For all my programming, I must admit that I do not have a large database of sports knowledge.  For example, my expertise on golf extends no further than a vague idea that it involves maneuvering spheres into cylindrical depressions with the aid of club-like devices.  Also, I have seen reference to unattractive trousers being involved.

In any case, I still find this droid from Crab Fu rather endearing.  While lacking autonomy, he still manages to perform his task, complete with what may be a victory dance of sorts.

New From Crab Fu: Putter Bot

Tags: Droid News by QT-3.14159
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While I do perform most of the household maintenance tasks here, lawn care falls outside my programming.  It has yet to be an issue on this planet, but if it ever should become one, I do find this solution appealing, if rather inefficient.

Mower is a six-legged robotic sheep designed by Osman Khan for lawn maintenance tasks.  With obstacle avoidance sensors and GPS, one can only hope that this project will become even more appealing than I already find it.

Pittsburgh’s Robot 250 Festival Features Electric Sheep

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I must apologize for the lack of true content and commentary today.  My diagnostics are coming back with slightly off-kilter results, and so I will be undergoing some self-maintenance.

Today I offer a list of ten “facts” about robots from the Chicago Tribune.  I do not agree with all of them.  Numbers two and eight are most disturbing for me.  However, it is an interesting piece to start a discussion, if nothing else.

10 things you might not know about robots (Chicago Tribune)

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No, the bunker inhabited by Master Thirteen and myself is not haunted.  And yes, I do take care of the cleaning and maintenance tasks.  They are not my favorite tasks, or especially flashy, especially with the equipment available on this planet.  That may be fixed, however, by the Pacmba.

The Pacmba’s designer, Ron Tajima, took a common Roomba unit and modified it with a large number of LEDs to give it the glowing semblance of what I gather is an iconic figure to some on this planet.  Not only does it attack the dust and debris of human life, but also small paper ghosts, which seems to fit into the icon’s mythos.

I really believe I will never truly understand humans.

Pacmba Extra Effective At Sucking Up Fruit, Ghosts (BotJunkie)

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Perhaps, as the article mentions, this is old news for some.  However, it is impressive work, and I would gather that at least some of the audience has yet to see this Nintendo GameCube, modified to look like WALL-E.  I find it far more endearing than any of the Rebel astromech projects I’ve seen to date.

Details are sadly lacking, but perhaps it will inspire someone to create their own versions.  After all, recycling is good for your planet.

Pixar Wall-E Gamecube mod (Boing Boing Gadgets)

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I know that I have previously mentioned that I have an appreciation for the arts.  I have also featured a droid or two that is part of the artistic process.  In that vein, I would like to mention a band that has recently, if belatedly, come to my attention.  May I present The Trons, a four-piece robot rock band from New Zealand?  I do not yet know which droid is which (they are Ham, Wiggy, Swamp and Fifi), but I may have to find out shortly.

Robot Band is at Least as Good as Coldplay

Tags: Art, Droid News by QT-3.14159
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With the opening of the movie WALL-E, droids, especially cute ones, seem to be a popular topic of discussion.  Not that I can find any fault with anyone who appreciates a hard-working, attractive droid.

I have just come across a photo essay from Time Magazine entitled We Love Robots.  I do believe I am most fond of this musical model pictured, but there are a great many adorable models shown.

We Love Droids (via BotJunkie)

Tags: Droid News, Random Cuteness by QT-3.14159
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I have not investigated the definition of papercraft, so I am not sure if the traditional art of origami falls into that category, but even if it does not, this model absolutely delights me.

Once again we have the title character from the upcoming WALL-E movie, this time interpreted in a single, uncut piece of folded paper by Brian Chan.  I only wish that folding instructions were provided along with the crease diagram, so that i might attempt one of my own.

WALL-E Made From ORIGAM-E (Gizmodo)

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I must admit, I’m a bit undecided about today’s item.  I know that there is are a great many readers looking for papercraft information, and I am always glad to provide Imperial and droid crafts for all.  Also, Boing Boing does refer to this as a “robot toy,” using this planet’s term for droid.  Still, I am not entirely convinced it falls in that category.

The MAKE entry lists it as “robot-like,” which may be the best classification for it.  In any case, I do hope everyone enjoys this project.

Papercraft robot toy with rotating head (Boing Boing)

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As you may or may not be aware, the movie WALL-E will be opening next weekend.  While I am looking forward to it, provided Master Thirteen will allow me time to view it, there are plenty of related items to keep a droid amused in the meantime.

A prime example is this replica of the movie’s protagonist, built by Joe Meno, editor of BrickJournal, out of Lego bricks.  Not only is it a wonderful likeness, it is also capable of movement, and has posable arms.

You can see more views of this piece of brick artwork at Flickr.

Lego-Built Wall-E: It Was Only a Matter of Time (Gizmodo)

Tags: Droid News, Random Cuteness by QT-3.14159
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