Cellular phone robot

http://robotgossip.blogspot.com/2007/01/cellular-phone-robot-cpr.html

The link is to a little item in development in Korea called a cellular phone robot. It looks impressive to me so far. The thing has several features that most simple robots have now. The video explains it all. When it goes to market, I'll be looking to buy one!

Third-World Wind Power: First Look

Third-World Wind Power: First Look

This is a pretty amazing concept. It will never happen in first world countries, simply because of the good ol' boys network of power companies and fuel providers. At least not until all hell breaks loose and destroys the infrastructure.

China offers surprise hope in climate change fight

China offers surprise hope in climate change fight

Well, every once in a while, I have to eat my words. This looks like it might be one of those times. A couple of months back, I blogged about how the global warming camp needed to go bother China about it's pollution. The one thing about China: They care a LOT about global appearance. Wanting to be seen as a true world power, they have been taking lots of heat from the activists. And the Chinese certainly don't sit around in endless commitees debating about what and how to do things.

I think I'll do some searching and see what else they're up to on climate change. If there is going to be true affordability for things like solar power, China will probably be the ones pushing it through.

Who'd a thunk it???

World's First Automated Restaurant Opens In Germany

Goodbye Rude Waiters: World's First Automated Restaurant Opens In Germany - International - SPIEGEL ONLINE - News

Another article on automated resturants. Better look into getting your resume in order!

AIC-CI Cookingrobot Chinese Robotic Chef: Science Fiction in the News

AIC-CI Cookingrobot Chinese Robotic Chef: Science Fiction in the News

I came across this story about a year ago and forgot about it. Then I found it again and decided to share. Anybody ready to retire early from fast food service?

PC World - Commodore Gaming Opens North American HQ

PC World - Commodore Gaming Opens North American HQ

Just when you think a technology is finally ready to go to electronics heaven, it lifts it's head, and in classic Monty Python style proudly exclaims: "I'm not dead, yet!"

ROBOTS DREAMS: Is A Vending Machine A Robot? (Video)

ROBOTS DREAMS: Is A Vending Machine A Robot? (Video)

I took the time to watch this video. It's okay if you're into the whole Japanese thing. I was led to believe that there were actually robotic soda machines being made now. Needless to say, this really has nothing to do with soda machines. And I posted a comment expressing as much.

So here I am thinking about the whole robotic soda machine concept. And the more I think about it, the more sense it makes. Not just for the soft drink industry, but for public WiFi and networking in general. What is the biggest single obstacle facing public access? Hotspots. Seriously. Say for instance that Earthlink contracts with a metro area to provide WiFi. The biggest cost is setting up antennas. But what if instead of the hassle of leasing pole space on streetlamps and telephone poles, they were to set up links through soda machines? The damned things are EVERYWHERE! Don't think so? You obviously haven't been paying much attention in your town. Nearly every third business, from the giant corporation to the local mom-and-pop storefront has a soda machine in front, looking for that extra few dollars.

If the giants like Coca-Cola and Pepsi were to manufacture robotic soda machines with Bluetooth and WiFi networking to each machine, it would be ridiculously easy for Earthlink to simply lease the machines necessary to cover the metropolitan area. No climbing poles for maintenance. Coke and Pepsi get free or inexpensive advertising. The city gets its entire area networked. And no one has to miss out on their soft drink of choice. Out of Mr. Pibb in one machine? It tells you BEFORE you drop your bucks in! And trust me, the emphasis is on bucks. The cost of WiFi comes from somewhere.

"Hello, Joe, yesterday you had a Coke. What would you like today?"

"I'll have a Sprite, please."

"Sorry, I'm out of Sprite, but there is a machine on the next block that has just been stocked!"

"Thanks, buddy! I'm on my way!"

"See you next time!"

7/21/07- postscript

Vending machines also don't give a damn if you use change to buy your drink, either. Give a pocket full of change to a human behind a counter, and the chances are good that person will at best stifle a sigh, or at worst, ask if you have paper money.