Some of the most popular (not necessarily best) memes are of people who seem to be brave on the outside but are reduced to screaming messes when faced with a cockroach. We’re talking both men and women here and seeing them freak out over these insects is apparently funny to some people. So this concept for a robotic cockroach may be the stuff of nightmares for some or a fascinating experiment for those who are curious.
Baby X-Roach is a concept or experiment into creating a robotic creature that is usually a source of disgust or fright. In his description of this creature he created, he says that she has a huge and kind heart with her curiosity keeping her alive even if most people don’t see it. It is designed to have a high tech aesthetic even though it is a low poly creation (small number of polygons in 3D computer graphics).
Based on the animations the designer included, the structure of the Baby X-Roach seems to be based on the actual cockroach’s look but with a high tech aesthetic. It may actually look right at home in a Tesla facility as per the creator. It can also be part of the Into the Spiderverse animated universe as it looks like it may be insect cousins with the spider that bit Miles Morales, with its red and black colors and mechanical movements.
This insect doesn’t seem to have any other function except to be a cute, mechanical pet. Well, that is, if you’re not afraid of roaches. If you are, you just might squish it if you see it scurrying across to you, which would be a shame for this baby roach.
We’ve seen enough movies set in space and maybe even some documentaries or real life videos to know that life during space travel can be lonely. So having a pet with the astronauts can help with their mental health. But of course, there are limitations when it comes to actually having pets in space. So the next best thing would be to have a robot that would take the place of a pet and also be able to do even more than real animals. And of course, an AI powered one would probably be even better.
Designer: Jihee Kim
If this concept will come to life, Laika will be an ideal robot pet powered by Artificial Intelligence and it is designed to be as life-like as possible. After all, it is named after one of the first animals in space. While there are several robotic dogs available now, this one is supposedly designed to be a more friendly version. This way it can actually be a beloved pet for the astronauts and it can be integrated in “domestic contexts”. But aside from being a companion, the AI dog can also be used in case of emergencies and even to monitor the health condition of the people on board the space vehicle.
Laika is made from robust titanium so that it can withstand extreme conditions that they may encounter in space. It also comes with different kind of sensors so it can identify objects, people, and even literal space. This includes thermal imaging, depth cameras, slam cameras, and ultrasonic sensors. It also comes with ECG sensors so it will be able to monitor the health condition of the astronauts especially during times when emotions are heightened which can translate physically as well.
There are also future tweaks to improve more things about Laika, like adding mixed reality glasses so users will be able to get real-time information about their “pet” and their activities. The renders show a friendly-looking dog so it will be a much welcome companion for astronauts who may be missing their actual pet or are in dire need of companionship. It even has a stretchable handle on its back so they can carry small items or users can lift it up and move them around. Laika can also be used for other non-space purposes including domestic situations.
Chinese tech company Unitree has once again amazed the world of robotics with the launch of its second-generation robot dog companion, the Go2. This remarkable robotic creation is designed to follow you around at jogging speeds, perform impressive gymnastic feats, and even engage in conversation using a GPT-enabled system that can write code on the fly.
The Unitree Go2 stands at a compact 40 cm (16 inches) tall and weighs approximately 15 kg (33 lb). It’s sturdy aluminum and high-strength plastic chassis can carry more than half its own weight as payload, making it a versatile companion for various tasks. The robot dog has advanced sensors, including super wide-angle LiDAR and HD cameras, allowing it to map and navigate its surroundings in real-time. This enables the Go2 to walk alongside its owner, avoiding obstacles and adapting to challenging terrains like stairs and rocks. It can run for an hour or two on a battery charge.
One of the most impressive features of the Go2 is its athletic capabilities. With motors that boast 30% more torque than the previous model, the Go2 can perform jaw-dropping jumps, backflips, and even dance on two crossed-over legs. Its exceptional balance allows it to stand on its front two legs and gracefully navigate downstairs.
The Pro model of the Go2 also incorporates a GPT-enabled speech engine, allowing users to have natural language conversations with the robot. Beyond just understanding and responding to verbal requests, the robot attempts to write code for itself, interpreting the user’s intentions and seeking ways to be helpful. While the practical utility of this feature may be limited at the current stage, it showcases the potential for more advanced interactions in the future.
The Go2’s pricing starts at $1,600 for the base model, capable of reaching speeds of 5.6 mph (9 km/h), while the Pro model, priced at $2,800, can go up to 7.8 mph (12.6 km/h). However, the total cost is slightly higher when factoring in additional fees such as the $400 shipping charge and a 25% duty for orders in the USA. Despite this, the Go2 offers an affordable alternative to Boston Dynamics’ Spot robot dog, which costs significantly more, around $75,000.
While the Go2 presents a novel and technologically advanced robotic companion, it may still find its most prominent user base among individuals seeking entertainment and attention. Its ability to capture selfies and pick up items with its robotic arm may be considered practical features. Still, the true allure of the Go2 lies in its entertaining and attention-grabbing capabilities. The capabilities of helping around the house or around with chores are limited as it’s seen replacing getting a glass of water for a quirky dance.
For those seeking an additional layer of security, the Go2 can serve as a guard for your home, showcasing its potential for safety purposes. It can also be helpful for carrying items around and assisting with chores. The absence of the need for constant attention and its self-replicating capabilities add to its appeal as a convenient companion. With user authorization, via OTA Upgrades, the Go2 robot keeps improving and evolving to be smarter as the robot automatically connects to a cloud-based OTA service to upgrade its own programs to continuously improve the user experience.
However, as remarkable as the Go2 is, it cannot replace the innocence and loyalty of conventional pets. Pets often win our hearts with their quirks and acts of loyalty, something that robots may struggle to replicate fully. Nonetheless, the Go2 can coexist with traditional pets, providing a different set of advantages and becoming a complementary addition to the household.
Unitree’s Go2 robot dog represents a significant advancement in robotic companionship, combining agility, conversation, and helpfulness in an affordable package. While it may not replace the charm of a living, breathing pet, it undoubtedly brings a unique blend of technological wonders and entertainment value to those who embrace it. As we continue to witness the evolution of robotics and AI, the Go2 showcases a promising glimpse of the future of human-robot interaction.
Every time we think of robots it is a scary visual. When we think of pet robots it’s usually a faceless dog. But what if I tell you that this good egg is actually a pet robot? Well, it is a concept but a very realistic one at that. As we advance in the world of robotics, designs like Eggo remind us that not all robots are bad and some can actually be cute like Eggo!
Eggo’s mission is simple – to give you a robot pet that is always by your side and provides a positive experience to you. This egg-shaped companion lets you raise a pet online or offline without taking away from the experience. It has a simple design, minimal interface, and an organic shape that invites interaction. Eggo moves autonomously by grasping the terrain through a camera. The smart pet also automatically goes to charge itself when the battery is low and I honestly wish my phone did the same thing. Even though it is a robot, designer Hyunjae Tak made sure to include an emotional side so Eggo can express how it is ‘feeling’ through the LED colors which are extremely important when interacting with children. It uses the inner wheel to move on its own and actually forms a unique personality according to how you take care of it just as you would with a real-life pet!
You don’t have to always be online to interact with or raise Eggo, it retains everything offline as well and that helps you build a realistic connection with the product as a pet as opposed to an ‘online game’ feeling (remember Neopets?). Eggo comes with its own smart app and with the various integrations, you can communicate deeper with it.
We all like pets, but frankly, they are a big responsibility. If you don’t have the time or if you’re not ready to take up the onus just yet, Panasonic has developed a playful cat-like robot called Nicobo. The companion robot is symbolically a cat, but it is reminiscent of a stuffed sock that looks more like a bloated fish. That said, Nicobo is co-developed with robotics researchers from Toyohashi University of Technology Michio Oka Laboratory and is all about providing comforting companionship.
The pet robot is really interactive and designed to keep one entertained without the need for a real pet. To mimic a pet, the robot can wink its eyes, wag its tail in appreciation, and when the time is not as it would want, Nicobo can release a fart! Not too inquisitive about taking a walk like any other pet, the Panasonic robot won’t fetch for you or come to you when you call; however, it will turn from side to side or look up and down courtesy of its moving base somewhere in the belly.
For more interactive behavior, Nicobo is packed in with touch sensors to know when it is being touched or hugged; multi-directional microphones to recognize your voice; a camera for face recognition; and a light sensor so it can nap in sunlight. Interestingly, the cat-like robot can mimic what you say and speak back in broken sentences, known in Japan as “katakoto”. So it won’t have a complete conversation, but you can be assured it’s listening – an assurance one desires when you don’t have someone to talk for instance. Only 320 units for $360 each will be made initially, so getting your hands on one of these little robots will not be easy.
