Handle With Linux

Watch this: a Linux powered baby dinosaur, with a arm processor heart. The robot runs Live OS. An embedded, linux based operating system which features a custom programming language, giving the possibility to interact with the robot on the programming level. It features Artificial intelligence,programmable emotions and lot's more.

While being cute, the robot also happens to be a great project for children and their tech savvy parents.
Maybe it's even more interesting to daddy (edit: or mommy ;-). The motions of the robot are fully programmable and it's filled with sensors and features which make it a very interesting toy.

* two microphones, give the ability to sense the source of sound
* sound detection, which allows it to dance to music
* front and rear speakers
* color camera-based vision system
* eight touch sensors
* four foot switches (detects when it's lifted up)
* fourteen force-feedback sensors, one per joint
* tilt and shake sensors
* force feedback sensors
* infrared mouth sensor for object, it detects when something is in it's mouth
* infrared communication with other Pleos
* Mini-USB port
* SD card slot
* infrared detection for external objects
* 32-bit Atmel ARM7 microprocessor (main processor)
o 32-bit NXP ARM7 sub-processor (camera system and audio input processor)
o four 8-bit processors (low-level motor control)

This robot dinosaur was designed to emulate the appearance and behavior of a week-old baby Camarasaurus. It was designed by Caleb Chung, the co-creator of the Furby.

The only thing I'm missing here is some sharp teeth, so I can program him to guard my house. Maybe an idea for a mod? But then again, that would make it unusable for my kid.

It's a bit pricey at 349$ but you do get a completely programmable new friend.

More information at pleoworld