The IREX International Robot Expo 2005 is in full swing in Tokyo, Japan right now. Hundreds of companies, organizations and researchers have their robots on display for the public to interact with. From entertainment robots to cleaning bots to robotic receptionists, there are many fresh faces and some familiar ones as well. […]

Popular Science has an article today about the Kegbot, a keg fridge crossed with a Linux computer. Developed by software engineer Mike Wakerly, the system is built around a microcontroller that manages a valve and flowmeter that's been integrated into the tap line of an ordinary keg fridge. The controller is interfaced to a Linux computer and software developed by Wakerly that manages user access, tracks pour totals and keg performance statistics, and publishes it all online. […]

LiveScience.com is reporting that a new brain-imaging study performed by researchers at MIT has concluded that if you predict a memory will need to be recalled as you store that memory, you will in fact be able to remember it better later. In other words, people who make more accurate memory predictions are better learners. The opportunity for prediction does not only occur during the initial learning stage, but rather is a continuous process by which the subconscious monitors the brain to determine if something […]

As part of the Artificial Mouse (AMOUSE) Project, researchers from the Artificial Intelligence Laboratory at the University of Zurich have developed a robotic mouse, the AMouse, that navigates by means of an omnidirectional camera, several light sensors, and two active artificial whisker arrays. In nature, vibrissae, better known as whiskers, are important sensors for short-range navigation and environmental exploration. The goal of the research is to learn more about the biology and neurology of rodent behavior and to study the way that the input from […]

Scientists from the University of Oregon have discovered that a person's memory capacity is not just dependent on how much information their brain can store, but also on how well they are able to filter their thoughts to focus on what they are trying to remember. In other words, people with an effective "thought bouncer" managing memory crowd control are better at remembering and keeping track of their thoughts. LiveScience.com has an article today about the research results that will be published in the […]

InformationWeek.com is reporting that InRob Tech, Ltd., a Las Vegas based robotics developer, has announced plans today to begin developing a bigger version of its bomb-disposal robot, the Hornet MK-5, during the spring of 2006. The MK-5 has been popular with police and military forces for several years, but InRob has now recognized a growing need for a larger, stronger, more robust robot. […]

President Bush was at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Busan, South Korea last Friday where he had the opportunity to meet the infamous Albert Hubo. Although W doesn't seem phased, this is still one robot that sends shivers up my spine. […]

Thanks to BoingBoing I learned today about the new EFF Bloggers' Rights fundraising campaign. To raise awareness, membership, and funds, the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) is asking bloggers to add EFF badges to their sites encouraging people to join and "support bloggers' rights." […]

After the "Albert Hubo" article and picture, I'm somewhat relieved to report that the Ministry of Science and Technology’s Intelligent Robot taskforce has unveiled a robot at the APEC forum in Busan, Korea today that doesn't completely creep me out. The T-Rot, whose name is short for thinking robot, is spending its time at the forum tending bar, taking orders and making conversation with the attending world leaders in the Robot Café. […]

There's not much of a back-story, but CNET News.com has the creepiest picture that you are likely to see today or any day for that matter. The photo, taken this morning at a Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum, shows a model, clearly under duress, shaking hands with a robot that has the head of Albert Einstein grafted onto the body of a Hubo robot. I'm sure this image will haunt my dreams in the nights to come, and I blame the robot's creator, the […]