Make your pick: we have robots that are designed to simplify workflow for us humans, robots that can improve the education process, and robots that boost our serotonin just by looking at them. It’s pretty clear by now that we’re in the weird robots era and these creations are a testament to that.
Lovot
Lovot is an adorable and unique robot designed to spread love and warmth. Created by Groove X, this little bot is not your typical gadget; it’s all about companionship and emotional connection. It has a soft, cuddly exterior that makes it inviting for hugs and physical interaction. The creators of Lovot envision it as a wellness device, aiming to reduce stress and promote emotional well-being. The idea is that the presence of a lovable companion like Lovot can have positive effects on mental health. Where do we sign up for one of these cuties?
Stretch
It’s got this custom robotic arm and a smart gripper that’s like a jack-of-all-trades for handling different items. What’s it all about? Tackling the heavy lifting in warehouses and distribution centers. And get this – even though it can do its own thing, Stretch is all about teamwork. It partners up with human workers, bringing the best of both worlds – human smarts and robot speed – to make the whole process a powerhouse of efficiency. This collaborative approach allows for the combination of human dexterity and decision-making with the speed and precision of robotic automation.
SlothBot
It’s this chill, slow-moving robot cooked up by the brainiacs at the Georgia Institute of Tech. They took inspo from sloths, those laid-back creatures, and made this robot for keeping tabs on the environment in tricky, hard-to-reach places. Think rainforests – where normal monitoring methods are a bit of a headache. SlothBot chills in one spot, keeps it energy-efficient, and basically becomes the data collection guru without needing humans to babysit it all the time.
Spot
So, Spot is this awesome four-legged robot that can do a bit of everything – inspections, gathering data, and working remotely. People are buzzing about it because it’s got these super cool moves and can handle all sorts of environments. They’re using Spot in tons of different fields like construction, oil and gas, safety, and research. The best part? Spot can go where humans might struggle and lug around sensors and gear, making it a top pick for checking things out and collecting data.
Sophia
Sophia, created by Hong Kong-based company Hanson Robotics back in 2016, is a humanoid robot known for its human-like appearance and the ability to communicate using artificial intelligence. It’s designed to resemble a human, with a face that includes expressive features such as moving eyebrows, eyes that can make eye contact, and a range of facial expressions. The AI system allows her to engage in conversations, answer questions, and even tell jokes.
Robotic dolphins
Edge Innovations came up with these super cool robotic dolphins for aquariums. These dolphins look crazy realistic, and they move just like the real deal. They’re not just for show – they’re meant to give folks a lifelike and interactive experience without having real dolphins in captivity. The tech behind these bots is pretty advanced, using cool stuff like animatronics and AI. It’s a win-win, giving us a taste of the ocean without any ethical concerns about keeping live animals in aquariums.
ANYmal
ANYmal by ANYbotics is a versatile quadrupedal robot designed for inspection and monitoring in challenging and dynamic environments. ANYmal’s main gig is checking stuff out and keeping an eye on things. Stick some cameras and sensors on it, and it becomes a pro at inspecting all sorts of places, from pipelines to power plants. Plus, you can pimp it out with different gadgets based on what you need.
DAL-e
Developed by Hyundai, you’re looking at a service robot designed to add a touch of the future to places like showrooms and hotels. Just picture it: you’re walking in, and there’s DAL-e, ready to assist. What makes it special? Well, it’s all about the AI. DAL-e uses artificial intelligence to engage with people, providing information and answering questions. It’s not just for show; it’s like a digital assistant there to make your experience more interactive and tech-friendly.
Cheetah robot
MIT’s Cheetah Robot is a fascinating piece of technology. We’re talking about a robot that doesn’t just walk; it moves with impressive speed and agility, taking cues from the swift movements of real cheetahs. MIT’s clever minds developed it to explore rapid and nimble motion, drawing inspiration from nature. It’s not just a showcase; the goal is to delve into bio-inspired robotics and figure out practical applications.
OceanOne
You’re looking at a unique underwater humanoid robot developed by Stanford University. It’s a humanoid robotic diver designed for deep-sea exploration like swimming alongside marine life, inspecting coral reefs, or exploring shipwrecks. This robotic diver isn’t just a remote-controlled gadget; it’s teleoperated by a human operator. Using haptic feedback technology, the operator can feel the underwater environment through the robot’s sensors and make precise movements, almost as if they were physically present. The applications for OceanOne are pretty exciting, ranging from scientific research to underwater archaeology.
Nao robots
Nao is designed to be interactive and can engage students in various educational activities. It can be programmed to assist in language learning, storytelling, and quiz games. Its humanoid form and interactive features contribute to a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
Recommended reading next: 11 Weird Japanese Cars You’ll Either Love Or Completely Hate
