Given that October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, I find it quite appropriate that this droid prototype is now being announced.  Professor Jaydev Desai had developed a model droid that may one day be able to perform a biopsy of breast cancer cells while the patient is inside the MRI scanner, and destroy those cells if necessary.  Since the patient will still be under imaging, it will allow the doctor to view and control the entire process.

While this is quite heartening news for human females, it will be some time before it would be a common treatment.  The professor estimates that trials will be another four years, and government approvals may take even longer.  However, it is still good news on a front that is often all too bleak.

Robot Prototype Finds, Attacks and Kills Breast Cancer Cells (Gizmodo)

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There are times when I have a great deal to say on a subject.  However, on days like today perhaps the video says more than I can.  Just enjoy this video of Staubli industrial robots.

Staubli Robot Dance Show (BotJunkie)

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Astute readers may have realized by this point that both technology and baking are two subjects dear to my circuitry.  It is especially pleasing when I see projects that bring the two together with such satisfying results.

For those of you unfamiliar with the inner workings of the computers used on this world, this is a cake replica of a motherboard, or the central component of the system you are most likely using to read this missive.  However, unlike the one pictured here, I would not advise using the one you have nearby for snacking purposes.

Motherboards that won’t tear the roof of your mouth to shreds (from Boing Boing Gadgets)

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My programming is fairly extensive, given my assignment with Master Thirteen.  However, I do have a number of optional programming packages that I lack, as they are unnecessary for my tasks.  High on that list are those to do with child care.  I am not sure, then, if it is wise to allow a small child to sit on the back of any droid.

However, given the legal and insurance preferences of much of this world, there has likely been a fair amount of research done on this very subject.  And one must admit that the droid in question, Kota the dinosaur, is endearingly cute.  While he cannot walk, he has motion and touch sensors, and is fond of leafy snacks.  You can view his video at the link.

Kota Robot Baby Dino For Sale On Amazon (BotJunkie)

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It is quite probably obvious by now that I am rather taken by droid related art.  The latest example I have found is Nerdbot, a venture by “Nicholas and Angela from Kansas City, Missouri.”

Each of their creations is unique, and crafted from recycled, found objects.  Also, each droid has a name and personality.  I am rather partial to Traveller, who is listed as:

“A big fan of coin collecting, Traveller enjoys trading coins or other legally minted currency. He loves eating prunes and is mildly obsessed with mermaids and mermen. He’s currently trying to grow eyebrows.”

Recycling Hits A New High With Nerdbots (io9)

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Although I am once again in need of some maintenance, and moving my repair manual onto Master Thirteen’s desk does not seem to provide adequate reminder, my pastry programming still allows me to output better results than many of those shown on Cake Wrecks.  However, as one of the Sunday Sweets series there, I have come across a darling Wall-E cake that I felt I must share.  The work of Edward and Antoni Frys of the European Cake Gallery, it is a tasty work of art.

Wall-E, the Cake Wreck(er) (Cake Wrecks)

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Sometimes the various troopers of the Empire find themselves in situations that no training situation could possibly cover.  I have recently come across documentation of one Commander Calin, whose excursion to the forest required more creative thinking than most citizens would generally imagine.

Space Cowboy (Part of powerpig’s photo set Commander Calin)

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It is not uncommon for me to share news of new droids.  However, unless my data banks are in need of maintenance, this is the first time I have come across a pair of related droids this appealing.

Murata Boy is a bicyclist, using a chest-embedded gyroscope to keep him upright.  Murata Girl is also equipped with a gyroscope, but she exchanges the bicycle for a unicycle.  Both are able to avoid obstacles, but Murata Girl is controlled via Bluetooth.

There are videos of both available at the link, and I find they make quite interesting viewing.

Murata Boy’s Cousin Does It On One Wheel (BotJunkie)

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As I am sure my audience is aware, the Empire’s stormtroopers are here to keep the citizenry safe and secure.  However, here we have a trooper-themed product that will keep the wearer warm, as well as bringing them some of the undeniable appeal that the stormtroopers have.

Admit It, The Stormtrooper Hoodie is a Little Tempting (Gizmodo)

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When Imperial Procurement refers to remote units, I highly doubt this is the kind of item they mean.  Granted, given some of the things I have heard about that body, this watch and toy combination may be as useful in the field as anything they have provided in the past, but I digress.

The timepiece doubles as a wireless controller for the miniature astromech.  It seems to have the ability, looking at the diagram, to move forward and turn, making it almost as useful as the original R2 unit.  Read into that what you wish – I will remind you that I am a protocol droid assigned to an Imperial task.

Wristwatch With Tiny R/C R2-D2 May Be Best Office Distraction Toy Ever

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