NBC TODAY: Danger Wil Robinson

Once fodder for science fiction writers and campy TV shows, robots are slowly making their way into everyday American lives. Our own Mr. Roboto Corey Greenberg will be live on NBC TODAY previewing these modern day machines. Here's a sneak peek:


iRobot
Billed as your own personal avatar - this 2-foot tall 17-inch wide, 50-pound PC on wheels allows you to explore your home or office from any web browser in the world. See what it sees; hear what it hears. Uses include home security, watching the family pet, vacation home monitoring, even watching your kids at day care.



Probotics Cye Personal Robot
This multi talented robot can be easily programmed to do a number of chores around the house. We have him vacuuming, but Cye has a bevy of optional attachments including a spy camera. Whereas an industrial robot is designed to perform a task or a job in manufacturing, this wheeled robot is designed to work and perform tasks for its user. Because Cye is controlled through a simple graphic user interface on any PC, its accessible to a whole range of users: people who enjoy the fun offered by remote control devices; the technologically curious with very basic point-and-click PC skills; people searching for inexpensive, cyber age solutions for home or office tasks; hobbyists and developers who can create their own software or hardware accessories. Cye is about 16 inches wide, 10 inches deep and 5 inches tall, and weighs about 9lbs. Programming is easy -- you control Cye by using the simple point-and-click commands found in its included Map-N-Zap software. Likewise, all it takes to move Cye about the floor is dragging the on-screen icon along the desired path with your mouse. Cye sells for under $1,000.



Lego Mindstorms
Lego Mindstorms robot kits for budding Einstein's (ages 9 and up) have been around for a few years. These popular kits allow kids to program and build real working robots -The latest is the Star Wars DARK Side developer's kit. Using the LEGO microcomputer to act as the brain, kids can build robotic models based on Star Wars. What's nice about these robot kits is the price. They sell for under $200.



Trendmasters Johnny AppleBot and Johnny LittleBot
These kid-friendly, fun little apple shaped robots are destined to be the hot toy of 2001. AppleBots come with a series of half-dollar sized cards that you scan in the back giving each an individual, distinctive personality so kids can really relate to their robot.



Tekno Polly Parrot Robot
You'll never have to clean this bird's cage, but you might have to wash its mouth out. That's because this robotic parrot learns words just like a real parrot. Great gag gift or gift to be gagged, it sells for only $34.