Photos: Robots as toys, tools and teachers

These new mobile-platform CoroBots, from CoroWare Technologies, based in Redmond, Wash., became available for order on May 15 and will start shipping in June. They offer a platform on which robots for learning and research can be built. They are compatible with Microsoft Robotics Studio software and come with a CPU, onboard sensors and a color camera. Other options include Windows XP or Linux preinstalled, as well as features like grippers for picking up objects and pressure sensors. Priced between $2,500 and $3,500, depending on configuration, the CoroBot is intended as a relatively affordable option for universities, students and high-end hobbyists.