New4LR, Open Source Powered Robot

A German University (Technische Universität Darmstadt) is working on an Aibo-like robot that will come with an open-source software development kit (SDK). It is currently aimed at researchers and enthusiasts, but it is possible that someone will turn it into a product down the line. It is powered by two AMD Geode 500Mhz processors and is called “New4LR” (they don’t say, but Old4LR seem to refer to the Aibo).

Specs:
* 40x30x25cm, 2.8kg
* 15 programmable joints
* 640x480 pixel head camera
* Infra-red sensors in the head and chest
* Speaker and microphone (optional)
* WiFi and Ethernet
* Compact Flash (CF) reader
* 2 USB, 1 VGA connector
* 30mn of battery life (yikes!)