A good number of academics are still opposing Microsoft’s Robotics Studio software for robot development, but robot manufacturers have welcomed the software giant’s entry to the robotics market. Many have not lost a second to write drivers for their robots that support Microsoft’s technology which has so far proven to be a very solid implementation of a robot control architecture. Recently, the Japanese ZMP announced that in January 2008, they will start selling their new e-nuvo WALK humanoid robot with support for MSRS making it the first of its kind to support Microsoft’s architecture. The e-nuvo WALK is only half a humanoid lacking an upper body as you can tell from the photo below. The 5.5 pound robot has 6 motors in each legs and it is specifically designed for use as an educational tool in the classroom; the robot stands 14 inches tall. It will cost a rather steep $5345 when it becomes available for sale online this January (but only in Japan.) Hopefully, the robot will eventually become available in North America.
e-nuvo WALK