BOTS AND BOTS OF CHARACTER
While working on this issue, we hosted a simple little contest, putting out an all-points bulletin in search of robots with lots of character and personality. Contestants were asked to submit their build photos and instructions on our DIY wiki, Make: Projects (makeprojects.com). And since robot personalities come through best in action, submitting a video of the bot was mandatory. Because our community rocks, we got some great entries. Thanks to everyone who entered! Deciding the winners was not easy, but here they are (drum roll please):
TOP BOT
“Chopsticks” the Spider Robot
This little bot has tons of character chops, and we love his legs made of Polymorph plastic and chopsticks. Check out the vid of him contemplating his own end effectors and playing peekaboo.
RUNNERS-UP
RoboBrrd
By Erin Kennedy makeprojects.com/Project/862/1
Bio-inspired design combined with sensing, interesting behaviors, and a colorful design caught our eye. Erin’s documentation is also top-notch. Bonus points for the eraser eyelashes.
Robot Drummer (of Double Rainbow Band)
By Tim Laursen makeprojects.com/Project/800/1
We’re not sure we’ve ever seen a bot look like this before (or incorporate this many colors), so the Drummer is certainly original. While not super complex, he’s definitely entertaining.
Belvedere, a Butler Robot
By Andy Wolff makeprojects.com/Project/823/1
Who doesn’t need a butler bot? Belvedere can navigate the rooms of his house, tell jokes, serve food and drinks, play music, and dance. No shortage of character here!