Robotic dog runs Windows XP Embedded

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Jul. 09, 2007

[Updated July 10] -- Robosoft has announced a four-legged robot dog that runs Windows XP Embedded and reportedly offers "power ... far beyond standards seen to date." The "RobuDOG" also features ankle movement in its front legs, allowing it to kick a ball with more accuracy.

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The company, which demonstrated a RobuDOG prototype at last week's Robocup soccer-playing competition, says it will deliver the robot to customers starting this fall. Previous robotic dogs have most often been based on Sony's AIBO (artificial intelligence bot) platform or on Linux, making RobuDOG's use of Windows XP Embedded somewhat of a novelty.

RobuDOG prototype photos -- click each to enlarge
RobuDOG was shown to the trustees of the Robocup competition, "who will decide about a replacement solution [for] AIBO," said Robosoft CEO Vincent Dupourque.

The company says RobuDOG measures approximately 13 x 9.5 x 13.3 inches and weighs 6.6 pounds. It includes 17 servo-powered joints, sensors for velocity and floor contact, plus infrared sensors and an "intelligent, programmable" color camera.

A 2D gyro provides fall and shock detection, and built-in stereo microphones provide sound localization. RobuDOG can "bark" or produce other sounds via a built-in loudspeaker.

A few key specifications of RobuDOG's onboard computer, dubbed robuBOX, include:

Processor -- AMD Geode LX800, clocked at 500 MHz
Memory -- 512 MB RAM; 2 GB flash
Wireless -- WiFi 802.11 b/g
Networking -- Ethernet
I/O port -- USB

A software simulation model of RobuDOG is available for use with Microsoft's Robotics Studio 1.5, which was released today. The simulator enables developers to test their applications using a simulated 3D environment, then transfer code to the actual device.

Simulated RobuDOG competition
(Click to play video)
The dog reportedly was developed jointly with the robotics lab IISR (Institute for Intelligent Systems And Robotics). According to IISR director Philippe Bidaud, "The main idea in the design of the RobuDOG, was to go beyond existing 4-legged robots abilities. New functions ... give developers more flexibility for the soccer game, such as going faster, better contacts on the floor for reducing slippage, or adding an ankle to better control the ball trajectory."

Perhaps we'll see a dramatic dog-eat-dog matchup between RobuDOG and one of the soccer-playing Linux-powered robotic dogs at next year's Robocup competition.

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