by Frank Tobe, Editor and Publisher, The Robot Report Click on picture or header for further details. Romo App-Controlled Pet for iOS Devices Romo by Romotive, includes face detection, telepresence/remote control and training, at Brookstone, $149.99 WowWee RoboMe Robot Kit for iPhone RoboMe by WowWee has face detection, voice recognition and speech synthesis,  at Amazon,…

[This article first appeared on pages 191-198 in “World Robotics Service Robots 2013” published by the IFR (International Federation of Robotics) Statistical Department. Copies of that book and its companion “World Industrial Robotics 2013” both of which can be purchased here. It is reprinted with permission from the publisher.] By Frank Tobe, Editor, The Robot Report…

By Frank Tobe, Editor and Publisher, The Robot Report Toys often precede more serious inventions. So, putting judgement aside, and withholding laughs and other “tells”, here are some new robotic toys and gadgets hitting the market this year. Takara Tomy is introducing AutoMee, a $20 smartphone and tablet-cleaning robot, to the Japanese market in March.…

Today’s robotics industry could use some strategic guidance,  particularly in the area of healthcare.  By Frank Tobe, Editor and Publisher, The Robot Report  It is clear to me that the next big markets for robotics are: SMEs (robot workers and co-workers in Small and Medium-sized Enterprises) Medical and healthcare (nursing assistance, surgeon augmentation, operating room…