Slashdot Mirror
Epson Creates Tiny Flying Robot
xyote writes "As reported by the Inquirer. More info on Epson's website with a nice picture with explanatory labels and all. It weighs a little over 10g, uses an 'ultra-thin ultrasonic' motor and Bluetooth for remote control." Epson is using the robot to showcase their micromechatronics technology, and by exhibiting it, they hope to discover and test problems with using robots in three dimensions.
Nice - now all we need is a handy super miniature X10 cam to attach to it!
Seriously, what other useful projects than a camera could we attach to this little contraption?
"You have been trying to install third party ink cartridges...you will be assimilated..."
MY SECRET DIARIES
...but the replacement wings will cost a fortune.
Communicates by bluetooth does it? Who's going to be the first to create an automatic fly swatter to take this thing out when it flys near? Of course I wouldn't build such a device because I personaly welcome our minature flying robot overlords. Sorry, got carried away there.
Yeah, but does it Print?
The robot is only $100 but replacement ink cartridges for it cost $50 each.
It is by the juice of the coffee bean that thoughts acquire speed, the teeth acquire stains. The stains become a warning
What the hell? Where did they get a name like that?
"Our use of micromechatronics will help us succeed in our quest", stated project lead Optimus Prime. "We will defeat the decepticons and obtain all minicons", he then went on to say. Megatron was unavailable for comment.
That little thing would totally get it's ass kicked on battlebots...
Question everything that you've accepted without thinking.
RIAA recently bought one of these robots for every Kazaa filesharer in existence. Within days millions of 12 year old girls will be found and "dealt with" by these modded beasts.
Nothing disturbs me more than blind loyalism towards some unrealistic and over-idealistic notion of one's nationality.
Yes, the real danger is not the flying-nano-bots of the future, it is the flying-centi-bots that are here now! There's one at my window!
- For the complete works of Shakespeare: cat
It's only a matter of time before someone puts a wee little bomb on one of these and kills someone with it. Or at least puts an eye out.
Then it's only a matter of time before someone makes a swarm of them with wee little bombs and turns them loose on a bigger target.
Then it's only a matter of time before someone makes a counterswarm of them.
Then slashdotters will have an unlimited number of slightly charred tiny flying robot parts to experiment with.
3D Printing Tips and Tricks at Zheng3.com
Maybe they won't need much in terms of batteries.
Maybe they can have photocells, and convert the energy they need from natural or artificial light sources. So, at night we could see a bunch of those thingies hitting their heads on street lamps.
Maybe they can fly down for a recharge every once in a while, landing on a bigger robot's back and sucking some electricity.
And maybe, if all else fails, we can leave them energized by a thin wire, hanging from the tip of a long rod. They won't get far, but if you leave the rod close to the water you may be able to fool and electrically stun an obtuse trout, which you will then take home for dinner.
Quem a paca cara compra, paca cara pagará.
My cat would love this thing.
Chip H.