News
Japanese robot turns iPod into ‘boombox on wheels’
By LC Angell
Senior Editor, iLounge
Published: Thursday, August 31, 2006
News Category: iPod Accessories
Tokyo-based ZMP Inc. today introduced a new robot that’s designed to turn an iPod into “a dancing boombox-on-wheels.” The 14-inch-long robot, named Miuro, has a built-in iPod compartment and integrated speaker system from Kenwood, and receives wireless signals from a PC to play music from iTunes and other programs. It can be controlled with a handheld remote control and can also be upgraded with a camera and sensors to map out its own course. Miuro comes in white, black, yellow or red and will go on sale in Japan this week for 108,800 yen ($930). U.S. and European availability is expected in the second half of 2007.
Share This Article & Win an iTunes Gift Card. Next: Reports: Apple to hold special event on September 12th
Comments
If you have a comment, news tip, advertising inquiry, or coverage request, a question about iPods or accessories, or if you sell or market iPod products or services, read iLounge's Comments + Questions policies before posting, and fully identify yourself if you do. We will delete comments containing advertising, astroturfing, trolling, personal attacks, offensive language, or other objectionable content, then ban and/or publicly identify violators.
Recent News
- Enter the CES Exhibits Plus Pass Giveaway today
- Wider distribution boosting iPhone sales in France
- Chinon rolls out AVi portable iPod speaker
- TomTom intros separate Car Kit for iPod touch
- iLounge and MusicSkins announce the Ultimate Design Contest
- Latest edition of iPodweek coming shortly
- Apple planning more iPod touch apps for retail?
- Gameloft, others cutting back on Android development
- Google launches Google News for iPhone, iPod touch
- Magellan releases RoadMate app, Car Kit coming
Recent Reviews
- Electronic Arts Command & Conquer Red Alert
- Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Mini
- iHome iHM79 Rechargeable Mini Speakers
- Elexa Consumer Products iBlink
- Bose SoundDock 10
- Shure SE115m+ Sound Isolating Headset
- Apple Remote (2009)
- Kensington Travel Battery Pack and Charger for iPhone
- Tapulous Metallica Revenge
- Electronic Arts NBA Live by EA Sports
Recent Articles
- The Complete Guide to Using the iTunes Store
- iPhone Gems: Brain Challenge 2, Impossible Quiz, Jeopardy, Trivia Wars + Wheel of Fortune
- The Complete Guide to Album Tagging, Art and Playlists in iTunes
- Ask iLounge 11-13-09
- The Complete Guide to iTunes Audiobooks, Podcasts + iTunes U
- Ask iLounge 11-6-09
- iPhone Gems: Asphalt 5 and Doom Classic
- Ask iLounge 10-30-09
- Instant Expert: Secrets & Features of Apple TV 3.0
- Ask iLounge 10-23-09
1
yeah… if i had $930 dollars, and i needed a speaker system like that, i’d just buy a $300 speaker system and pay $630 to some b-boys to work on my breakin’ moves.
cool idea, though!
~funkpod
Posted by funkpod on August 31, 2006 at 9:10 AM (PDT)
2
that’s rediculious. almost as rediculous as those levi iPod jeans!
Posted by mike H on August 31, 2006 at 10:23 AM (PDT)
3
Urm…..now why do we need this? It seems like one of those examples of things that can slice, dice, tie your shoes and walk the dog for you… They should just stick to 1 main focus and leave it at that.
Posted by pizzaface on August 31, 2006 at 10:35 AM (PDT)
4
Ya know, I’m not even going to act excited or surprised about the price. After being a member here for a almost a year, there’s not to much that will surprise me anymore when it comes to ipods and their accessories…(well the iPod toilet paper holder threw me a bit).
Damn near a thousand dollars… makes you wonder if companies that make stuff like even really want to sell them. They can’t expect many to sell at that price.
I don’t even know what the things does I skimmed and saw the price and that’s all it took. Just stopped by to see what you guys thought.
Posted by Ramon V Carter on August 31, 2006 at 3:21 PM (PDT)
5
Well it’s about time. lol
Posted by Lockhart on August 31, 2006 at 3:49 PM (PDT)
6
I am buying this rite now, when is it avab. in usa? and where?
Posted by Eric Lewis on August 31, 2006 at 4:26 PM (PDT)
7
Maybe they will use this thing at their Karaoke clubs.
Japanese gadgets…gotta love em’.
Posted by Mr. Anderson on August 31, 2006 at 5:08 PM (PDT)
8
Well honestly, Japan makes some pretty sweet stuff when it comes to technology. But this you don’t really need. I mean, what if it rolled down the stairs or something? And for $1000? Sshhiitt thats expensive…
There’s not much accessories left to make for ipods anymore.
Posted by JoNaThAn on August 31, 2006 at 11:34 PM (PDT)
9
Robots will soon “take over”. lol
I’m sure they’ll make a robot band, just type in a kind of music and some instruments and a robot will make the beats and analyze them making a new song… fast, slow, play a song and tell it you want one similar. all you might get to do is add some singing. haha
Posted by Brad J on September 1, 2006 at 12:08 AM (PDT)
10
Domo arigato, Mr. Roboto…....
Posted by SouthernGothic on September 1, 2006 at 9:55 AM (PDT)
11
It’s not Japan’s Fault that americians are poor. It makes Tech. that is cool and interesting. And it works, much longer then the 10$ imitation that will be made by americians in the near future.
Posted by Kuro Rai on September 1, 2006 at 7:23 PM (PDT)