SKIRMISHER

So what’s better than the smallest, coolest humanoid robot? The smallest, coolest humanoid robot than ca be totally hacked, is what. Folks at the “very reliable they shit diamonds” Tsukumo Robot Kingdom say that there’s going to be a lot more about the i-Sobot, and they offer the following points.

* The initial production lots of i-SOBOTs currently being delivered to customers use flash ROMs. Tsukumo speculates that some daring customers might be able to re-flash the ROMs to modify the i-SOBOTs sounds and other functionality. The follow-on production lots will switch to non-flash ROMS.

* Color versions are planned. Tsukumo mentions that in addition to the current white (Japan) and black (US) versions there are plans for a black version to be released in Japan some time in 2008 along with other possible colors.

* The next generation i-SOBOT with the built-in video camera and wireless connectivity is tentatively planned for a 2008 introduction.

* Although the i-SOBOT manufacturing is done in China, some critical performance parts - specifically the servo gears - are made in Japan.

via

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