Ascent Aerosystems is working on the 'Sprite' drone - a small, rugged drone that can easily be packed for field use. Specs promise a 4 mile range, easy launch, and docking connectivity with a GoPro camera. Cost: 799 USD
Read more about it via Aerosystems:
The 'Yaskawa Bushido Project' attempted to train an industrial robot to emulate a sword master. The results were pretty amazing.
The 'Yaskawa Bushido Project' via YouTube:
The 'Lily Camera Drone' is a fully autonomous drone that can follow an record action sequences. The small stylish drone can also be controlled via a wrist mounted remote. Cost: 500 USD
Read more, watch the video, and pre-order via Lily:
Festo Corporate is making ants. Robotic ants. The little robot ants (Autonomous Networking Technology) work like the ones found in nature. They work collaboratively and make individual decisions as well. The best part is they 'recharge' via their antennas.
Read more and watch the video via Festo:
Some people fear snakes, others fear robots. Follow the link for a double-threat video of a robotic snake that can swim.
The IEEE Robotic Snake via YouTube:
Amazon is selling a 13 foot tall exoskeleton robotic suit. The 5 ton, four wheeled suit can be fitted with weapons. Cost: 1 Million USD, but you can't really put a price on fun.
Read more via The DailyMail:
Boston Dynamics, the company that made the 'Big Dog' robot, has been showing off a new model - 'Spot'. Spot is a smaller, more nimble robot dog. It's also a bit quieter, thanks to a new hydraulic system.
Read more and watch the somewhat disturbing video via Pocket-lint:
DARPA continues the Robotic Challenge Contest, and one of the top contenders is 'Atlas' from Boston Dynamics. Atlas has been upgraded and had a few design modifications. Atlas is now 'untethered' and walking on his own. The 6 foot tall, 350 lb robot is also sporting new arms.
Read more and watch the video via DARPA:
The US Navy has unveiled a robot fish project. The drone fish resembles a blue fin tuna, and can be used to access hard to enter areas. The 100 pound device can be remote controlled or operate autonomously.
Read more about it via RT:
Scientists are working on 'bio-drones', that would grow themselves - then after their mission is complete, melt into harmless sugars.
Read more about it via FastCompany:
The SpaceX group has an interesting plan for where to land their reusable rockets - Autonomous Seafaring Spaceport Drones. Landing pad ships that would position themselves in the ocean and wait for the rocket to land.
Read more about it via TechCrunch:
The 'Skynet' concept may make those drone deliveries a little easier. Preset LED nets are used as targets that can be programmed as a drop spot. Additionally, the target zone can drop into a locked container.
Watch the video via 'Drones for good':
Researchers at MIT are working on small, inexpensive robots that can cling to the hulls of ships. The tiny robots could be used to look for hollow spots that smugglers use for transporting contraband.
Read more via MIT:
The new uPoint controller from iRobot will be a universal tablet controller for robots. No more hunting for the specific remote for the robot you want to control.
Read more about it from iRobot:
Anyone in danger of getting exercise while golfing could consider the 'X9 Follow Lithium Golf Trolley'. The bluetooth based device will follow you at a discreet distance with your clubs. Cost: 1,499 GBP
Read more and pre-order via Stewart Golf:
Researchers working at UCSB have developed a new wrinkle on using WiFi signals to look into rooms. Robots working in teams, use their own WiFi signals and wave propagation to analyze enclosed spaces.
Read more about it via UCSB:
The US Army is busy working on pocket sized drones that can provide quick intelligence for the surrounding area.
Read more about it via The US Army:
The next time you park in the Dusseldorf Airport, you might just be handing the keys over to a robot. 'RAY' is the new robotic parking system that will forklift your car to safety.
Read more about it via the Washington Post:
In the lab at the 'Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia', they're experimenting with teams of small autonomous robots, that can work together to 3D print buildings.
Read more about it via Fast Company:
On the agenda at the UN this week: a frank discussion on killer robots. Seriously.
Read more about it via the BBC:
