Bossa Nova Concept
Two new robotics toy startups, both Carnegie Mellon University spinouts, are tooling away in Pittsburgh on the next generation of high-tech toys. Interbots and Bossa Nova Concepts are developing family-friendly, emotive robots that they hope to unveil commercially within two years.
Internships through CMU offer students practical experience and help to channel potential new hires Bossa Nova’s way. Pittsburgh seed funding has been really critical in putting in place all the pieces of the business. Bossa Nova got its start in 2005 and has completed development of a fascinating, funny toy with lifelike movements and self-balancing motion. BN is presently developing a manufacturing plan with the help of a post-doctorate fellow at The Robotics Institute.
Interbots spun out of academic research conducted at Carnegie Mellon University's Entertainment Technology Center The ETC is a 2-year Master's Degree Program that brings students from artistic and technical backgrounds together to work on innovative projects.
The main component of the Interbots Platform is a performance robot, a custom-built animatronic figure with a wide degree of physical expression through body language and internal color-changing lighting.
