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Plen, created by Systec Akazawa, is a wee robot (stands 9" tall) that can balance itself on a mini skateboard or skate around on its own included roller skates. Plen's 18 joints can be programmed using your computer with included USB cable, or even with your cell phone using bluetooth. Plen can be commanded to do almost anything that you can imagine. Distributed by Plen Japan, it is currently available in the US for $2400. Runs for approximately 25 minutes on a single charge.

Where to buy

Plen Buy it from Amazon
Plen Win it on eBay

Pros & Cons

Pros:
1 person has already voted. Do you agree?

Versatile. Program it do anything. (Specialties are skating and skateboarding)
+1agreedisagree

18 degrees of freedom
+1agreedisagree

Wireless bluetooth connectivity (can be programmed with cell phone)
+1agreedisagree

Includes programming software
+1agreedisagree

Cons:
Do you agree?

Expensive
+1agreedisagree

More information

  • Degrees of Freedom: 18
  • Height: 228mm
  • Weight: 696g
  • Wireless: Bluetooth
  • Battery: Nickel hydrogen 6V-950mA
  • Gyro Sensors for motion stability
  • Software: PLEN

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Articles

Plen in action (videos)

written by Erik Jan 7, 07

3 comments about Plen

1.  avatar Erik  Jan 07, 2007 12:19pm

Take a look at the "Plen in Action" video article. The second video shows Plen being programmed to do so some pretty cool aerials off of a home made ramp. Plen is a cool cat, for sure.
2.  avatar Omar  Jan 07, 2007 3:53pm

When I read the description I was all like "Hellz ya! this thing is sweet! And it's something *I* can buy?!" then I looked down and saw the price. Let's just hope that robots drop in price as quickly as other things like computers, so in a few years we'll all have robot servants for $500.
3.  avatar Erik  Jan 07, 2007 8:50pm

Ya, this is definitely way too expensive to justify a purchase for almost everyone. However, it definitely could be a great teaching tool for students. Assignment #1: have Plen do a triple Salchow.
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Who else tapped it

Erik

expensive, want


 
Roma003

want, good bot


 

Key Features:

Manufacturer Plen Japan
MSRP $2,000.00
Release Date Mar. 1, 2007

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Product page stats

366 views and 23 edits (see all)
2 contributors -  Erik, Omar
Created: 01/07/2007 - 12:10
Modified: 04/09/2007 - 10:33