CNet: Lego Robot Solves Sudoku Puzzles. “Lego Mindstorms are futuristic toys for creative kids. But who knew these DIY robots can get creative themselves and solve puzzles? Swedish programmer Hans Andersson bought a programmable Mindstorms NXT kit for his two daughters and then began tinkering with it himself. LAThe result: a toy that can autonomously solve Sudoku puzzles in what looks like a matter of minutes.”

LA Times: “Robots + virtual worlds = Robini-i.”” “Starting Sept. 28, another company is making a run at robots for the masses. Robinica, a South African startup, said it will start selling a $250 robot that can be programmed to do any number of things. In addition, the robot can jack into an online virtual world by way of a computer to download new programs, play games or socialize with other robots and their owners.”

Wired: “How it Works: Augmented Reality.” “Total Immersion is one of the most successful augmented reality providers currently. Here’s a quick look at how the company’s augmented reality technology for the desktop works. Take the baseball cards. Users have to first log on to a URL and navigate to the 3-D section of the website, where they enter an interactive code found on their baseball card to activate the software. Then, they can hold the card under a webcam and Total Immersion’s software goes to work. It identifies a target on the baseball card, then overlays a virtual baseball player on the video onscreen. Users can then rotate the baseball player and make it perform a select few actions.”