Goodness, this looks great, it’s on eBay good luck if you want grab it, if anyone does let us know!
We offer a rare RB5X, The Intelligent RobotTM by RB Robot Corp. of Golden, CO. Serial No. 0010140 (#140). This early example comes with its battery recharging nest, Reference Manual dated 4/6/83, specifications and sales literature, and a February and March, 1983 issue of the RB Forum newsletter. Some excerpts from the RB literature:
“The RB5X was the first mass-produced, programmable robot designed especially for home experimentation. It may be programmed using any computer with an RS-232 communications interface. RB’s simple design allows users to thoroughly study its mechanical systems and electronics, and to adapt the robot to their own interests.
An intelligent robot, the RB5X learns progressively from its own experience. RB owner’s may add on an optional 16K bytes to the standard 8K bytes. A special circuit enables it to recognize that its batteries are low and to seek out its charger. It then automatically charges its batteries, detaches itself from the charger, and resumes its adventures. A robotic arm and a vacuum cleaner attachment may be installed for added capabilities”.
eBay: 1983 VINTAGE RB5X RB THE INTELLIGENT ROBOT EDUCATIONAL (item 200091717150 end time Mar-27-07 09:47:58 PDT) – [via] Link.
10 thoughts on “1983 – RB5x – Intelligent robot (eBay)”
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I wanted one of these SO BAD as a boy. When most kids had pictures of race cars and superheros on their bedroom wall, I had photocopied shots of RB5X 8)
how funny – just yesterday i met a 25 year old “household robot” at a robotcompetition:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/shifzr/432586961/
p.s. in the full-size view –
http://flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=432586961&size=o
you can check out the specs of HERO-1!
“motorola 6808 … 895kHz … 4K RAM …
… speech accessory: synthesized phonem based system”
and yes, it is supposed to be able to deliver a drink with it’s arm, so yes again, it was invited to join ROBOEX07ICA.
They really don’t make ’em like they used to. We used to dream about this guy too– my dad and I. He didn’t have the time (as an up-and-coming manager) and I was too pre-occupied with girls and guns. So our robotics hobby was left by the wayside. But man, this was a cool ‘bot.
Why doesn’t someone make this again? Talk about the ultimate hobbyist robot.
They still make these. the arm is still made as well. the vacuum never became a produced accessory.