated when your pieces fall apart or when you try to disassemble a creation and the bits stick. This is what I did instinctively.

OLLO Tool

Fortunately, there is a handy little tool that can help those of us who rush into OLLO building projects without thinking. I haven’t figured out all the applications of this tool, but the rounded point is very helpful in dislodging housings that have been separated from their pins due to user error.

OLLO Tool

The same end can be used to push down and lock pins that are in spots which are hard to access.

OLLO Tool in a Tight Spot

Additionally, the hook end is designed to unlock pins and pry the whole pin/housing ensemble out of the grid pieces.

OLLO Tool Hooking a Pin

This all-in-one tool is really well designed and very easy to use.

Beyond the basic building pieces and rivets, the Action set sports wheels, rubber bands, a motor, a switch, and a battery housing that can be attached to add movement to your invention. Of course, I can’t photograph these items separately right now because they are part of the 3-eyed bug that my son has made. I will, however, include a video of said bug.

I should also note that once I showed my 8-year-old son how to use the tool, he has been creating his own bugs, robots, animals, etc. non-stop with no problems. He loves this toy, and has asked if he can have a Figure, an Action, and a Bug set for his birthday.

What Can I Create?

Well, what can you imagine? As with other toy kits that are based on building blocks that fit together, there is no limit to the number of creations you can make with OLLO. Robotis includes a picture-based instruction book with each set that has step-by-step instructions to assemble 5 (for the Action set) or 6 (for the Figure set) figures to get you started.

OLLO Instruction Samples

In addition, Robotis includes pictures of even more finished products as well as web addresses that lead to step-by-step instructions which are both printable and usable online.

OLLO Online Figure Options

Frankly, this is very forward thinking of Robotis since they can update the online instructions adding more options while not paying for printing costs, making this toy an even better value.

In a Nutshell

The OLLO creation kits by Robotis are fun and educational. This series seamlessly incorporates concepts of physics and mechanics with age-appropriate play while encouraging creativity. OLLO is priced right and will grow with your child, making this toy a hands down favorite and Editor’s Choice.

5 out of 5 stars

Please click below to see orginal post.

http://www.kidstechreview.com/2010/03/review-ollo

[DYNAMIXEL] Intel Demonstrates Hexapod by UA

2010-03-26T11:45:16+09:00

We're please to announce that a Hexapod made of Dynamixel
recently got great feedback among media and robot developers.

We thank Matt for his great job and
also to www.CrustCrawler.com for continuing support.

- ROBOTIS

[CNET] Intel taps student's robot for processor demo

[GoRobotics] The Story of Matt Bunting and the Hexapod that Intel Bought

[H+ magazine] Can He Make The Dancing Hexapod Robot Happy? - An Interview with Robotics Whiz Kid Matt Bunting

[Univ of Arizona] Matt Bunting's Hexapod Robot Hits the Road

[YouTube] UA RNSL Intel Hexapod: 3D Balance Gestures

RoboPlus Ver. 1.0.15.0 is now downloadable from the data thread.

2010-01-20T18:18:55+09:00

[NOTICE]

RoboPlus ver. 1.0.15.0 is now uploaded at data thread. (weblink : http://www.robotis.com/zbxe/software_en/37675 )

Once it is installed in your PC, it will be automatically upgraded into the newest version by online only if you can access to the internet.

Please download it and try much easier programing and control for your robot.

ROBOTIS

[ROBOTIS] Find our products!

2009-09-18T11:19:27+09:00

It's football season for many universities/colleges in the

,
and a few of our friends have made appearances on commercials to be aired on national TV.

Here are a few we have, and would like to share with everyone.

VIRGINIA TECH
Special Appearance : Prof. Dennis Hong & JK Han (romela)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Deoly3tTK8

UNIVERSITY OF GEORGIA
Special Appearance : BIOLOID
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0waFpEYC08U

[OLLO] OLLO ? Kids Robotic Action Kit

2009-09-16T13:30:47+09:00

OLLO ? Kids Robotic Action Kit

July 15th, 2009 by Edwin in Childrens Gadgets, Robot Gadgets

See original post : http://www.coolest-gadgets.com/category/robot-gadgets/page/2/

Could OLLO be the new LEGO? After all, we’re pretty much used to everything being in motion, where static building sets that require this thing called imagination from our kids might actually be out of vogue if the OLLO Action Kit is in vogue. The driving force behind the OLLO action kit is its motor, and it really depends on your imagination on what you are able to churn out.

Other building kits use motors, so what makes OLLO unique? you may be wondering. The difference is how OLLO pieces attach to one another. They attach with an innovative two-part rivet (one goes into the other and presses down to lock the pieces in place). And of course you can always undo the rivets (tool included) to build new and wilder things. The OLLO Action Kit is perfect for getting young minds interested in mechanics and building. OLLO is so much fun to work with, you might just have to buy two: one for the kids…and one for you!

Interested? They’ll set you back by $29.99 per set.

[OLLO] Build: Robots for Everyone

2009-07-14T09:59:58+09:00

Build: Robots for Everyone

Posted by Greg May Jul 13, 08:26 AM to gear : gadgeteer

See Original Post http://www.trulyobscure.com/article/401/build-robots-for-everyone

The OLLO Bot is kind of a polar opposite- extremely cute, very extensible, but lacking the webcam and wifi and fancy schmancy speakers. We’ve been working with both the basic unit, the Bug, and the expansion pack Action, which has some extra pieces and another motor. What’s nice about the Ollo is the variety of uses and easy reconfigurability. Kids of most any age above 7 or 8 can assemble it one way, learn how it works when tracing lines, then choose a different project that can detect objects pretty simply. It takes a bit of work, but the instructions are pretty clear and nicely illustrated.

The basic kit comes with a bunch of structural pieces, a sound sensor, 3 infrared sensors, a remote controller, 2 motors, and the CPU- pretty good for $100. The Action kit, while offering quite a few new options in terms of building, doesn’t actually expand the actions available all that much, and runs $30- a bit too high in comparison. There is also the Figure kit which just offers extra pieces, at $20. As is always the case with DIY kits, a good part of the fun is in assembly and learning about how sensors work, etc. So it is a little unfortunate that you don’t get a better view of programming or electronics, which would seem to be well within the scope of the Ollo. Of course, it does end up being simple, attractive, and extremely durable- the sort of robot that grabs people’s attention and invites curiosity. Available online, the Ollo is a great bet for those interested in a reconfigurable and extensible robot- while the Spykee is perfect for those wanting a small spy that they can control.

[Japan] Dynamixel Users won RoboOne and RoboCup

2009-05-20T16:13:42+09:00

Winner of RoboOne and RoboCup Japan.

1. 15^th Annual ROBO-ONE

The 15^th Annual ROBO-ONE has just successfully ended.

We appreciate everything you contributed to the success of the event.

The winner was a Korean team called ROBIT with their robot Bi-Ma.

Congratulations!

For more information and pictures on the competition, please visit the official ROBO-ONE website.

http://www.robo-one.com/roboone/roboone15result.html

2. 2009 RoboCup Japan

At the 2009 RoboCup Japan, Hajime’s kid-size and teen-size have both won!

KID-SIZE CIT Brains WINNER
TEEN-SIZE CIT Brains WINNER
TEEN-SIZE HAJIME TEAM（Kwansei Gakuin University）2nd place (2M robot)

The 2M robot from Hajime’s team has received the Japan Robotics Society Award

This award is given to one team only among the participating teams during the league.

http://www.robocup-japanopen.org/

[Korea IT Times] Technology Turning Childhood Dreams into Reality

2009-01-22T20:39:58+09:00

Technology Turning Childhood Dreams into Reality

Want to build your own robot? One Korean company says
it has created the ultimate toy for robot enthusiasts of all ages

Kim Byoung-soo, the President of ROBOTIS

Thompson plays with a brand new robot in the living room. He transforms it into a tank to defeat one of its enemies, presses a variety of buttons that produce different sound effects, and finally turns it back into a talking robot that speaks with a deep voice. His younger sister next to him, however, is not amazed at all to hear another triumphant robotic battle. She is eager to finish giving her doll a makeover. With the new dress she has bought for her doll, Mina, she is going to change the doll from head to toe and take it outside to play with it. Thompson looks over at his sister after his glorious battle and asks himself, "Why can't I make my own robot from scratch and change its looks every day?"

Robots give the imagination fertile ground for all types of fantasies. While some worry that such a process is a poison to the market, Robotis is a company that provides a toy block kit from which anyone of at any age can build their own customized robot. Kim Byoung-soo, the President of Robotis, stated, "Robots are part of our imagination. Due to the government's and robot companies' tremendous efforts and passion, robots will soon become part of our lives and enrich the quality of our lives. Yet who will enhance the quality of robots in our imaginations? Robotis' vision is to recall our childhood imaginations and bring them to life with technology." Nearly everyone has experience playing with block toys. Robots can be made as easy as objects made out of blocks. Just as one would pile up blocks to make whatever structure they want, Robotis allows anyone to make their own robots for different purposes.

A hand-sized plastic container full of blocks called OLLO includes a "dynamixel", or an actuator, and allows a person to build any robot he or she wishes - including a military robot, a pet, or a robot fighter. "We believe that there is a market for the User Created Robot (UCR), and we try to provide easy solutions for those who want to make their own robots," added Kim. For just $20-30, hundreds of robots can be created by an OLLO owner, some with the help of an instruction sheet and the rest without. "If OLLO is for children at an early age, the BIOLOID kit is suitable for high school students and up. The BIOLOID Kit allows people to build robot models that resemble real life designs made from more sophisticated and complicated pieces than OLLO. A sensor motor dinamixel placed in the joints allows the joints to move automatically, and creates motion," said Kim.

The price of a BIOLOID Kit ranges from $500-$1000. High school and university students often find it both helpful and entertaining. Kim said, "We believe that the educational and entertaining aspects of our products will help people to understand robots better and create a whole new infrastructure. While my company functions as an imagination practitioner, I hope that the government and intelligent robot companies will continue the drive that will bring forth a synergy effect. Collaboration and teamwork is a key to success in the new growth engine industry." Robotis will be one of the companies participating at Robot World 2008, and is looking forward to making first contact with potential consumers. Kim predicts the exciting event will introduce new people to the wonders of robots. He said, "These robots may sound new, but there are similar industries already out there. There are similar, simpler tools used to build creativity in the education market.

Hobby markets dealing small planes or cars and DIY markets can sell user created robots (UCR). Our partners forge new paths to distribution or work in developed markets to promote sales of UCR. "I hope to see more partners like them at the 2008 Robot World. Our new product, OLLO, is a low-priced UCR, yet it is very educational and entertaining. It may look like a simple toy, but the built robot operates and has moving parts. I look forward to showing our product to many potential buyers." Instead of predicting a future that encompasses a "rise of the machines" scenario where robots overthrow their human creators, Kim predicts that robots will adapt to the world of human beings and the two will coexist like animals sharing the same ecosystem. Robots are the future. People born in other eras could not imagine their appliances being built by a complicated machine. But, just as no one in Tokyo expected to wake up one day and suddenly find Godzilla outside their window, Kim expects the growth to be gradual, "We will not suddenly interact freely with robots. Moreover, robot technology is not yet at a level to satisfy our needs. Just as people waited a long time for advanced software after PCs were available, UCR robots will boost people's hunger for intelligent robots. Together, we can expand our market," he explained.

Kim says that his company will work on providing affordable UCR solutions. Robotis' customers are people who make robots, and Kim says they will work in partnership to cover each other's needs while letting their strengths grow. Robotis eventually wants to become a company that provides a standard robot module. Just as dolls have accessories that consumers can buy at a later date, Robotis' next goal is to launch robot accessories that can give makeovers to OLLO and BIOLOID. "Personal robots are a process of turning our imaginations into reality. We want to share with the whole world this thrilling sensation we've felt in making robots," Kim concluded. Robotis will demonstrate at Robot World 2008 how childhood hopes are no longer just a dream. They are now a reality thanks to the new technology of Robotis.
Chun Go-eun/toclair@ittimes.co.kr

[RoboCup&FIRA] Humanoids rush to China

2008-08-05T16:36:01+09:00

Humanoids from all over the world gather in China in July.

ROBOTIS was once again there to support our teams using Dynamixel and Bioloid.

Teams tried to show best performances and many of locals were

fascinated by the step and kick of the robots.

Please take time to scroll down at the pictures.

We enjoyed meeting everyone again this year! See you again next year!!

For more information on the competitions, please visit www.robocup.org or www.fira.net

#1. RoboCup2008 Humanoid TeenSize Semi-Final (TeamOsaka vs Nimbro)

#2. RoboCup 2008 Humanoid TeenSize Semi-Final (Tsinghua Hephaestus vs RoboErectus)

#3. RoboCup 2008 KidSize Final (TeamOsaka vs Nimbro)

#4. Bioloid Dance Demonstration in FIRA 2008 Qingdao

#5. FIRA 2008 HuroCup: Stair Climbing

#6. FIRA 2008 HuroCup: Weight Lifting

[2008 Tokyo ToyShow] OLLO goes to Tokyo!

2008-07-03T09:51:49+09:00

It was our first year at the 2008 Tokyo Toy Show (June 19^th~22^nd)

which as held at the Big Sight. Thanks to many, the event was a success.

It was also the first day out for OLLO after it's been officially launched.

The kids loved it and seem to have enjoyed their weekend out with families!

Your attendance has truly contributed to the success of the event.

We hope you enjoyed the time spent and found your participation in the event worthy.

See you again next year!

[RoboGames2008] Robot Is FUN !!!

2008-07-02T18:48:25+09:00

ROBOTIS had great time at RoboGames2008

which was held 13~15 JUN in SanFrancisco, USA.

Bioloid showed new feature

along with humanoid soccer demonstration.

We also had so much fun with children

at OLLO Bugfight and Family RoboGames.

Thanks for all the participants and visitors.

We wish to see you all next year with much more fun !!!