An interesting concept, cant the drive wheels 30 degrees and keep the center of mass below the center of gravity. Considering this was a design from over 23 years ago its pretty cool.

http://www.smallrobot.com/why.html

I recieved some info from Robonexus. The big conference is coming up shortly. It looks like it would be pretty cool to attend, but I’m too busy. One part I found very interesting was the marketing information.

I had always wondered why Honda had spent so much time and money on Asimo. If the market research is correct, its well justified. $17.1 billion in 2010, and projections to reach $51.7 billion in 2025 all for the personal and service robotics arena.

Now if we contrast this to this ad from 1983, it does make one wonder.

http://www.smallrobot.com/image/topo%202%20ad_pg1.jpg

If Merrill Lynch had not decided to pull the feet out from under Nolan, where would we be today? Makes one really wonder about the safety of depending on others for funding. I guess the attitude of trust no one, especially those in 3 piece suits is probably not such a bad idea.

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