Mark Tilden, Robosapiens Inventor Interviewed

An anonymous reader writes "You-Review.Net has an interview with Mark Tilden, the inventor of the Robosapiens line of products. In this interview, Mr Tilden reveals more information about the RSMedia bot, which will be the world's first walking, talking, MP3 playing, ARM9 powered programmable Linux computer (with a Subwoofer, just incase). No news yet on the GPL status of this beast."

Comments

Interesting Future

[db32]

These kinds of things are always interesting to look at. Currently the cost of most of the more interesting robot systems are rather prohibitive to the poor geek tinkerer, but I expect that will change in the next few years. I recently started an radio controlled tank project and got into looking at some of the the various robot sites around for parts and was surprised to see what kinds of things are available and what has been done even at the garage hobby level. I can't wait until some of the more advanced robot technologies become a little more available to the garage hobbyist, I imagine we will really start to see the creative uses come out then. On a side note, is that picture a little frightening to anyone else?

Re:Interesting Future

[Jesapoo]

So how will this compare to stuff you can do with things like Mindstorms?

To me it looks like Mindstorms without the ability to change the form of the product, BUT WITH A SUBWOOFER!!11

Re:Interesting Future

[c]

Currently the cost of most of the more interesting robot systems are rather prohibitive to the poor geek tinkerer, but I expect that will change in the next few years.

Fifteen years ago, Mark Tilden was building interesting robots using components from dead tape players and dollar store solar calculators.

Somehow, he managed to parlay this stuff into a job with NASA...

If you think you need to spend a large chunk of change to do neat stuff with robots, you definitely need to do more research...

c.

Re:Interesting Future

[montyzooooma]

http://www.britishrobotics.com/

This is a web shop that sells robot bits and kits. Worth a look if only as inspiration.

Broom-Bot

[digitaldc]

What next? Will the Pea-Bot get mated with a Roomba and do something more useful than carry around cans of beer?

Yes, it will carry your beer and your chips to you and then it vacuums up mess you make. A drunkards dream if I ever did see one.

The Bride

[gurutc]

Will have a tweeter?

Rubbed me the wrong way

[autophile]

Maybe the guy is a supergenius and is allowed to answer like that, but his answers just rubbed me the wrong way. The interview seemed to be of the form:

Q: Serious question?

A: That depends on what the meaning of the word "question" is. That's the question, whether 'tis nobler... And speaking of "depends", did you know that 3% of old people in Korea wear Depends? Short, informationless answer. :(

I was hoping for something more thoughtful and substantial rather than flippant stream-of-consciousness.

But that's just one guy's opinion.

--Rob

Re:Rubbed me the wrong way

[gad_zuki!]

>>I was hoping for something more thoughtful and substantial rather than flippant stream-of-consciousness.

Mark then revealed his new project: Bongbot. A walking waterpipe that plays Pink Floyd mp3s and dispenses Hostess cupcakes. He was just finishing up an all-night testing session.

RSMedia Bot

[goofyheadedpunk]

Okay, I know I'm not the only one. How many of you read "RSMedia Bot" as RMSedia Bot" and thought, "Oh no, some crazy bastard has done it. Some crazy bastard has made the Free Software Foundation an army of RMSedia Bots to stomp out the use of proprietary software the world over. They'll be unstoppable! Wait... Oh God no! It has a subwuffer! We'll be forced to listen to the Free Software Song as well? The humanity!"

fart mode

[mennucc1]

yes, all the robosapiens stuff looks so cool and serious... until you read 67 pre-programmed functions: pick-up, throw, kick, dance, kung-fu, fart, belch, rap and more; 3 demonstration modes. ; after that, it looks a bit childish