Robot from Scrap

A Bangladeshi graduate student is developing a robot capable of picking up objects, mopping floors and performing other simple tasks - at the fraction of the cost of other humanoids.

Feroz Ahmed Siddiky of the International Islamic University in Chittagong says his “IRobo” responds to voice commands, has spatial intelligence and is cheap because it’s made from scrap materials he’s collected from electronic shops and car mechanics. “On completion, this robot will comply with different verbal commands for tasks like shifting objects, cleaning floors and standing guard,” Siddiky said.

Siddiky has been working on the robot for two years and says he has got another year's worth of engineering to do before its completed. “I hope people will be able to buy it for less than $1,000,” he said.