June 20, 2004

Gizmo

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Robovie-M

Cost: $3,800

Web: www.vstone.co.jp

Review: f you’re the kind of person who spends hours on build-it-yourself radio-controlled models, you’ll love the Robovie-M walking robot. The human-shaped, foot-tall machine is one of the few robots of its kind that’s sold as a commercial product. It’s generally affordable, if $3,800 is your idea of a reasonable price. And assembly requires weeks, if not months, though the work itself requires no more technological finesse than does, say, a model kit. Once turned on, the robot comes to life, walking steadily back and forth on paddle-like feet. It can’t do much that’s useful, but its movements are dazzling to watch. Among them: the robot drops to its knees and pounds the floor, as if in anguish; it can flip up on its legs in one jump from lying on its back; and it can put a tiny ball in a hole in its arm and throw the ball, standing on one leg like a real pitcher. Owners can program additional, original moves using packaged software.

Associated Press

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