Ballbot

Well, here is something very interesting that I figured I'd share - Ballbot!  This gentleman came on a Ted and chose to discuss his new robot.  The interesting thing about it is how it moves.  It has a single ball under it, rather than a set of wheels.  To control itself, it has three wheels that turn to move the ball underneath it.  The control wheels are in turn driven by a control box, that compares the robot's upright posture with its current equilibrium.  With all of that, it stands upright without seeming to do anything (aside from the 100+ adjustments per second).  It also has some interesting modes that allow it to act as a bit of a toy.

Off the top of my head, I want to get three of those with bumpers on them and use them for juggling.  There are a lot more uses, though, than that.  Mobile serving trays?  Chairs that run up to you when you're ready to sit down?  Drives for equipment in a warehouse?  You could change the ball to be more grippy and durable, and have an outdoor version.  Single-wheel high-speed vehicles?  Positioning is important.  It could be a geeky new toy, or a badge of honor for the super-rich, or the next big elderly conveyance.  It could end up representing the decadence and decline of the American way of life, if its image isn't actively managed.  :(

What I'm trying to say is that the dancing robot routine at the end is cute, but definitely not all that can be done with it - especially if it has some programming already built in.  I can't wait to see one that can take rough surfaces.  That one looked like it couldn't function effectively off of a smooth surface like a wood or concrete floor.  Also, maybe there is some way to make it generate its own electricity from solar, so it can be used as a pack robot outside?  Possibilities are quite numerous.