Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a device. The apparatus includes a coupling member, a first arm, a second arm, and a sloped support member. The coupling member defines a first opening and a second opening. The first arm passes through the first opening, and the coupling member is movably connected to the first arm. The second arm passes through the second opening. The sloped support member is releasably connected to the second arm. The apparatus has at least five degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A method of actuating a robotic mechanism having a first leg member rotatably coupled to a first side of a chassis and a second leg member rotatably coupled to a second side of the chassis. The method comprises positioning the first leg member and the second leg member generally about 180 degrees with respect to each other and effecting movement of the chassis by rotating both the first leg member and the second leg member with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a device. The apparatus includes a coupling member, a first arm, a second arm, and a sloped support member. The coupling member defines a first opening and a second opening. The first arm passes through the first opening, and the coupling member is movably connected to the first arm. The second arm passes through the second opening. The sloped support member is releasably connected to the second arm. The apparatus has at least five degrees of freedom.

Abstract: A game system is provided that is configured for providing a dynamic online and offline interactive experience. The game system includes two portions; an interactive apparatus and an interactive application. The interactive apparatus may be, but is not limited to, toys such as robots, dolls, vehicles, play sets, and board games. The game system is configured such that a user's interactions with one of the interactive apparatus and the interactive application may affect the continuation of the user's interactive experience with the other.

Abstract: USB host controller and USB devices, associated methods and computer products are provide that addresses specifically the limitation of the USB standard for USB device controllers to support other devices on alternative interfaces. The implementation is applicable to most USB host controllers and USB devices, and is particularly applicable to a game system that includes an accessory having a communication port and an interactive apparatus having a communication port operable to mate with the communication port of the accessory. The interactive apparatus is operable to identify a type of accessory coupled to the communication port of the interactive apparatus.

Abstract: The method and apparatus consist of a robot body having at least two, but preferably six appendages. The appendages are organized into appendage groups of one to six appendages. The appendages are linked mechanically into groups of two or more and each group is actuated using a single drive actuator. A selective engagement mechanism is used to selectively engaged and disengage one or more appendages at a time in a way that allows for at least one appendage and at most all but one appendage per group to be engaged to a group's drive actuator. When the appendage is disengaged it is preferably locked in place to resist a reasonable force applied to them externally, such as the force equivalent to the weight of the robot.

Abstract: A method of actuating a robotic mechanism having a first leg member rotatably coupled to a first side of a chassis and a second leg member rotatably coupled to a second side of the chassis. The method comprises positioning the first leg member and the second leg member generally about 180 degrees with respect to each other and effecting movement of the chassis by rotating both the first leg member and the second leg member with respect to the chassis.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a device. The apparatus includes a coupling member, a first arm, a second arm, and a sloped support member. The coupling member defines a first opening and a second opening. The first arm passes through the first opening, and the coupling member is movably connected to the first arm. The second arm passes through the second opening. The sloped support member is releasably connected to the second arm. The apparatus has at least five degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The method and apparatus consist of a robot body having at least two, but preferably six appendages. The appendages are organized into appendage groups of one to six appendages. The appendages are linked mechanically into groups of two or more and each group is actuated using a single drive actuator. A selective engagement mechanism is used to selectively engaged and disengage one or more appendages at a time in a way that allows for at least one appendage and at most all but one appendage per group to be engaged to a group's drive actuator. When the appendage is disengaged it is preferably locked in place to resist a reasonable force applied to them externally, such as the force equivalent to the weight of the robot.

Abstract: A robotic mechanism comprising a chassis having a first side and an opposite second side, a first leg member rotatably coupled to the chassis proximate the first side and a second leg member rotatably coupled to the chassis proximate the second side. The first leg member and the second leg member being of generally spiral shape. The first leg member and the second leg member rotating generally about a common axis. The chassis having a center of mass lying below the common axis.

Abstract: The method and apparatus consist of a robot body having at least two, but preferably six appendages. The appendages are organized into appendage groups of one to six appendages. The appendages are linked mechanically into groups of two or more and each group is actuated using a single drive actuator. A selective engagement mechanism is used to selectively engaged and disengage one or more appendages at a time in a way that allows for at least one appendage and at most all but one appendage per group to be engaged to a group's drive actuator. When the appendage is disengaged it is preferably locked in place to resist a reasonable force applied to them externally, such as the force equivalent to the weight of the robot.

Abstract: An articulated device may include a first steerable multi-linked mechanism and a second steerable multi-linked mechanism. The second steerable multi-linked mechanism may include a first link, a plurality of intermediate links and a second link movably coupled to a second one of the intermediate links A first one of the intermediate links may be movably coupled to the first link The articulated device may include a camera located within at least a portion of the second link and a protective shield connected to a distal end of the second link The protective shield may surround at least a portion of the camera.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a device. The apparatus includes a coupling member, a first arm, a second arm, and a sloped support member. The coupling member defines a first opening and a second opening. The first arm passes through the first opening, and the coupling member is movably connected to the first arm. The second arm passes through the second opening. The sloped support member is releasably connected to the second arm. The apparatus has at least five degrees of freedom.

Abstract: The method and apparatus consist of a robot body having at least two, but preferably six appendages. The appendages are organized into appendage groups of one to six appendages. The appendages are linked mechanically into groups of two or more and each group is actuated using a single drive actuator. A selective engagement mechanism is used to selectively engaged and disengage one or more appendages at a time in a way that allows for at least one appendage and at most all but one appendage per group to be engaged to a group's drive actuator. When the appendage is disengaged it is preferably locked in place to resist a reasonable force applied to them externally, such as the force equivalent to the weight of the robot.

Abstract: A robotic mechanism comprising a chassis having a first side and an opposite second side, a first leg member rotatably coupled to the chassis proximate the first side and a second leg member rotatably coupled to the chassis proximate the second side. The first leg member and the second leg member being of generally spiral shape. The first leg member and the second leg member rotating generally about a common axis. The chassis having a center of mass lying below the common axis.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a device. The apparatus includes a coupling member, a first arm, a second arm, and a sloped support member. The coupling member defines a first opening and a second opening. The first arm passes through the first opening, and the coupling member is movably connected to the first arm. The second arm passes through the second opening. The sloped support member is releasably connected to the second arm. The apparatus has at least five degrees of freedom.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, systems and methods for reconfiguring an autonomous robot are provided. By using a system interface, the present invention provides an approach for distributing the complex and costly robotic components of the conventional autonomous robots. By distributing these components, users, such as software developers, may develop interactive software for robots without having any understanding of robotics. The present invention includes a processing device, a system interface, and a robot. The processing device at least partially executes an interactive robotic application that is configured to receive an instruction for the robot from a user. In response to receiving the instruction, the instruction is transmitted to the robot control interface.