For Many, Roomba Akin to Fido

IRobot branching out beyond vaccums

(NEWSER) - Whether you need to measure radiation levels, go into battle, or clean the living room rug, IRobot Corp. apparently has the gizmo for you. The LA Times profiles the Roomba vacuum maker and sees its success as a sign that the robot industry "is becoming more mainstream." So-called home robots—mostly those Roombas—made up 55% of the Massachusetts company's $401 million revenue stream in 2010. More»

(NEWSER) - It’s common knowledge that the Defense Department is the progenitor of modern conveniences like the Internet. But would you, for a minute, think it has a $286 million contract with the company that makes your Roomba automated vacuum? That fact surprised Owen Thomas, who writes about it on Valleywag, and also happened to watch the Daily Show segment that divulges the shocking information. More»

Pet owners try to keep the peace between high technology and 'bio-pets'

(NEWSER) - Dogs are getting more suspicious as robots get more sophisticated, the Wall Street Journal reports. Dog owners find that jealous, territorial, or terrified pooches bark at the robots—and sometimes rip them apart. Some post videos of the battles on YouTube, while others are trying to find ways for canine and robot to live together peacefully. More»

Military wants 3000 new war-bots ASAP

(NEWSER) - The military wants more robots, and it wants them fast. The Pentagon is looking to enlist more small, maneuverable 'bots that can look out for insurgents and bombs—1,000 by the end of this year and 2,000 more over the next five years, Wired reports. The military is kicking off a competition for the 'bot-building contract, which will be awarded in September. More»