Real Steel: The 10 Coolest Real-Life Robots

We all dream of (and fear) a future ran by machines that can manage our dirty chores, construct buildings, and fight our wars. Truth is we're probably a few centuries away from living the futuristic realm of Deep Space Nine, or better yet, The Jetsons. But recent breakthroughs in the robotics field over the past couple decades have shown us that we’re not that far off from sparing with lifelike Rock’em Sock'em robots like Hugh Jackman in his new film: Real Steel. Call it wishful thinking, but after seeing what some of today's most visionary scientists, NASA engineers, and even a DJ have constructed, we're starting to rethink our vision of the future. So pull your circuitry together and take a good look at the 10 Coolest Real-Life Robots.

It was only a matter of time before some robotics enthusiast put together a real-life version of Disney’s most beloved robot. By using EZ-Builder software, Canada’s own DJ Sures constructed a real-life replica of the mobile trash compactor with voice-navigation support and object tracking. WALL-E also dons a built-in eye camera that tracks motion, colors, and human faces, all while being commanded by an EZ-B Robot controller. See what interesting tricks DJ Sures’ has his creation pull.

Honda’s made great strides in robotics throughout the past three decades. After introducing its bi-pedal android, the “EO”, back in ’86, the auto manufacturer has constructed one of the most realistic bots ever seen with the ASIMO. Not only can it recognize voice commands and move freely around irregular environments like staircases, but it’s also capable of adapting to human interactions such as hand shaking. ASIMO can anticipate real-time movements, too, allowing it to move faster or slower without programmed walking patterns.

Some find humanoid robots to be more creepy than cool. But the incredible detailing and mechanics behind the Geminoid-DK are absolutely stunning. While the original version originated in Japan a few years back, this lifelike android has made its way to Denmark, taking on the identity of Aalborg University professor Henrik Scharfe. All activity is controlled by a computer, which an operator monitors using a motion-capture system to track head movements and facial expressions. For instance, move your mouth or blink any eye, and the Geminoid-DK will perform the same exact action. Real steel, for real.

Say hello to Mandi Go: the Chris Brown of robots. Whether it’s dipping low or doing splits with ease, the mini-robo break dancer is capable of busting out some of the craziest and most popular dance moves on the floor. Hey, the video speaks for itself. Those looking to entertain their house guests or pets with this super-active dance machine will have to fork up a good $1,000 or higher to import it.

The students and staff of Carnegie Melon University are either lazy or hate walking to the nearest vending machine in the student hall. Why? Ask Dr. Paul Rybsk. With the assistance of his students and 17 faculty members, he created the SnackBot: a mobile robot that delivers snacks throughout the campus. SnackBot is equipped with a laser navigation system, sonar sensors, and stereo “camera-eyes,” allowing it to navigate through congested environments and interact with near-by pedestrians. Every college should have one of these.

While most robots mimic the external aesthetics of the human body, the Eccerobot replicates the internal using elastic cables, drill motors, and thermoplastic polymer to create artificial muscles, tendons, joints, and bones. Sick. It’s the first-ever anthropomimetic (human individual measurement) robot created with the main purpose of mimicking internal mechanisms and human-life cognitive abilities. Still confused? We'll let Hugo Gravato Marques, from the Department of Informatics of the University of Zurich, explain it in layman's terms.

Prof. Paolo Dario and a team of researchers assembled this recycle-bot to clean up after litterbugs by collecting trash from people's doorsteps. The Segway-based DustCart runs on a three-level intelligence system that allows it to navigate by interacting with wireless networks, which helps determine routes and communicate info with the mobile waste disposal. That’s just the tip of the garbage lid: It also comes equipped with special sensors that determine air pollutants in real time. Go Green.

Bach, Beethoven, or Biggie—Toyota’s artificial violinist is programmed to play the classics. The 5-foot robot had its coming out party back in 2007 when it demonstrated its versatile and precise movements to churn out symphonies. Why would the Japanese automaker focus on building robots instead of improving its motor vehicles? Ask former President Katsuaki Watanabe and he'll tell you the company's future is built upon future robotics augmentation, with plans of creating "robots that are useful for people in everyday life." This should be an interesting development.

This $2.5 million project is a collaborative effort between GM and NASA built to assist astronauts in outer space, as well as those in the regular work environment. The robot is made from aluminum carbon fiber and is powered by 38 processors that dish out commands to its arms and fingers. It also has more than 40 sensors, along with five visible-light cameras used to measure infrared lighting and detect environmental settings. As of this February, Robonaut 2, or R2 for short, has accompanied the crew of the Discovery space shuttle and will help the team with research and chores over the next decade.