RoboBuilder is an incredibly cool creation from Korea. I guess you could say that it takes the concept of LEGO Mindstorms to a whole new level. RoboBuilder is a fully-assemblable kit that allows creators to build their own robot and program it.

Thanks to interchangeable modules, creators can make bots of any shape and size. There are three standard designs that come stock though: HUNO, DINO, and DOGY. As the names suggest, HUNO is a humonoid robot, DINO like a dinosaur, and DOGY a dog.

The RoboBuilder kits come in black and clear designs. The latter comes packed with programmable LEDs inside.

On top of creating and programming the little bots, users can share designs and downloadable programming creations online.

Watch some RoboBuilder robots in action:

RoboBuilder kits currently run for 450,000 to 660,000 won ($430 to $630 USD).

Available at FunShop
RoboBuilder official site (English)

(via Technabob)

ASIMO talked and conducted the orchestra making it look easy. Needless to say, the robot conductor and human orchestra rocked the concert hall. After the performance, ASIMO conversed with Detroit Symphony Conductor Thomas Wilkins.

“The Impossible Dream” — the version sung by Andy Williams — was featured in a Honda commerical in 2005. It symbolically chronicled the life of founder Soichiro Honda and showed off the company’s evolution. It’s a wonderful song and one of my favorite commericals.

“The Impossible Dream” was originally written for the Man of La Mancha, a 1965 musical about Don Quixote.

So, add ‘conducting an orchestra’ to the list of things ASIMO can do; alongside with climbing stairs, running, balancing on one foot, playing soccer, dancing, waiting tables, working as a receptionist, working as a crossing guard, ringing the opening bell on Wall Street, and more.

Watch ASIMO conduct (via CNN)

Watch the “Impossible Dream” Honda commercial

All of the 1987 coming-of-age story’s 353 pages are available on Scribd, a slick document sharing website. I’m not sure on the copyright matters but reading the novel online could serve as a great introduction to Murakami’s work or a “try before you buy” for Norwegian Wood itself.

The novel is “evocative, entertaining, sexy and funny,” a quote on one cover says. Norwegian Wood is set in the 60s and a Wikipedia entry sets it up well:

The novel is a nostalgic story of loss and sexuality. The story’s protagonist and narrator is Toru Watanabe, who looks back on his days as a freshman university student living in Tokyo. Through Toru’s reminiscences we see him develop relationships with two very different women — the beautiful yet emotionally troubled Naoko, and the outgoing, lively Midori.

If you’re a Murakami fan, chances are you’ve already read Norwegian Wood. If you haven’t yet, definetly check it out!

Read Norwegian Wood on Scribd

Buy Norwegian Wood

ApriPoko learns how you use the remote and will take over universal remote control duties once it does. The story on Gizmodo says:

Programmed to be fairly smart, he’ll wait until you use a controller for your electronics, then ask you what you were doing: the next time you want to perform the same action, you just have to tell ApriPoko to do it for you. He’ll then wave his IR transmitter arm and *bing*, on goes your TV.

ApriPoko is voice operated and comes with a camera and infared transmitters.

He looks like Squirtle :)

via GeekAlerts and Gizmodo

The Toshiba’s 815T PB “PhoneBraver” on Softbank may make that task that much easier.

Actually, they’re pretty cool and I’d certainly risk robot domination to get my hands on one of these bad boys.

Complete with arms, legs, and an animated face display, the PhoneBraver “comes with enough artificial intelligence to learn the user’s habits.” It’s based on robo-phones called “Keitai Sousakan 7″ in an upcoming television drama.

The cellular humanoid can carry on simple conversations with its owner and perform all the other cellphone-standard tasks.

Who cares what the iPhone can do, I want my cell to with arms, legs, and a face! No info on pricing or availability but it comes out in April.

Japanese cellphones to turn into ‘robot’ buddies (AFP)

Toshiba’s 815T PB on Softbank threatens humanity (Endgadget)

The band has gained much popularity since their 2003 debut and are now huge. Their single “オーダーメイド” (Order Made) hit the top of the Oricon single charts in early February ’08.

RADWIMPS are known for their dynamic style. Their ever-changing sound from single to single, album to album is always a fascinating ride.

RADWIMPS frontman Yojiro Noda is no stranger to change — at least his head isn’t. The often strange hats that adorn his head are more unique than his moppy hair. That’s our first image, a reference point.

hover over image to see title

The odd cap that Noda sported most often he wore around the time between RADWIMPS’ third and fourth albums in 2006. He wore it in all sorts of promo shots. He’s since started switching things up with different headwear in each promo/PV. These are just a few.

It’s almost like a game of “what hat will Yojiro wear next?”. I want to catch a glimpse of this guy’s hat rack.

The USB Vacuum Mouse, or “USB Soujiki Mausu” (ＵＳＢ掃除機マウス), jampacks a fully-functioning little vacuum inside a computer mouse.

The half vacuum, half mouse computer accessory is neat, literally. The mouse half of the device has the standard two buttons and scroll wheel with an 800dpi resolution. For the vacuum, there’s an on/off switch on the side, the vacuum hole on the bottom, and inside is the receptacle and filter. The back of the mouse slides off for easy empyting.

It’s silly but here’s the practicality: surf the net while expunging your desktop of menacing cookie crumbs. The USB Vacuum Mouse is perfect for those computer-addicted neat freaks.

This two-in-one mouse is available in limited quantities for only 1,980 yen (about 18.50 USD) – quite a deal.

Product Page on Rare Mono Shop

(via Geeky Gadgets)

The Japanese graphic designer has been crafting stunning models of robots and other sci-fi creations from paper for years.

via SF Paper Craft Gallery

He originally released the coolest of his original creations so far: the Lens Head TypeB robot, in December 2007. The latest rendition of the Lens Head TypeB sports a slick camo pattern and showed up in February 2008.

This is some amazing stuff. Papercraft art is fascinating and computer programs have allowed for even more super-intricate designs.

The best thing about papercraft? You can download PDFs of the patterns to cut and build yourself; if you’re brave or skilled enough.

Makino’s gallery: SF Paper Craft Gallery

via Paperkraft.net

In the interview, Masta Wu talks about his upcoming album and more. He talks about everything from growing up in America to debuting as an underground rapper to signing with YG Entertainment. The interview also includes a variety of clips from Masta Wu’s songs.

The interviewer, Jennifer did a great job with the questions. They discuss his move to a mainstream label and fans’ accusations of him being a sellout. He distinguishes himself from other YG artists saying something along the lines of ‘they do their thing, he does his’. Masta Wu also explains his more “American” sound.

Masta Wu answered questions about his upcoming 3rd album, YMGA. As someone who enjoyed his last release, I’m not all that excited to hear about some collaborations that will be on this one. Hmmm…I’ll have to give it a listen and it should be good because it’s Masta Wu.

Like I said, it’s a great interview and you can listen to it HERE.

Masta Wu’s interview on Alchemy

via wind.com.my on flickr

What says a cute “I love you” better than a Be@rbrick? Many things; but any of these lovable miniatures would make someone like me happy. A Valentine edition is especially fitting.

This year, we’re presented with Happy Valentine 2008 Be@rbricks. The mini couple comes in pink and blue with each’s chest adorned with an “@” inside a heart. The boy bear’s eyes are hearts and has lipstick on his cheek. Very cute!

Happy Valentines Day!!

For more Be@rbrick Valentine cuteness, check out:
Be@rbrick Valentine 2008 (flickr set)
Be@rbrick love
Be@rbrick Happy Valentine 2008