performing operations robotically, to intervene in the “golden hour,” while transporting the wounded. 

check this out. Looks like a storm trooper suit!

the Rolly is less ugly…

Sony Rolly (if you haven’t already seen it):

I still like the Pleo. 

Researchers in Germany have developed gesture recognition technology (via webcam) and an application that allows a virtual avatar to mimic hand gestures, body motions, and facial expressions. [source article]

Imagine this technology combined with the avatar controlling robot technology I covered here, so you could have a robot mimic your gestures and movements!

Robots have replaced children as jockeys for camel racing, a popular pastime in UAE and Qatar. The owners follow the running camels in SUV’s with remote controls for the robots on the camels!

Scientists in Korea have developed a novel application for controlling a robot existing in the real world via its representation in a virtual space. Having a virtual reality robot that can realize its behaviors in the real world could have applications in a wide variety of areas, including entertainment, education, manufacturing, and psychological treatments.

For more information, click here for source article.

In the vein of TED videos - you must check out this excellent selection of videos from the Gadgetoff conference - click here for full selection.

3 representational videos below of Tony Tether, the Director of DARPA, Luke Williams of frog design, and Marvin Minsky of MIT:

I love the Pleo!