Most people wouldn’t like the idea of collecting arachnids but if they were robotic, colorful, and a great way for schools to raise money, you might change your mind. The HEXBUG is a robotic bug, which almost looks like a radioactive cockroach that is available in five different shapes and colors, is small enough to fit in your hand, and only cost about $10 each. It senses objects in its path with touch sensors and can hear as well. When you clap your hands or place something in its path it will turn the other way

One of the unique features of this micro-robotic insect is the school fundraising angle. The creator, Innovation First, has put in place an affordable, easy, and profitable way for schools to make money during the holiday season. Although most schools adhere to tried and true methods of fundraising, i.e. special wrapping paper or candy, the HEXBUG is a new way to get people interested in helping schools raise money.  The HEXBUG is also available here.

About a week ago I received word that Ugobe’s Pleo is available for pre-order from Trossen Robotics. The robotic dinosaur was available for a $345.95 and scheduled to ship in July of this year, a little later than originally thought. I say was because if you go to Trossen’s pre-order page you will come across a PR apology from Trossen and Ugobe. Apparently, Trossen Robotics “move too fast for their own good” and that there was a “hiccup in communication”. I guess Trossen Robotics is just as excited as the rest of us to get this little green guy out to the public.

For those of you that have missed the hype surrounding this dinosaur, the Pleo is a robotic dinosaur standing at only 6.82 inches that has soft rubbery skin (unlike the hard outer shell of current robotic pets) with about 35 sensors to make the pet adapt to changes in its environment. Created by the toymaker Caleb Chung, whose notoriety came from co-inventing the Furby back in the 90’s, the Pleo is geared to attract to those looking for a maintenance-free pet or just a fun toy.

Here are some of the specs:
- 32 bit Atmel ARM 7 microprocessor – The main processor for Pleo
- 16 bit sub processor – The processor dedicated to the camera system
- (4) 8 bit processors that provide the low-level motor control for the servos
- (35) Sensors including a camera custom designed to fit into Pleo’s very compact body.
- (4) foot-switches to detect footfalls and being picked up – assists with spatial orientation.
- (12) capacitive touch sensors (4) legs, (4) feet, back, shoulder, head, chin
- (2) microphones for directional sound detection
- (14) “Force” sensors, one per servo, to recognize abuse through force feedback joints.
- Orientation/tilt sensor
- IR transceiver for bidirectional data communication with other Pleos.
- IR interrupter for detection of objects in Pleo’s mouth
- (14) motors. Standard low voltage DC motors
- (150) gears and clutches
- Rechargeable NiMH battery pack
- USB port with mini USB connector
- SD/MMC memory card slot

Don’t worry about the pre-order mishap; Julie Crabill of Ugobe reassures us that the Pleo will still be on its way this summer

DasaTech plans to put Genibo on the market next year, although no pricing was disclosed.

Video of Genibo in action.