Vstone’s various humanoid robots have already made their presence known in Japan, and it looks like they’re now finally making their way over here with a little help from the folks at Texas-based KumoTek. They’ve just announced their new line of KT-X series bots (seemingly identical to Vstone’s Robovie-X), including the 13-motor KT-X Lite, the 17-motor KT-X, and the 20-motor KT-X Gladiator, all of which are apparently aimed at the educational market and range in price from $990 to $1,490. Like its Vstone coutnerpart, the KT-X measures about 13 inches tall, and is able to be controlled with a standard PS2 wireless controller, although it apparently comes with the added educational benefit of KumoTek’s Robot P.E.T.S. (Robots Promoting Education Through Science) educational system, which the company hopes will help set students off into a career in robotics or mechanical engineering.

[Via I4U News]

Budding robot-builders certainly don’t have any shortage of kits to choose from these days, but this new self-descriptive ROBO Builder set looks to be a good deal more complete than most and, compared to the norm, is somewhat more reasonably priced. This one will let you assemble three different bots (dubbed DINO, HUNO and DOGY) out of the included robot building blocks, each of which can apparently be programmed to perform various activities, or simply be controlled via a computer or remote control. You can also get your choice of black or transparent kits, the latter of which appears to boast some significantly more advanced break-dancing skills. It’s also a good deal more expensive, costing 660,000 won (or $630) compared to the 450,000 ($430) for the basic black version.

[Via The Gadgets Weblog]