SpotMini - Boston Dynamics Robot Dog
- Sony Aibo ERS-110 Entertainment Robot - $8,900.00
- Hi-Tech Robot Interactive Puppy Dog - $59.99
- Cozmo - $199.32
- WowWee CHiP Robot Toy Dog - $119.74
Thankfully, Boston Dynamics has chosen to name this robotic walking canine-oid from my nightmares SpotMini. Otherwise, I think people would be terrified of this. It's just so doglike without having any tail wag or endearing dog head tilt that it evokes some sort of fear in me. But name it SpotMini and the edge is taken off. Sort of.
Boston Dynamics has come a long way with their robo-tech since their earliest version of these four-legged bots. As evidenced in the video above, the SpotMini is capable of not only escaping captivity, but letting all of the other dogs out of their kennels to lead in an all out four legs good, two legs bad revolt on humans. Thanks guys.
But, there is hope. The battery=powered SpotMini weighs in at 30kg and is capable of carrying just 14kg. Now, that's stronger than my girlfriend but...let's be honest, if you can't even bench press half of your body weight, you need to get in the gym before I'm tucking tail and heading for the hills. It does run for 90 minutes on a charge which gives it a chance in a tortoise vs. hare scenario against my weak cardio game I suppose.
/sora-q-flagship-model-62324.jpg?mode=crop "Sora-Q Flagship Model")
Sora-Q Flagship Model
Space enthusiasts and gadget lovers, prepare to be wowed! The Sora-Q Flagship Model is a one-of-a-kind space exploration toy that's a must-have for your collection. This isn't just any toy; it's a 1/1 scale replica of...
Kuratas Robot - Rideable Battle Mech
Me: One 13-foot-tall, 9,920-pound menacing robot that I can either ride and pilot with mere hand and body gestures from a cockpit, or control remotely with my 3G connection, please...
/Steampunk-Optimus-Prime-388.jpg?mode=crop "Steampunk Optimus Prime")
Steampunk Optimus Prime
My theory is that this might actually be Optimus Prime and this guy has captured him, found some way of disarming him, and is now trying to sell him. I don't know if I'd be comfortable sleeping with this guy roaming around...
Exo-Gauntlet - CO2 Powered Exoskeleton
JP Rishea masterminds a legion of sick conglomerations of metal and power, but the Exo-Gauntlet is probably his most irrationally needful of them all. I guess one could technically argue that it has a few practical applications...
Aliens Caterpillar P-5000 Power Loader
It may not muster the technological sophistication of the Kuratas rideable battle mech, but I'd still rather have Dustin Kiska's Aliens Caterpillar P-5000 Power Loader replica because Kiska built all 200 pounds of it...
Giant Cardboard Robot Arms Kit
When I transform into a paper-product-based Optimus Prime, I like to take on a more active role in the process than lifting my giant cardboard robot arms out of a giant cardboard box. So thanks be to Chuck Norris that...
/hal-robot-suit-2nd-12099.jpg "HAL Robot Suit - Next Generation Prototype")
HAL Robot Suit - Next Generation Prototype
Japanese robotics company Cyberdyne began their Hybrid Assistive Limb, or HAL trials in 2012. A powered exoskeleton endeavoring to turn humans into cyborg-type robots, HAL has been tested largely in medical facilities...
Robot Dragonfly for Spying & Gaming
If it looks like an insect and flies like an insect and is virtually indecipherable from an insect to the human eye while in motion, it must be a palm-sized robot dragonfly with spying, advanced gaming, R&D, and security...
Hamster-Powered Strandbeest
Welcome to the world of I-Wei Huang. Artist. Animator. Tinkerer. Maker of hamster-powered Strandbeest. Strandbeest, if you aren't familiar with the term, are the walking brainchildren of Dutch artist Theo Jansen. In full...
/wehead-spatial-communication-59260.jpg?mode=crop "WEHEAD Spatial Communication Display")
WEHEAD Spatial Communication Display
And for my next Zoom meeting, I will be...Johnny 5 from Short Circuit! The WEHEAD spatial communication display is a gadget that robotifies your face, and gives you a physical presence when you dial in remote to meetings...
/kobi-autonomous-yard-work-24554.jpg "Kobi Autonomous Yard Work Robot")
Kobi Autonomous Yard Work Robot
Kobi eats snow for breakfast! Kobi mows lawns with the stamina of a gamer sitting down to Gears of War 4 for the first time. Kobi sucks up leaves and spits them out like a piece of sushi that looks delicious on the plate...