RS Media
| Industry | Robotics, Consumer electronics |
|---|---|
| Products | RS Media biomorphic robot |
The RS Media represents a product within WowWee's collection of biomorphic robots, utilizing a locomotion system originally devised by Mark Tilden. Its design takes inspiration from the Robosapien V2 chassis, but it operates on a Linux-based kernel. True to its name, RS Media focuses heavily on multimedia functionalities, offering capabilities such as capturing and playing back audio, pictures, and video. It incorporates a sensor suite and programmability features comparable to those found in the Robosapien V2.
Distinct from earlier WowWee Robo models, RS Media was the inaugural product to include bundled PC software comprising four distinct programs: BodyCon Editor, Personality Editor, Macro Editor, and Media Organizer.
The RS Media was introduced to the markets in Australia and the UK in October 2006.
Personalities
A personality consists of a collection of audio responses. RS Media provides four switchable personalities accessible via remote control:
- RS Media (default)
- Service Bot 3000 – an English-style butler
- Space Bot – a fictional space commander
- Billy-Joe Sapien – a cowboy character
Users have the option to customize existing personalities or create new ones through the Personality Editor software.
Multimedia features
RS Media supports playback and recording of MP3 audio files, MPEG4 video clips, JPEG images, along with Java applications. It includes three Java-based games managed by remote control and displayed on its LCD screen. Additionally, it serves as an audio player using its stereo line-in connection. The device’s internal memory can be supplemented with an SD card expansion (up to 1GB).
Programming
The RS Media robot can be programmed to execute sequences combining movements and audio clips, operating either autonomously or triggered by sound, touch, or visual inputs. It employs the same Puppet Mode introduced with the V2 version, which allows users to manually manipulate the robot to record custom programs. The most sophisticated programming is achieved through the provided PC software suite.
Hacking
Engineered with modification in mind, RS Media aligns with Tilden’s philosophy of creating an affordable humanoid platform for AI experimentation: "Make it think, and let me know how it goes."
In 2009, a developer created a driver that enables Linux OS access via USB connectivity, which has since been incorporated into the RSMedia Development Kit.