Soon-to-be RoboPhilo owner speaks

[wintermute]

Greetings, fellow roboteers...

I've been lurking here for quite a while, but registered only today. I'm a programmer and Unix sysadmin by vocation, but I've always been nuts about robots. I came close to buying one of the Kondo models, a Robonova, or a Manoi, but I've been holding off until I had a feel for how the market was shaping up. (The fact that I was one of the first to buy an Aibo ERS-110, although it is a very cool device, might have something to do with my caution this time around.) But when Robots Dreams announced today that World Models was introducing a biped for under $500 that seems to offer features rivaling robots that cost from twice to three times as much -- well, I sat up and took notice. So assuming there are no if-it's-too-good-to-be-true-it-probably-is gotchas, count me in. I'm down with a RoboPhilo -- the kit form, of course, which Robots-Dreams indicates is even less than the $500 assembled version, but I'd buy the kit regardless. Anyway, I will soon be joining the ranks of humanoid robot owners, so I belong here. You understand, of course; you are my tribe.

[siempre.aprendiendo]

Greetings, fellow roboteers...
...but I've been holding off until I had a feel for how the market was shaping up. (The fact that I was one of the first to buy an Aibo ERS-110, although it is a very cool device, might have something to do with my caution this time around.)...

What "problems" did you have with Aibo ERS-110 that makes you have now these concerns about buying? Price? Features? Version Compatibility (software or hardware)?

Thanks for your comments! : )

[wintermute]

What "problems" did you have with Aibo ERS-110 that makes you have now these concerns about buying? Price? Features? Version Compatibility (software or hardware)?

Thanks for your comments! : )

No problems at all, other than paying full-bore for the dog. If I'd waited a while, I could have bought one for much less than the $2500 I shelled out. Being an early purchaser comes at a price; just ask the first iPhone buyers. So the experience made me a bit more conservative in my approach. As for being among the first to buy a new RoboPhilo, considering the relatively inexpensive initial price I'm not too worried about the fact that it will almost surely be discounted later. I still have the Aibo, and I still appreciate how cool it is. Who knows, down the road perhaps ERS-110s in mint condition will be collectors items and I'll quintuple my original investment.

[wintermute]

On the other hand, after watching Robots Dreams' RoboPhilo video -- which was subsequently pulled from YouTube, probably at World Models' insistence -- I'm not as fond of the way the RoboPhilo moves as I am Robonova's movements (and I'm not talking about a programmed sequence -- more basic than that). I can't put my finger on it, exactly, but the RN's movements seem more precise and "tighter" than the RP's. Since the video is no longer available for additional study I can't say for sure what's going on. And truth to tell, I'm not crazy about the RP's zig-zag legs, caused by the L-shaped servo bracket at the knee; I much prefer the RN's straighter legs, which are more like a human's. But none of that stuff is a deal-breaker. I mean, $400 (or even $350-$375?) is a lot less than $969, let's face it. For the difference I can put up with the way it moves and zig-zag legs. As for the YouTube RP video being pulled, perhaps someone decided that RoboPhilo's YouTube introduction would be better served by one of the snazzy graphics-equipped models. That's my theory, anyway, but I'm just spit-balling.

[BrianG]

Video is still up: http://www.robots-dreams.com/2007/10/ex ... first.html

[wintermute]

Yeah, I see that. But clicking on it yesterday got the message "This video is no longer available." Guess it was just a temporary problem, so it seems I was sadly mistaken. Wouldn't be the first time.

[tempusmaster]

Just to clarify things: The RoboPhilo in the video is a pre-production unit that was tested in early September, so the motions hadn't been fine tuned at that point. When I get a chance I'll go back and post some additional video with the latest routines.

As far as the video being down goes - it must have been a temporary YouTube problem. World Models gave their permission in advance for photos and videos to be posted.

[Kilroym42]

The web site has been updated. There's a new video and some pics.

ps. Dose anyone know if you can add gyro's to the RoboPhilo?

[tempusmaster]

The web site has been updated. There's a new video and some pics.

ps. Dose anyone know if you can add gyro's to the RoboPhilo?

They haven't said anything about a gyro option, though it would be a natural. Once they release the SDK/API you could add lots of different sensors, including gyros, if you want to tackle the programming.

[BrianG]

OK so when can you buy it and who will show us the first vids of theirs