05/02/12 — Keith Wagstaff, TechLand—Robots are natural candidates for helping people with disabilities, mainly because they have to simulate senses that most of us take for granted. For a robot to “see,” usually ithas to create a virtual map so it can carefully plot its course. That technology is being utilized by the Institute of Intelligent Systems and Robotics in Paris to help people who can’t see get a clear picture of what is around them. The idea is that a person would wear a pair of glasses equipped with cameras and sensors. The information gathered by the glasses would be processed…

04/30/12 — Tokyo—Professor Hiroshi Ishiguro, Director of the Intelligent Robotics Laboratory in Japan, is known for his life-like androids. His latest creation may not resemble a realistic human, but these body-shaped pillows are equipped with two vibrators that mimic heartbeats. The Hugvie robot connects to your mobile phone and responds the caller’s voice. The throbbing vibrations become faster and stronger depending on the pitch, volume, and mood of the caller. The Hugvie is primarily suited for children, seniors, or couples in a long-distance relationship, as it adds a physical aspect to voice calls. It’s currently on display at the Vstone Robot Center…