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No Servant, Japan's Build-a-Robot Delivers Joy

isabotage3 writes to tell us that a new Japanese build-a-robot product may offer up a bit more participatory joy than models past. Even though it took this novice reporter over eight hours to assemble he still seemed to think that the end result was worth it. With a quick interface that allows everything from basic movement mapping to complex dance and aerial maneuvers, this robot seems to offer the user an experience far removed from the ASIMOs and AIBOs of years past. From the article: "You don't have to be a scientist, or even very smart, to play with Manoi AT01. But there's a catch: A lot of work is required to get it going. The $1,260 machine, which can walk, wave its arms and do other simple moves, comes in a kit that requires assembly — a sprawling, mind-boggling concoction of matchbox-size motors, plastic Lego-like parts, twisted wiring, 200 tiny screws and a 100-page manual."

13 of 103 comments (clear)

  1. Wow... by Stormx2 · · Score: 2, Funny

    And here I am with my lego monster and no money... heh

  2. woohooo by User+956 · · Score: 1, Funny

    one more step towards the glorious rule of Robot Nixon.

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  3. Re:100 page manual... by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    No, you're the only one. That's how hard you rock.

  4. Oh, fooey! by StefanJ · · Score: 5, Funny

    I thought "Build-a-Robot Delivers Joy" was a euphamism for "custom built sex android."

    1. Re:Oh, fooey! by tverbeek · · Score: 3, Funny
      a mask-like casing for the head, body and limbs that gives it a childlike appearance
      So I guess it's the Haley Joel Osment model? A rather... controversial choice for a joybot (compared to the Jude Law model). :)
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  5. presario by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    "a sprawling, mind-boggling concoction of matchbox-size motors, plastic Lego-like parts, twisted wiring, 200 tiny screws and a 100-page manual."

    sounds like the last compaq I worked on.

  6. instructions? by not+a+cylon · · Score: 5, Funny

    Ummm, not to be a racist or anything, but wouldn't reading a 100-page instruction book translated from Japanese be considered torture in some countries?

    1. Please to put little engine 3X later than subassembly YY.

    2. Set us up the arm, but not to be rotated wisely.

    3. Enjoy super happy fun robot!

    1. Re:instructions? by flyingfsck · · Score: 5, Funny

      Japanese instruction is to be helping and not to be laughful at.

      Do not taunt Happy Fun Robot!

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  7. Re:Video clip by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    You really shouldn't talk about yourself like that.

  8. No thanks by JourneyExpertApe · · Score: 4, Funny

    "You don't have to be a scientist, or even very smart, to play with Manoi AT01."

    I think I'll wait for the Womanoi TA36-24-36.

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  9. Re:Japan and robots? by phreakincool · · Score: 3, Funny

    Well somebody has to take the lead in this endevaour. I don't see a GUNDAM coming from the United States anytime soon. And I want a GUNDAM!

  10. I for one by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 1, Funny

    ...Welcome our new custom built robot overlords

    *Runs*

  11. Re:And if the market shows interest... by Elminst · · Score: 2, Funny

    Does it come with that "accessory" standing behind it? ;-)

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