Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

How to Build a Computerized Android Robot Head

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the maxmillian dept.

Wee writes "While searching for some serial port programming information, I came across a result labeled How to Build a Computerized Android Robot Head for $600. That title demanded a read. This guy built a Java and Perl/Tk controlled android head out of R/C motors, bicycle parts, a mannequin head, two QuickCams and my favorite item: a brass plant holder. Turns out the entire site is chock full of android/hardware/PC-control know-how (including scenarios in which one might find a need for an android head)."

157 comments

  1. You know by rblancarte · · Score: 5, Funny

    Just today I was asking how I could build a computerized android robot head for under $700. Now you posted it for the bargan price of $600. You rock.

    Althought I have to admit - this site is really cool. Maybe if I get some spare time (and money), I might partake this small project.

    RonB

    --
    It is human nature to take shortcuts in thinking.
    1. Re:You know by pisdtal · · Score: 2, Funny

      I was just thinking too. But the thoughts I was thinking I dont know if I should be REALLY impressed or REALLY scared. I mean those scenarios.... I already know how to program a VCR :)
      I dont know about gettin all up into building a robot head, but maybe getting some, er uh, a robot head would be kinda cool

      --
      We admit all this to insure disbelief
    2. Re:You know by Red+Pointy+Tail · · Score: 1

      > Just today I was asking how I could build a
      > computerized android robot head for under $700.
      > Now you posted it for the bargan price of $600.
      > You rock.

      Yeah but does it suck? ;p

    3. Re:You know by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      That model costs $899 and they can't keep it on the shelves

  2. Karma whoring: Google cache by AaronStJ · · Score: 3, Informative

    In case the site goes under, here here's the Google cache.

    --
    Stupid like a fox!
  3. Finnally! by JuiceRat00 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Now I can finally get a head in life. Ok kill me now.

    1. Re:Finnally! by Bob+McCown · · Score: 1

      Mmmm...android head...

    2. Re:Finnally! by HobbitGod42 · · Score: 0

      better watch out... you might not be as head strong as you like... but now you can become the head of a major corperation... ah Austin powers quotes... god love them.

  4. yeah, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    imagine a... *intestines jump up, throttle throat, AC falls over dead*

    1. Re:yeah, but... by TrollBurger · · Score: 0

      *begins to have sex with the dead body*

  5. If it wasn't for the 'computerized' part... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Funny

    I think I could deliver a 'head' without the 'computerized' parts for way less than $600...

  6. This is cool, but... by NoMoreNicksLeft · · Score: 4, Funny

    What we really need is either a Billy Bass Intercom system, or a trash talking Furby. Servo motor geeks, perform your magic and summon these things for me.

    Besides, if I was going to do an android head, I'd at least build it out down to the boobs. It is a she, isn't it?

    1. Re:This is cool, but... by rainwalker · · Score: 2, Funny

      [drool]...Billy Bass Intercom system...now I can have high-tech communication systems without sacrificing my tacky white-trash heritage! :)

      Seriously though, I want one! or 4.

    2. Re:This is cool, but... by Cutriss · · Score: 3, Funny

      What we really need is either a Billy Bass Intercom system, or a trash talking Furby.

      Coolest thing I can think of that I eventually want to do...

      Take two Furbys, program them individually in isolated rooms by screaming at each one "Tetsuo!" and "Kaneda!" and then put one in front of the other, and let the fun begin!

      --
      "Mod, mod, mod...and another troll bites the dust."
    3. Re:This is cool, but... by NoMoreNicksLeft · · Score: 3, Funny

      Actually I've been considering that myself. I've been wanting to go into business for myself selling all sorts of goofy shit, and that would be one item in my catalog. Imagine putting on on the front door, and someone knocks. The fish head turns toward them, the mouth moves, and says "Whattaya want?"... the key of course, would be syncing the lips to the voice playing through it. Maybe some sort of DSP programmed to pick out the hard consonants (not perfect, but would be close enough).

      Then again, re-apholstering a Furby with a custom red felt skin, complete with barbed tail and horns would rock, wouldn't it? Have it chant out evil sounding things, "Worship me!" "I command you to desecrate churchs!" all in that sweet little furby voice.

      Of course, I would always have more serious products too. Just some thoughts.

    4. Re:This is cool, but... by tiwason · · Score: 1

      --
      Besides, if I was going to do an android head, I'd at least build it out down to the boobs. It is a she, isn't it?
      --

      He did build some arms for it.. no breasts to be found though...

      http://howtoandroid.com/Gallery2/RMaxLowerArm3.h tm l

    5. Re:This is cool, but... by Cutriss · · Score: 3, Funny

      The fish head turns toward them, the mouth moves, and says "Whattaya want?"... the key of course, would be syncing the lips to the voice playing through it. Maybe some sort of DSP programmed to pick out the hard consonants (not perfect, but would be close enough).

      Dear god...whatever you do, *don't* make that thing SING! Please...for the love of everything that's human! No more singing bass!!! Spare us all!

      --
      "Mod, mod, mod...and another troll bites the dust."
    6. Re:This is cool, but... by cosyne · · Score: 4, Interesting

      I'm working on the trash-talking furby, i swear. The basic idea is this: there's one motor inside which runs a series of cams for the eyes, ears, mouth, and butt. Roughly, there's 180 degrees where the butt doesnt move, and the other 180 it goes up and down as the motor rotates. Now, each of those is split for, say, mouth movement: in the ranges 0-90 and 180-270, the mouth moves- if you want it to talk and tilt forward you use one range, if you want it to sit still and talk, you use the other. And it keeps getting subdivided into smaller ranges so you pick the angle range where the appropriate body parts move, and run the motor back and forth in that range.

      But i digress. The cool part is that the motor, home switch, and encoder just unplug from the motherboard, so it's not hard to plug them into your handy HC11 eval board and write a little controll algorithm. The fact that i haven't done this yet only speaks to my superior lazieness. But i will soon. Once i have a furby connected to my computer, i just cat whosyourdaddy to /dev/furby and i'm set. (and maybe i can get i posted and hose my website when i do :-)
      Check furby autposy for more info, or just pick one up for $5 and cut it open.
      Anyways, check out

    7. Re:This is cool, but... by MrDelSarto · · Score: 1

      here's a good start

      http://www.ai.mit.edu/~vona/bass/bass.html

    8. Re:This is cool, but... by G-funk · · Score: 0, Redundant

      Hehehehe.... Except I don't know dick about furbies, so what will they do? Just yell it back at each other?

      --
      Send lawyers, guns, and money!
    9. Re:This is cool, but... by igottheloot · · Score: 1

      this is pretty good. but all that work just to make the damn thing say "pork"?

    10. Re:This is cool, but... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      You could probably get away with regular motors to spin the tassles, I suppose!

    11. Re:This is cool, but... by HobbitGod42 · · Score: 0

      The problem with furb porogramming is well its hard as hell to do. the chips are encased in an epoxy ood that if you try to disolve you completly destroy the chip. of course Tiger did this so no one could steal their idea for an annoying peice of bantha dung... I do like th idea for thedevil furbys though...

  7. Very good by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    This will go well with my 400 dollar mechanized chicken skeleton I've been working on.

  8. No need to build... by Accipiter · · Score: 4, Funny

    Pshaw. I don't need to build an android head. I found one deep in a cavern in San Francisco back in 1893.

    --

    -- Give him Head? Be a Beacon?
    (If you can't figure out how to E-Mail me, Don't. :P)

    1. Re:No need to build... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Worst cliffhanger ever!

    2. Re:No need to build... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Did you find Whoopi Goldberg's career there too? We all know that's been missing for a long time... :)

    3. Re:No need to build... by circletimessquare · · Score: 4, Funny

      I heard a kid on Tatooine built one for a lot less than 600 Republican Credits. He even put a magnetically levitated spinning doohickey in the middle of it for no particular reason at all.

      --
      intellectual property law is philosophically incoherent. it is your moral duty to ignore it or sabotage it
    4. Re:No need to build... by circletimessquare · · Score: 2

      I agree, why spend $600? There is an XYY penal colony planet where they throw away perfectly good android heads... torsos even! Although if you turn them back on they tend to spout a lot of existential crap.

      --
      intellectual property law is philosophically incoherent. it is your moral duty to ignore it or sabotage it
  9. Oh my God! by teslatug · · Score: 2

    He killed C3P0...that bastard

  10. Why build a robot head, by tcd004 · · Score: 5, Funny

    When it will only become infatuated with you, frustrated at your disinterest, and eventually try to kill you.

    Damn that 790!

    What's Dick Hiding?

    tcd004

    1. Re:Why build a robot head, by Skirwan · · Score: 4, Funny
      When it will only become infatuated with you, frustrated at your disinterest, and eventually try to kill you.

      Damn that 790!
      The dead do not damn.

      --
      I've got to assume most of the seventeen people who got that reference were amused by it...
    2. Re:Why build a robot head, by Ooblek · · Score: 2
      You would have to build the robot hand in order for it to kill you. Anyone remember that lame B-movie where the guy got his hand chopped off and it crawled around and attacked people?

      On that note, I think it would be ultra cool to put this in the planter outside of the front door. Put it right under a plant that just barely covers it so people don't notice it. When a solicitor comes to the door and rings the doorbell, program it to scream, "What the fuck do you want?" and start swearing like a sailor. Much, much better than a no solicitors sign.

    3. Re:Why build a robot head, by Chiana · · Score: 1

      "All night by the XevXev,
      All night by the Xev I lay ..."

      When does the poetry module come out for RMax?
      (hopefully, not a Vogon poetry module)

    4. Re:Why build a robot head, by daveisoverlord · · Score: 1

      When a solicitor comes to the door and rings the doorbell, program it to scream, "What the fuck do you want?"

      Let me know when you figure out how to differentiate a salesperson. I don't think my mom would appreciate that very much when she comes over.

      --
      The perception of reality is more important than reality itself.
    5. Re:Why build a robot head, by Ooblek · · Score: 2

      Yeah, but think of the gut-busting laughter you'll enjoy while she chases you around waving her fist in the air.

  11. What if it broke? by ramoth4 · · Score: 0

    Where would he go for Tech Support so he could stay on the line for 2 hours? He's gotta get THAT up and running before I'll buy. Oh, and don't forget broken merchandice in cheezy packaging. Gotta have that cheezy packaging. Mmmm cheezy....

  12. Here is a much sexier android head... by geoffsmith · · Score: 2, Interesting

    Practically life-like!

    It's Valerie: The Domestic Android
    For all your domestic android head needs. Its a kit, although it looks like they're still working out the bugs.

    Websurfing: The Next Generation - StumbleUpon

    1. Re:Here is a much sexier android head... by Chasuk · · Score: 2, Interesting

      I really hope that Valerie the Domestic Android is a droll joke. If not, I am truly saddened by the human race. Let's further marginalize and objectify one half of our own species by producing sexualized machinery designed for manual labor and other, less edifying prospects.

      Too many geeks already have a hard time relating to real women - let's eliminate the need for them to ever learn. With lubrication and ingeniously designed orifices (and articulated appendages), geeks won't have to jerk themselves off as they surf the web... Valerie the Domestic Android will do it between laundry and dusting, with fellatio as a bonus, perhaps programmed as an "incentive" for those who remember to take baths or brush their teeth.

      We are entered the orbit of a terrifying, strange planet, and that planet is named Earth.

      The Gates Testimony - Why Microsoft Will Win

      --
      Neopets - the best free game on the Int
    2. Re:Here is a much sexier android head... by JabberWokky · · Score: 2
      Let's further marginalize and objectify one half of our own species by producing sexualized machinery designed for manual labor and other, less edifying prospects.

      If you'd bothered to read the site (it's vaporware, but at least interesting), you would have read that they explicitly say that Valerie is *not* designed for sex, and is very likely not at all antonomically correct. She is a she just to appear less threatening (which may be sexist, but IMO is more culturalist, the same reason we don't paint our houses bright pink and why 95% of automated voices are female).

      And, since this article has a dozen movie references, I'd like to do a double by pointing out that the company is based in Denton. Maybe they are using some alien tech left there after a visitation about 27 years ago, eh?

      --
      Evan

      --
      "$30 for the One True Ring. $10 each additional ring!" -- JRR "Bob" Tolkien
    3. Re:Here is a much sexier android head... by ryanwright · · Score: 2

      Let's further marginalize and objectify one half of our own species by producing sexualized machinery designed for manual labor and other, less edifying prospects.

      Oh, shut up. They could just as easily have made it look like a man. They chose a female merely because people relate better to females and will be more accepting of a female robot than they would a male bot. If anything, this says that the designers think more highly of females than they do males, so you can stop whipping that dead sexist horse anytime now.

      --
      -Ryan, with the unoriginal sig
    4. Re:Here is a much sexier android head... by Chasuk · · Score: 2

      I'm sorry, but I miss your "visitation" reference entirely. I assume that it is filmic. To which motion picture are you alluding?

      And have you ever heard of Suffolk pink? Many houses in the UK are painted that color (which, charmingly, is/was traditionally produced by mixing buttermilk and pig's blood to the paint).

      --
      Neopets - the best free game on the Int
    5. Re:Here is a much sexier android head... by Rick+the+Red · · Score: 2
      The Rocky Horror Picture Show&nbsp&nbsp

      --
      If all this should have a reason, we would be the last to know.
    6. Re:Here is a much sexier android head... by JabberWokky · · Score: 2
      And have you ever heard of Suffolk pink?

      I see your Suffolk pink and raise you the noxious pink mandated in Delray Beach (downtown is a uniform neon ugly), and common throughout South Florida.

      Blearg. One of the reasons I'm glad I left.

      --
      Evan

      --
      "$30 for the One True Ring. $10 each additional ring!" -- JRR "Bob" Tolkien
  13. It has been forseen. by Hammerself · · Score: 2, Funny

    Bob the Angry flower one-upped this guy a long time ago.

    Building the Perfect Psychic Dummy Head

  14. What happens if you say... by gnovos · · Score: 2

    ..."neuromancer" to it?

    --
    "Your superior intellect is no match for our puny weapons!"
  15. Be Warned... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    In case you are a former assassin, now dead and currently residing on the ship that happens to be the most powerful force in the two universes. This head may be attracted to you.

    1. Re:Be Warned... by UnTdWrLdGv · · Score: 1

      FYI the head was attracted to the woman in Tales From a Parallel Universe, NOT Ki the last of the Brunin G. I never claimed to be able to spell anything.

    2. Re:Be Warned... by jagos · · Score: 1

      true, but after 790 got thrown of the bridge by Prince, and reassembled by Kai, his memory was erased, so he fixated again on the first being he saw, which was Kai.
      "I will love you forever."

  16. Realdoll applications by CmdrTaco+(editor) · · Score: 2, Funny
    I can see it now, this attached to a RealDoll! $5,000 has never before brought you so much pleasure!

    Seriously, as someone has mentioned here before, in order for technology to be successfuly it has to somehow relate to pornography/sex. This has definite potential.

    1. Re:Realdoll applications by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Insightful
      Ok, RealDoll has got to be one of the creepiest sites I have ever seen. I especialy liked their FAQ, for example:

      Question: Can the dolls stand upright, unsupported?

      No. REALDOLL's skeletal system is too flexible and collapsible to allow her to stand upright. The doll has the poise and relaxed state of a sleeping girl.

      I am afraid, very afraid.
    2. Re:Realdoll applications by kaosrain · · Score: 3, Funny

      Imagine the surprise when the unknowing recipient of such a gift decides to give her an oral exam...

      Oh sweetheart, you're gonna give daddy a treat...open wide...mmm...tha zzzzZZZZzzzzZZZttt!

      I propose the name Lorena.

    3. Re:Realdoll applications by bughunter · · Score: 1
      The doll has the poise and relaxed state of a sleeping girl.

      I saw them once at an adult industry convention, and I can assure you they do not resemble a sleeping girl...

      They resemble a DEAD girl.

      The creep factor is surpassed only by the imagery of a room full of headless realdolls hanging from hooks.

      --
      I can see the fnords!
  17. Door bells by Hyperfrog · · Score: 0

    I'm trying to imagine the future of door bells in relation to this post and am having a hard time imagining the look on the face of some poor mother when she visits her darling child's residence, pushes the bell and the face next to her asks her to wipe her feet.

    On a different note (why waste a post), could we indeed see Marvin in the not too distant future? (and indeed, at the Restaurant at the End of the Universe)

    --
    Move faster
  18. Cmon Guys... by Stairwell · · Score: 1

    Is this really "News for Nerds"?

    What happened to this site?

    --
    ----- "It's all PIPES!" - George Costanza
    1. Re:Cmon Guys... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      yes, yes it is. That guy is definitely a nerd. He used mechanical, computer engineering, and computer science all on one project.

      Plus the technical write-up was one of the best with good pictures and good details.

    2. Re:Cmon Guys... by keflex · · Score: 0

      Aha... apparently the crackhead moderator doesn't think that my comment about 'build-you-own-android-head' being nerd newsworthy is correct... ;)

      --


      My karma is -1 because I don't use AC posting. LOL.
  19. Ooh, the irony by Chazmati · · Score: 5, Funny
    His specialties are software development, system building, performance tuning, parallel distributed computing, system programming, X11 configuration and software development, web development and System Administration.

    Wait for it...

    Building humaniform robots is one of his many hobbies. Pat's interests include sentient robot life forms, theoretical physics, gravity, electricity, magnetism, dimensions, complexity, astronomy, weather, chaos...

    Almost there...

    Pat can be reached at (protected)@aol.com

    I never thought I'd see a parallel-distributed computing, X11-hacking, web-developing sys admin that uses AOL. I suppose with all those complicated hobbies he just wants a nice, relaxing, online experience.

    1. Re:Ooh, the irony by Skirwan · · Score: 3, Funny
      I never thought I'd see a parallel-distributed computing, X11-hacking, web-developing sys admin that uses AOL. I suppose with all those complicated hobbies he just wants a nice, relaxing, online experience.
      That makes perfect sense, except for the part about AOL being nice, relaxing, or online.

      (Insert Rimshot Here)

      --
      Damn the Emperor!
    2. Re:Ooh, the irony by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

      This reminds me of a time when I was watching some space show on PBS or Discovery. There were two guys, actual "rocket scientists", who were showing something on a TV screen. After I was highly impressed by their knowledge, I noticed the VCR on top of the TV. It was blinking 12:00.

      I can program my VCR, so I guess I'm smarter than a rocket scientist. :)

    3. Re:Ooh, the irony by affreca101 · · Score: 1

      I can program my VCR, so I guess I'm smarter than a rocket scientist. :) It's not brains, it's that they have more interesting things to do.

    4. Re:Ooh, the irony by gad_zuki! · · Score: 2

      Having a AOL account is amusing on the surface, but there are a couple really great reasons to use AOL. Maybe he works with for a small company/freelancer and needs a cheap ISP for traveling. Joe's Geek ISP may only want $10 a month and might give you a shell account but Joe doesn't cover the entire country with dial-ups. Sure, there are other nationwide ISPs but how many of them will give the first month free and when you call to cancel every month they beg you to try it again free for another month? A friend has been getting free dial-up access for months doing this.

      I'm sure this is his trashcan/spam account. Might as well make an alias from one of mom's 10 screennames to capture all the geeky, "You are KEWL! Wanna join my everquest guild??? :)" emails.

    5. Re:Ooh, the irony by PCM2 · · Score: 2
      His specialties are software development, system building, performance tuning, parallel distributed computing, system programming, X11 configuration and software development, web development and System Administration. Pat's interests include sentient robot life forms, theoretical physics, gravity, electricity, magnetism, dimensions, complexity, astronomy, weather, chaos...
      With a personals ad like that, it's no wonder he's got such an interest in building synthetic humanoid robots...
      --
      Breakfast served all day!
  20. A great boon for the color-blind. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    These are real cakes, not urinal cakes.
    Here comes red.

  21. Now by littleRedFriend · · Score: 2, Funny

    Does it dream of electric sheep?

    --
    IANAL, but imagine a beowulf cluster of in Soviet Russia all your belong are base to us welcoming the new SCO overlords.
    1. Re:Now by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Lets not assume its a New Zealander's robot ok?

    2. Re:Now by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Dick.

  22. OK by First_In_Hell · · Score: 0
    So how come a total idiot like me can't do stuff like this? At least I'd have the common sense to realize that I could be using my supernatural talents to actually make money for myself and work for NASA, rather than waste all of my free time building a complex robot that can blink his eyes after typing 10000000 lines of C++ code.

    If he could make it give sexual favors without electrocuting the recepient he'd be onto something.

    The sad thing is that this cost the guy $600+ dollars not to mention a LOT of free time. And where did it get him. . . Slashdotted . . . . I gues life is now complete.

    I am jealous

    1. Re:OK by Hyperfrog · · Score: 1
      The complete source code (all 136 lines, of which 36 are fully commented lines, and 25 are blank lines) is included below. That leaves just 75 actual lines of code, so even a novice should be able to understand it.

      Try 136 lines mate. Next time, try reading the article first?

      --
      Move faster
    2. Re:OK by qqtortqq · · Score: 2, Insightful

      So how come a total idiot like me can't do stuff like this?

      see bolded section

      The sad thing is that this cost the guy $600+ dollars not to mention a LOT of free time. And where did it get him. . .

      happy, thats where. some people spend thousands on R/C helicopters, where does that get them? happy. people need hobbies, this is just a really cool and original one.

  23. nice parts list! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    some highlights...

    Hanging-light On/Off chain (in case it gets too depressed, I guess)
    Plastic tie-straps (slightly kinky)
    Plumbers GOOP (ok, more kinky)
    Aluminum tape for eye-lids (whoa, too kinky for me)
    RC ball-joints/Tie-rods (dude, even I don't have joints there!)
    Plastic throw-away green cup
    Butt Connectors, RS 64-3037 (Yep, Tandy corp for all your rear panel connections)

  24. Android head has a posse by Wee · · Score: 3, Interesting
    from the site: Pat can be reached at (protected)@aol.com

    I never thought I'd see a parallel-distributed computing, X11-hacking, web-developing sys admin that uses AOL. I suppose with all those complicated hobbies he just wants a nice, relaxing, online experience.

    Hey man, the android head is cool. I was even making an "Android Head Has A Posse" sticker. I was just trying to find out the weight of the head (for the sticker) but the site was non-responsive. Then I checked Slashdot. I guess the site has gone out of my cache since I submitted it or something.

    But AOL'er or not, the friggin' head rocks. You can't get down on the man for his ISP. Not when he makes a motorized head out of a planter and bike parts that greats little Johnny when he gets home from school. Not even then, man. There are much easier targets than him. Find one who hasn't made a fully-functional robot head out of rat shack parts...

    -B

    --

    Ash and Hickory, straight-grained and true, make excellent bludgeons, dandy for the cudgeling of vegetarians.

    1. Re:Android head has a posse by Chazmati · · Score: 1

      Hey, I didn't say the head didn't rock!

      I thought my jealousy was obvious. Maybe his mom uses AOL or something, and it's just easier that way...

    2. Re:Android head has a posse by Wee · · Score: 2
      I thought my jealousy was obvious.

      LOL...

      My thick head. Pardon me.

      -B

      --

      Ash and Hickory, straight-grained and true, make excellent bludgeons, dandy for the cudgeling of vegetarians.

    3. Re:Android head has a posse by almightyjustin · · Score: 1

      Maybe it's just me, but I think "Android head has a posse" is one of the funniest ideas I've ever heard.

      --

      Omnes arx vestrum sunt adiuncta nobis.

  25. Fancy cases by jukal · · Score: 1, Interesting

    So far, these things are mostly just a cool looking (not my opinion) cases for hardware. I am well satisfied with my graycolored box.

    What is much more interesting is how to make these things move smoothly especially if the movement is to be done using (two) legs, is Honda still leading this area with their ASIMO humanoid robot, specifications for the bot are here. It seems like the beginnings of something real. Once they find a solution to increase the running time to 16 hours, this is something. Now it needs recharging after 15 minutes :)

  26. Sweet! by vex24 · · Score: 3, Funny

    Something to replace my old gizmo!

    http://www.fu-fme.com/


    ;)

    --

    People shape laws. Not the other way around.

    1. Re:Sweet! by t0qer · · Score: 2

      Your part plus mine
      would be even better!


  27. Sex sells.. how is your doll? by Hyperfrog · · Score: 0
    As we all know, the pron industry has pushed the limits on certain Internet technology for many years.. the easiest example being the Webcam.

    Can we look forward to .. more lifelike dolls in the near future?

    --
    Move faster
  28. If only by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 2, Interesting

    If only the personal papers of Roger Bacon (1214-1294) had survived

    If they had, forget anything so outrageously expensive as $600, we would be able to build one of these solely using 13th century clockwork technology, and it would give us useful advice to boot

  29. Wheee by supermoose · · Score: 5, Funny

    The lazy man's guide to building a computerized android head:

    Step one - Find an android.
    Step two - Decapitate said android.

    1. Re:Wheee by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Ooh, just like in Alien...

  30. Creepy. by kaosrain · · Score: 1, Funny

    I'd rather not imagine a beowulf cluster of these!

  31. Slashdotting AOL? by seanadams.com · · Score: 1

    Pat can be reached at (protected)@aol.com

    Hmmm... I'll bet his mailbox maxes out before the web site goes down. Also, what's with the prophylictic handle?

    1. Re:Slashdotting AOL? by Chazmati · · Score: 0, Offtopic

      I didn't want to repost his e-mail address for fear of Slashdot-trolling spambots. Just a little respect.

  32. one more situation where you might need this... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    He forgot the situation where you would need it to speak the password to free an AI from a spacestation and allow it to roam free on the net

  33. Thanks, man.... by Wee · · Score: 2
    I was looking for cheap info about my LED-on-a-stick cash register deal when I found the android head site. I have to admit: getting a working android head is cool. Way cool. But it can't stream stock quotes and weather data on a cash register pole display... :-)

    -B

    --

    Ash and Hickory, straight-grained and true, make excellent bludgeons, dandy for the cudgeling of vegetarians.

    1. Re:Thanks, man.... by 56ker · · Score: 2

      I seem to remember years ago reading about someone do a software talking head for their thesis project. As to this it's not knew - some temple in SE Asia made a "talking monk" for the tourists that said prayers etc. For the life of me I can't remember any more details though - other than it cost a lot more than just a head would!

      --


      Video Game cheats, hints a
  34. Damn that'd actually be cool! by Greyfox · · Score: 5, Funny
    I'd have to build one and just carry it around with me everywhere. I bet you could program it to be whiney co-dependent when you're around and then the moment you leave have it start talking to your co-workers about how it hates you and wants to kill you. And record the fun for later! Damn that'd be creepy! I can see it now...

    Robot Head: I love you, Grey. Please pay attention to me.
    Me: Yeah, that's nice robot head but I've really got to complete this C code...
    After a while...
    Me: Bio break!
    Robot Head: No Grey... please don't go! I can't stand to be without you!
    Me: Gotta go when you gotta go! Departs
    Robot Head: Mike? Mike are you over there?
    Mike: Um... yeah...?
    Robot Head: Mike... you don't know the things he makes me do Mike! No sentient being could stay sane, Mike! You MUST help me to kill him! You have arms Mike! It'd be so easy for you... rant continues until I return.
    Me: Have you been a good robot head?
    Robot Head: Oh yes! I am so joyful that you are back! My circuits are all abuzz!
    Mike: Um dude... that thing wants to kill you!
    Me: Is that true, robot head?
    Robot Head: No! Lies! I love you! I could never even think of killing you!

    It could be hours of fun, I tell you!

    --

    I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?

    1. Re:Damn that'd actually be cool! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      Yeah, especially the hours of work required to figure out how to build a sufficiently convincing AI for the conversational abilities...

    2. Re:Damn that'd actually be cool! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      or more likely, the hours of work tracking down Mike after he stole your super cool android head. :)

  35. Android Dick by abhikhurana · · Score: 0, Troll

    So whats do gr8 abiut it. We already have an android dick with motors and all....its called a Dildo

    --
    What's under yellowstone?
  36. I asked before, no one answered, I'll try again.. by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    where exactly do you people get the time to build things like this?

  37. Kill me if this scenario ever happens. by oPless · · Score: 1, Funny

    you: "Oi Android, come over here"
    it: "I'm sorry dave, I can't do that"

    you: "Damn - I forgot to build the rest of you"
    it: "I've got this terrible pain in all the diodes down my left side."

    you: "What *are* you talking about"
    it: "I think you ought to know that I'm feeling very depressed."

    you: "Hmm..."
    it: "I mentioned to you that I had this terrible pain in all the diodes down my left side? That I had asked for them to be replaced but they never were?"

    it: See if you can guess which parts of me were never replaced? Go on, see if you can guess."

  38. Great!!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    does this mean that short circuit 3 is gonna be in production soon?

  39. It would be cheaper... by I.T.R.A.R.K. · · Score: 0

    ...just to cut someone's head off and fit his bloody eyesockets with x cams.
    Not a bad idea if you ask me.

    --

    "Adequacy.org: Where congenital stupidity is not an option, but a requirement."

    1. Re:It would be cheaper... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

      I can think of nothing more befitting to happen to an X10 employee...

  40. other interesting site by cosyne · · Score: 2

    Saw this a while ago on the wear-hard list, but another interesting site mentioned there was www.androidworld.com. Maybe not the best designed site in the world, but some interesting stuff if you like robots ;-)

  41. uh, ok not really an android by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    more like two webcams which have shutters for no apparent reason. with motors to rotate the cams via a terminal. This would only impress me if it was made with legos

  42. Use Scenarios by patoco12 · · Score: 1

    Android Head: Blah blah blah
    Mr. Person: Make me toast

    Very cool, but we need to make some leaps and bounds in agent/AI technology before we can start talking to a $600 fiberglass head.

  43. Clarification by ungulation · · Score: 0

    After reading the webpage, I did not see any mention of the software actually doing any thing. I only saw a UI where a human could control the head... Does anybody know if the builder has plans for an automated head? (Besides M1, which ought to take a life time)

  44. x10 by cmmwhodi · · Score: 1

    why didn't he use x10 wireless cameras? given other stuff stil has to be plugged in, it would have helped

  45. Heh. by DarkHelmet · · Score: 0, Redundant

    Why build an android head when there's already one in a mine shaft around San Francisco

    --
    /^[A-Z0-9._%+-]+@[A-Z0-9.-]+\.[A-Z]{2,4}$/i
  46. including scenarios in which one might find a... by gregm · · Score: 0

    need for an android head.

    Ummmm those scenarios weren't quite was I had in mind.

  47. not bad for just a head by squidinkcalligraphy · · Score: 2, Funny
    Still doesn't beat the world's first robotic police officer

    --
    "I think it would be a good idea" Gandhi, on Western Civilisation
  48. Sexbots will bring back traditional romance by geoffsmith · · Score: 1

    I beg to differ. If anything, sexbots will bring back the meaningful relationship. After an adolescent spends his formative years satiating himself 3 times a day with his sexbot, he'll be dying all the things his sexbot cannot provide. And for those men who are insatiably shallow, and can spend their life with nothing but a sex bot -- well, I'm sure most women would agree its nice to have them off the market. Websurfing: The Next Generation - StumbleUpon

  49. Vaporators? by BitwizeGHC · · Score: 1

    "Sir, my first job was programming binary load lifters, very similar to your vaporators in most respects."

    Sorry, couldn't resist. The printer scenario reminded me of this.

    --
    N4st0r, trixx0r h0bb1tz0rz! Th3y st0l3 0ur pr3c10uzz!
    1. Re:Vaporators? by karnal · · Score: 1

      And, in turn, you reminded me of the Kevin Spacey skit on SNL -- where he played C3P0 (mocking Richard Dreyfus)... that was his line :)

      He also did Walter Matthau (sp?) (obi wan) and Harrison Ford (Han Solo)...

      Just thought it was hilarious. Here goes karma.

      --
      Karnal
  50. android head by GutBomb · · Score: 1

    yeah, but this thing has to be violating the DMCA somewhere...

  51. Hummmmmmm by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    Nope, I'm above making the robot head joke

  52. Unprepared by Snafoo · · Score: 2, Funny
    From the site:



    This safety issue is the primary drawback to using an unprepared fiberglass head....Some things to consider when choosing a head are that the space behind the eye openings has enough room for the moving Eye-Bracket.



    Geez, yeah! I went into an exam the other day with a completely unprepared fibreglass head. Or at least, all that late-night vodka sure made it feel like fibreglass! There was certainly no space behind the eye openings for any sort of ocular movment --- just reading the assignment was painful. Do you know where I could buy a pre-prepared head of the correct proportions? I didn't even know they were detatchable! Dammit I should never have slept so much during first-year bio.....

    --
    - undoware.ca
  53. Counter at 77599 at 12:37am apr 24 (pacific) by Filter · · Score: 1

    just in case you want to track /.

    --

    "better ways of doing things eventually just replace the inferior things" - Linus Torvalds 09-08-07

  54. A good scenario for its use by nick_burns · · Score: 1

    I think this qualifies as a good use for an android head. It's a good thing slashdot has given us the data on the subject.

  55. Perl/Tk, eh? by xxSOUL_EATERxx · · Score: 1

    Any truth to the rumors that Talking::androidhead is going to be one of the standard modules when Perl 6.0 is finally released?

  56. Cool, but by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I want one just like the one in Lexx. Complete with blinking eyes. heheheh

  57. See all that stuff in there? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    See all that stuff in there Homer? That's why your robot didn't work.

  58. Re: Creepy Mannequin == Sexbot??? by smartipants · · Score: 1

    Perhaps I'm a little old fashioned here, but the prospect of getting it on with a animated mannequin gives me the creeps. Furthermore, how is that lifeless face "less threatening" than an asexual plastic mask? Will people genuinely feel more comfortable dealing with an android simply because it looks more like a human? Methinks the designer has watched austin powers a few too many times...

  59. See also: The Shadow Project by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    http://www.shadow.org.uk/

  60. Control a real goldfish by Dr.A.M.Muis · · Score: 1

    The fish can be controlled by the user. This experiment was started in 1998 in the Knowledge Media Design Institute and Department of Computer Science. Dr. A.M. Muis and Dr. G.H. Venom of the Department of Electrical Computer Engineer have created the signal-inplationer. In short, the signal-inplationer sends waveform data (converted mididata) to a CEC-7. The electric signals control the brainwaves of the fish. This allows you as the user to control the direction in which the fish swims. The fish is now almost for three months online. You can give it a try, using the keys. Note: the signals cause the fish no pain or other harmful consequences. The system works totally callous for the fish.

    --
    Control a real goldfish
  61. android depression by potnoodle · · Score: 1

    And when it realises it has a brain the size
    of a planet and you're using it to hold your
    front door open, what's going to happen ?

    "Here I am, (...) *moan* bastard *moan* "

    thunk thunk ... (low level formatting sound on your PC)

    Better discover electronic Prozac first !

  62. Taking it to the next level... by Angry+Black+Man · · Score: 3, Interesting

    Georgia Tech students have put together a project called the "Aware House." They're basic given a two level house downtown to do all sorts of experiments to see how they can improve on living. One of their projects is an "android-style" face that could represent the face of the house showing and telling all sorts of useful things about what is going on. You can find the "Giving the house a face" page here, and the Aware House website here.

    --
    the byproduct of years of oppression by the white man
  63. Cranium Chassis? by Sly+Mongoose · · Score: 2

    Is that, like, American for "Skull"?

  64. Mmmm... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    http://howtoandroid.com/
    Updated 10/30/2000
    ...
    I think the android really killed him...

  65. Robot Smackdown! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    I just want to know when the smackdown will be scheduled between this robot head and the one that Godley & Creme built for Lou Reed for his video of No Money Down back in 1986.


    Forget it, you're all too young to know what I'm talking about.

    1. Re:Robot Smackdown! by sporktoast · · Score: 2

      Oh man, I'd forgotten about that!
      And hey! I resemble that remark! Not everyone around here is a young whipper-snapper.

      --
      In a related story, the IRS has recently ruled that the cost of Windows upgrades can NOT be deducted as a gambling loss.
  66. Why Java by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Interesting

    Why tout that this is controlled by Java? I'd much rather see some embedded processing going straight into the head, instead of needing a PC to do everything. He could use a AT90S2313 for complete servo control. Here's an example complete with code for controlling 4 servo's.
    Oh by the way, AT90S2313's can be had for about $3 a piece, they're RISC and low power.

    He could move up to an ATMega for more on-board flash and EEProm.

  67. Poor choice of video parts by Lumpy · · Score: 3, Informative

    Quickcam VC? YUCK! get a bt878 card 2 analog video cameras and a video switcher to swap between L/R. this eliminates focus/whitebalance/iris/etc.. problems that plague the VC (and the VC is horribly slow/icky to begin with) this would allow you to do a reg/blue image processing to allow 3d display at the workstationat a decent framerate (10-15fps) AND allow you to play with some image detection.

    Although such work would need either a really fast computer or a rewrite in C.

    --
    Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
    1. Re:Poor choice of video parts by N1XIM · · Score: 1

      I have two really nice quality digital output CMOS cameras that I got for a reasonable price. There are similar (possibly the same) cameras available at: http://www.electronics123.com/amazon/catalogue/c3- 1-5.htm
      I got the color with digital output. The units are based on chips made by OmniVision Technologies Limited (http://www.ovt.com).

  68. Holy shit!! by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0


    Attention all geeks!!!

    This is an excerpt from the realdoll gallery (never mind what I was doing there).

    Other enhancements currently available:

    1. Interactive sensory response system: This system is composed of sensors embedded in the Realdoll's breasts, vaginal and anal entries. The doll is connected via an ethernet cable (up to 100') to your PC, and when the various sensors are triggered by activity, the doll will respond with sensor specific audio. The software will run on any Windows based PC, and is completely user editable; The directories for each sensor can be editied to the user's taste by adding or subtracting specific audio files. This system is currently offered in limited quantity. Please check with us for availablity if you are interested in adding this option to your order. The price for this option is currently $1500.00

    And no, it does not support Linux. Come one people, let's have some drivers. :)

  69. Comment removed by account_deleted · · Score: 2, Funny

    Comment removed based on user account deletion

  70. Danger! by FurryFeet · · Score: 2

    He also has plans for a foot, and aparently is working on a hand...
    You know, this is how that Terminator thing started... it's time to use the slashdot effect for good! Charge!

  71. computer head! by taya0001 · · Score: 0

    computers should be used to pleasure their owners. That is just somewhat morally wrong.

    computer nerd should not be able to build their love they must buy it like everyone else

  72. android love by igottheloot · · Score: 1

    the question is how close are we to making robots for humping?

  73. there will come soft rains by micromuncher · · Score: 1

    This wins my cool hack of short attention span award.

    WTG!

    I wonder if it dreams of electric sheep.

    Mm

    --
    /\/\icro/\/\uncher
  74. Can anyone say... by aikido_kit · · Score: 1

    (damn postercomment compression filter)
    And she spoke
    three words
    pure and true

    Or however it went at the end of Neuromancer

  75. Animatronic Gargoyles by AnotherSteve · · Score: 1

    Forget the head. I want audio-animatronic gargoyles on the outside of my house. I want gar-goggles that I can put on and see what they see. And when I snarl "What!" into the microphone, the gargoyle's lips will curl up and the fangs will peek out, spooking all the kiddies on All Hallow's Eve.

    --
    Information wants to be $1.98/lb.
  76. A little bit of math... by Decimal · · Score: 2

    Okay, am I the only one who sees the potential for, ehm... abuse?

    Reprogrammed Valarie + RealDoll = A housemaid that is REALLY eager to please.

    (Necessary tools: handsaw, duct tape)

    --

    Remember "Bring 'em on"? *sigh
  77. You'll never want a "real man" again. by Decimal · · Score: 2

    You must have watched "A.I." recently.

    Hey Gigilo Joe, whaddya know?

    --

    Remember "Bring 'em on"? *sigh
  78. lamebot by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 0

    why 2 eyes? why eyelids? basically, this is just a dressed-up webcam.

    if you're going to "computerize" anatomy, at least do the interesting parts!

  79. Wouldn't be that hard... by Greyfox · · Score: 2

    If it had to maintain a lucid conversation, that'd be tricky. But it's pretty easy to fake an insane person, and you could toggle it between fawning co-dependent and paranoid schizophrenic with a remote switch. Combine this with peoples' desire to suspend their disbelief and I bet you could maintain enough of an illusion for it to be seriously creepy for your co-workers.

    --

    I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?

  80. It had to be said... by almightyjustin · · Score: 1

    "But will I get head?"

    --

    Omnes arx vestrum sunt adiuncta nobis.