Vstone has begun sales of 3 robots developed by Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) - "Robovie-R ver.2", "Robovie-M ver.2" and "Robovie-MS". The robots are being promoted as teaching resources and will be sold at prices as low as 100,000 yen. The Robovie-MS is the coolest (and cheapest) of the bunch - its modular construction allows it to be turned into such things as a dinosaur, dog and robot arm. "Transformers - Robots in Disguise ..."

Vstone has begun sales of 3 robots developed by Advanced Telecommunications Research Institute International (ATR) - "Robovie-R ver.2", "Robovie-M ver.2" and "Robovie-MS".



The Robovie-R ver.2 (5,040,000 yen) is a low-cost, everyday-use robot developed for use as a robot-based communication research platform. It has 17 degrees-of-freedom (including wheel movement) and has 71 external sensors of 7 types for obtaining information on its surrounding environment. It was developed by enhancing the previous version based on user feedback. Features such as low-backlash harmonic drive decelerators and the use of Windows for the control OS have allowed durability, stability and ease of use to be improved.



The Robovie-M ver.2 (294,000 yen) is a low-priced version of the previously-released bi-pedal "Robovie-M" robot (417,900 yen). It maintains the superior maneouverability of the previous model but has made easier to assemble through the use of wiring connectors.



The Robovie-MS (99,750 yen) has been newly developed as an educational robot for students of primary/elementary school age or older. It can be used as a practical teaching aid for subjects such as mechanical manufacturing, assembly and operation programming. It is one of the first humanoid robots to break the magical 100,000 yen price barrier.


The Robovie-MS in (left to right) dinosaur, dog and robot arm modes

As the main components of the robot have a high level of commonality, they can be freely assembled in any number of configurations. Besides a humanoid robot, it is possible to create machines such as a four-legged robot and a robot arm.

Inspired by:
http://www.itmedia.co.jp/lifestyle/articles/0411/02/news089.html

Related links:
http://www.atr.co.jp/

http://www.vstone.co.jp/