By Epson, the folks what brought you all those fine printing mechanisms:

Over the years Epson has released quite a few microrobots, although most are just prototypes. Through the projects Epson has silently become one of the pioneers in the development of microrobots and component technology applications.

Named the μFR, the machine can levitate by using propellers which are powered by a very small motor. The system contains many firsts to the robotics industry including the first stabilizing mechanism which uses a linear actuator. The device allows the robot to balance in mid-air, which is what creates the sense of levitation. The uFR can also follow a flight path, vary its altitude, and remain in the air for up to three minutes.

That’s some sexytime talks from Artificial Intelligence and Robotics, rawr.

According to the Beeb, the little monster weighs in at 12.3 grams. That’s tiny!

It’s also bluetooth enabled, so somebody get working on a iPhone app for buzzing your co-workers’ heads down at the cube farm.

This entry was posted on Friday, July 18th, 2008 at 11:30 pm and is filed under Neat Stuff. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.