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Windows-based Robot and Development Platform
Monsieur La Vigne writes "I found this Robot running Windows, based on a STM 486 chip, and 802.11 connectivity. Apparently, the critter has a C++ , Matlab (?) based SDK and some proprietary bus for extension. Not sure what it does, but it looks cool. Has anyone ever heard of these guys or seen the SDK? Seems ripe for a linux port!" It's a little bit expensive.
(from Cambridge International Dictionary of English) robot noun [C] a machine used to perform jobs automatically which is programmed and controlled by a computer. I guess the question here is what is a "job" defined as. If you want the technical answer its really anything that happens to or in direct relation to an action that the robot takes. This can be from direct input from an operator or from a command placed by the onboard computer. In most peoples eyes this won't cut it as a "robot". People will define a "job" as a task that makes their life easier in some way like mowing the yard or doing the dishes. That being said I think that this on in it's "off the shelf" state won't be very popular with most people but as a development /prototype platform it looks great.
All "windows crashing" or BSOD -jokes are declared "not funny"!
You slashdotters are gonna have a field day with this one..
For the love of God, somone please read the fucking article.
There already exist robots in the research community that run windows, its nothing too new or exciting. The fact is though, that most do run some form of linux as it allows the researchers so much greater flexibility.
As to the robot itself, it looks like a christmas toy. It doesn't support hardware modifications on the level that most researchers or hobbyists would want. Check out the Active Media Pioneer platform. Its one of the most proliferous among researchers because you can add grippers, laser, speakers, camera, docking tail, wireless, and pretty much ewhatever you want, and none of it has to be in any specific form factor or another. check out robotics.usc.edu\~cres for some sample configurations.