German scientists have undertaken the challenge of showing that robots do not need to rely on positioning software (such as GPS) in order to find their way. There robot, ACE, was able to find its way around unknown urban areas by asking people for directions and making its own map as it explored!

“The mobile robot simply rolls up to any humans nearby and asks for directions. By using that strategy, their robot has become one of the first to be properly let loose in the real world, not just carefully controlled environments.”

Mizuno Golf selected the Takara Tomy i-SOBOT robot as the perfect spokesperson for their new Cyborg Head line of golf clubs. The Cyborg Head promotional campaign will last six months, and features special gifts, magazine promotions, and even a professional golf tournament sponsorship with the details to be announced soon.

It seems that now we’re starting to see robot advertisers and spokesmen. It certainly is a creative idea and a great way to gain interest from people who will be drawn in by a robot using their product. Although in fact it would be quite difficult to have a robot spokesperson it seems more like its functioning as a branding image. I wonder what the Roomba will be marketing in the near future?