The experiment is supposed to help improve techniques to create bodily organs and tissues with complex cellular structures, which would be useful for regenerative medicine and drug development.

Scientists created the little gingerbread-looking man by cultivating 100,000 0.1mm balls of collagen, each coated with dozens of skin cells and dropping them inside a doll-shaped mold for a day. The doll managed to survive in a culture solution for more than one day.

Shoji Takeuchi, a professor at the University of Tokyo's Institute of Industrial Science, said he'll be trying to combine multiple types of cells next to create a complex system that could function as a living organism. Translated: "First we're growing dolls. Next we're going to grow PEOPLE." Just kidding. I think. [Pink Tentacle]

The dishwashing robot has three joints and enough sensitivity not to break your china. It moves on a rail, guided by TV cameras placed in the ceiling and sensors in the arm itself. According to the research team in charge, this is only the beginning. They are investigating the possibility of doing laundry robot too, as well as one capable of doing other household chores, like preparing cocktails and playing the bongos. OK, maybe that's just me. [Thanks Kumiko]

Once users register objects with Mamoru-Kun or "little protector," the device will constantly monitor them in a specific area using several cameras. If the object is misplaced, Mamoru-Kun will either point towards its location or give you verbal directions. It can even instruct its big brother the “Home Assistant Robot” to retrieve the object for you. The designers hope to have the device commercialized by 2018, which is right about the time I will start to forget where I put my reading glasses. Thanfully, Mamoru-Kun will be right there to tell me that the glasses are hanging from my neck. Awesome. [Robot Watch via Crunchgear]

The HAR uses five cameras and six lasers to map and navigate your home, and it can move its various appendages with some degree of freedom (the neck alone can be moved in three directions while the arms move an impressive seven).

With all of this hardware at its disposal, HAR can open and close doors, tidy up rooms, mop floors, do laundry and put away dishes. The robot is even smart enough to move furniture as necessary and place it back in its original position.

Just how the robot can learn from its mistakes was unclear, but the programming seems to operate on simple "Magic Eye"-type principals distinguishing what's different about a room from its original room image and correcting the differences accordingly.

The robot can run 30 to 60 minutes per charge and can be expected to arrive at homes in the next decade for $10,000. [Asahi via CrunchGear]

A computer analyzes the video for recognizable objects: you know, a hammer, a cellphone, a potted begonia, etc. To search for an item, you type in a keyword, and if located, a video of that item plays in the LCD screen positioned over your right eye.

The intended end product is a less bulky system that can help people locate lost belongings and maybe even assist in investigations and other visual searches. Naturally, though, the core of this whole system is insanely powerful visual recognition software, and until that works without a hitch, your just gonna have to remember where you left your car keys. [Pink Tentacle]

The team's goal is to develop a large-scale system that connects thousands of devices — a setup that would provide a wireless connection for a fraction of the cost when compared to current technologies. When combined with the wireless power sheets developed by the team earlier this year, it does look like a Bluetooth alternative that could be truly viable. [Technology Review via DVICE]