Monthly Archives: November 2007

I’m editing these pages on my laptop, on an Airbus.  And the Airbus is equipped with music-on-demand, so I’m listening to a Who album while I type.  So, already I’m immersed in all kinds of crazy sci-fi technology.   Still, … Continue reading →

The first time I played pachinko (as a 5-year-old) the owner of the machine explained to me that it cost 1 yen per ball, which meant you got 200 balls for a dollar.   In addition to normal inflation, the … Continue reading →

In addition to plastic food (a must for any self-respecting Japanese restaurant) this neighborhood has everything else you might need to get into the restaurant business.   I love the idea that I could show up here in the morning … Continue reading →

I didn’t fabricate those lederhosen shots.  At some point during her presentation, this woman started talking about how some of their robots were built in Germany and she showed a little video of them being assembled.  (Oddly, the factory robots … Continue reading →

My favorite part of the exhibit wasn’t part of robot expo at all, it just happened to be under the same roof.  There were many many machines which sort and organize screws, bolts and other thingamabobs in order to hand … Continue reading →

This one just sits there until you rub its head and then it opens its eyes and wiggles happily. Sounds silly, but I really wanted to take it home with me.

This one got some press in the US as well.  It’s for training dental assistants — it groans if you mis-aim the drill.   Brought to you by the makers of Hello Kitty.  Make of that what you will.  

Many of the wheeled robots came across as essentially remote-controlled forklifts with faces drawn on the front. It’s possible that they were autonomous and smart, but this wasn’t obvious from the sterile demonstrations. A laundry basket full of tennis balls … Continue reading →