A Robot For Every Job, A Robot On Any Budget

“Rocco told me you were a pleasure model…that being the case, go grab me a sandwich.”

Since the dawn of time, or at least since Rocky IV, man has longed for robotic companionship. Unfortunately, our circuited counterparts have maintained a hefty price tag and elite status. But we at Debonair argue that any man, irrespective of income, can and should be able to own a robot.

Presenting the Debonair Magazine robot shopping guide, on any budget:

Kawada Humanoid Robot HRP-2 Job Function: Asset Management What it costs: Around $200,000 Verdict: Sure the HRP-2 has continuous stepping endurance…who cares. If you’ve got the bankroll, why not invest it in a quarter of a million dollar soon to be obsolete Japanese robot. When the machines take over the world, you can introduce your captors to their grandfather…for a price.

MyFountain Robotic Bartender Job Function: Bartender What it costs: Starting at $2575.00 Verdict: A bartender, a fully functional PC, wireless drink call-in capability, water filter, broadband access point...this is the definition of cool. Available at: Digital Beverages

LEGO Mindstorms NXT Job Function: Strictly entertainment. Reacts to sound commands, patterns, tones, and even mobile phone commands. What it costs: Around $250.00 Verdict: A hi-tech version of “Teaching the Turtle.” Available at: Walmart

METAPO QQ-2 CleanMate Robotic Vacuum Cleaner Job Function: Housekeeper What it costs: Around $140.00 Verdict: Makes for a fun gadget, excellent conversation piece, and decent maid. Metapo’s competitive pricing leaves other overpriced models in the dust. Available at: NewEgg

Rock 'Em Sock 'Em Robots Job Function: Aggression Therapy What it costs: Around $15.00 new, or about $30.00 for a vintage model Verdict: Not technically a robot, RESER is still a fun and cheap throwback. If you never had a set, pick one up. If you had the game, your folks probably sold it at a garage sale. Available at: Amazon Note: Older models are a bit sturdier than the current edition.

John W. DeFeo
e. jdefeo(at)debonairmag.com

John W. DeFeo is the co-founder of Debonair Magazine. He lives and works in New York city and loves advertising, movies, and art. You can view a sample of his creative works at www.johnwdefeo.com. For more articles by John, click his photo.