Technology
- Introducing Planet Tokyo Robot Theater
April 17, 2006
It's no secret that Planet Tokyo is obsessed with robots. While we've written extensively about how Japan leads the world in the field of robotics, we haven't offered much in the way of visual evidence. That's about to change as we introduce a new semi-regular feature: Planet Tokyo Robot Theater.
« read more » - Goodbye Robot, Hello Robot
February 3, 2006
Planet Tokyo's love for robots knows no bounds, and it's with great sadness that we say goodbye to Sony's Aibo, that lovable little robotic dog known for its unique personality, stubborn streak (building a little defiance into a robot is pure genius), and scampering gait. As the tiny robot lopes off into the sunset, a giant robot, designed to help in avalanches, is making the scene.
« read more » - The Secret To Japan's Robot Dominance
January 24, 2006
If you are of a certain age you probably grew up believing that by the early 21st century we'd all live in a world of human-like robot servants. We were promised a veritable utopia of robotic cooking and cleaning that has yet to materialize. Instead, the best we have is a small disk that scoots around the house vacuuming up pet hair. Unless you live in Japan, robot capital of the world.
« read more » - August Robot Update
August 22, 2005
Here is a question for the ages: why is it that male (or ostensibly male) robots look like fat white spacemen while female (and we use the term loosely) robots look like Barbie dolls? Is it because the coolest Cylons on Battlestar Galactica are the women?
« read more » - Japan's Robot Invasion Begins
July 8, 2005
Japan is literally being invaded by robots. They're tasting food and guarding stores and doing just about everything humans used to do, but are apparently now too old to do. Will Japan's population ultimately be replaced by robots? Take a look at some of the robotic projects currently under way and judge for yourself.
« read more » - Faster Than A Speeding Tabby
July 4, 2005
In an effort to regain the title of world's fastest train, Japan Rail East recently unveiled the next generation shinkansen at its test center in the town of Rifu, Miyagi Prefecture. Code named "Fastech" the new train is expected to reach speeds of 360 kph and features a number of innovated design elements, including retractable cat ears. Yes, cat ears!
« read more » - Finally, Data Backups For the Sashimi Lover
June 1, 2005
Visitors to Japan are frequently surprised by the amazingly lifelike plastic food that is displayed at the entrance of nearly every restaurant throughout the country. It's a clever marketing innovation that strangely hasn't caught on around the world. After years of unchallenged plastic food dominance, the Japanese have added a new innovation to their specialty: High speed data storage.
« read more » - The Japanese Robots Are Coming
April 20, 2005
A surprisingly large portion of my first trip to Tokyo was spent scouring various toy stores in search of Japanese robots. What could be a cooler souvenir of my trip to Japan? It was the mid-90's and after days of searching I had a couple of articulated plastic robot figures and deep sense of disappointment.
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