China's Xpider robot is inspired by the magic of Pixar films

When the robots come for our weak human flesh during the Singularity, let's hope they're at least as cute as the Xpider, a robot being developed by a small team in Beijing. 

The developers, who were originally inspired by the cyclops character, Mike, from Monsters, Inc., created a tiny spider-like machine that can walk, recognize objects and detect and record faces via its camera eye. 

The team used 3D-printed components and Intel Edison and Curie modules, which were both designed to make it easier for open source device creators to quickly develop innovative prototypes and products. 

Weighing just 150 grams, the robot isn't available just yet, but the team is planning to launch a crowdfunding campaign soon, which means the Xpider might be commercially available in the near future. Read more...