Dude! You're a gun at Tony Hawk on your PSP but can you shred for real and show the neighbourhood kids your shredding skillz? No? Try sending in Plen, the skating robot from Japan as your proxy. Plen apparently is a mere 9" tall but has got some serious balancing kudos on either a plank or a pair of traditional style roller skates, Xanadu style. He can push himself along, go backwards- and normal robot stuff like pick up inanimated objects like cubes, balls and olivia newton john..and can be controlled thru a PC interface or via bluetooth. Can your Aibo do that!
Apparently he's available from Japan to buy for under 3 grand. Check the site out below, but have your translator handy..
Plen the Skating Robot- Skates Better Than You Ever Will
Plen The Skating Robot- Skates Better Than You Ever Will
Trend Themes
1. Robotic Sports - Create more robots that can perform sports activities like skating, surfing, and others.
2. Miniature Robotics - Developing small-sized robots that can perform tasks by themselves can be an opportunity for businesses to explore.
3. Remote Controlled Robots - Robots that can be controlled remotely through a PC interface or via bluetooth can be useful in various industries.
Industry Implications
1. Sports Equipment Industry - The sports equipment industry should explore the potential for robotics in creating equipment that can aid in sports activities.
2. Entertainment Industry - Entertainment industries, such as theme parks and arcades, can utilize these types of robots as attractions.
3. Manufacturing Industry - Manufacturing companies can explore the use of miniature robots to perform tasks that are difficult or dangerous for humans to do.