Though it is not currently completed and though it is not entirely made out of LEGO pieces, the robot named Niko is still a very interesting machine that can understand commands sent to it via Twitter. The Finnish mobile phone manufacturer started the Push N900 competition in the US, which is practically the reason why this particular gadget right here exists. Nokia began its endeavor because of N900's ability to withstand serious modding and hacking.

Various teams registered in this contest, including the one that is currently working on the Niko robot controlled via a Nokia N900 and Twitter. At the base of the robot there, is the LEGO Mindstorm NXT 2.0 kit with custom software.

Its brains are an N900 with a Twitter API, which can trace an account created specially for it. From there on, Niko understands the commands sent to this Twitter account and acts accordingly, as you will be able to see in the movie embedded at the end of the article.

I kept telling you about the Niko robot taking commands, but I haven't told you exactly what it can do. Besides the regular moving of the robot through the house, with walk forward, turn around, etc. commands, Niko will also be able to snap pictures with the N900 integrated camera. After it takes a picture, the robot Niko, which is a big fan of Twitter as you have surely realized by now, will also be able to upload it onto Twitpic. If you follow this link, you will see a gallery of photos taken by Niko.

Slashgear says that the finishing touches are being added to the LEGO robot while you are reading this but there is plenty of time for Niko to be completed before the Push N900 competition ends next week. Good luck to team Niko!




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