KHR-2HV Robot

A demonstration of the KHR-2HV Humanoid Robot, set to the song "This Is A Way" by Loveless, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network (music.podshow.com).

The KHR-2HV is the latest humanoid robot from iXs Research Corp (ixs.co.jp), released in Japan on May 26, 2006.

We went to visit the company near Yokohama last week and they gave us permission to use these clips and sell the robot through the TechToys store. Read more in store at http://techtoys.jp/store.php.

Update (June 19): The manufacturer has currently run out of stock due to the popularity of this product, but you can place orders for the next batch due around September, 2006 by emailing japantechtoys@gmail.com.

Rolling Along

A rolling wooden mouse wheel, big bubbles and weird white dancing creatures at Design Festa 23, held at Tokyo Big Sight May 20-21.

This video is set to the song "Perfect" by MiGGs, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network (music.podshow.com). Check out their album "Insomnia" on iTunes or on their website at www.miggsband.com.

Design Festa 23 had 6,000 exhibitors and was attended by around 51,000 people over the weekend. It is open to artists, designers and performers of all kinds. Register now for Design Festa 24, December 2-3, 2006 at www.designfesta.com.

Solar Eco Africa

A quick but kinda relaxing look at the latest solar powered toys in Japan, the Animal Planet African zebra, giraffe and elephant by TakaraTomy, set to the song "Johnny Clegg Medley" by Navi Redd, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network (music.podshow.com).

I first saw these at the Tokyo International Gift Show back in February (the next one is September 5-8 at Tokyo Big Sight) and have been waiting for them to come out. Their head, neck, tail and legs move, powered by a solar panel that works in both artificial and natural light.

Great gift or desk ornament, or just to relax with when you get stressed. If you want one or the set you can hunt for them and place an order at the TechToys Store (http://techtoys.jp/store.php).

Random Robots

Some leftover robot footage from the International Robot Exhibition held back in December last year, set to the song "Wrong Way Home" by Starewell, courtesy of the Podsafe Music Network (music.podshow.com).

This video also features a short commercial from ITV (Independent TV) Video Podcasts, which looks at art, business and culture in the US' Pacific Northwest. Check them out at www.itvnw.com.

If you would like to advertise your podcast, product or business at the start or end of the videos, contact us at japantechtoys@gmail.com.

Silicon Soul Robots

This is the latest video from The Silicon Soul Show from Soho, New York City, featuring lots of robot footage, including some from TechToys.

It is cool seeing people mash up footage in different ways and sharing through Creative Commons. Subscribe to their show in iTunes or visit http://somestrange.com.

If you have a video podcast or video blog you want to promote, send a promo, mashup or episode link to japantechtoys@gmail.com and if we like it we will mix it in a video or drop it in the feed.