Page 19 - Priorities #44 2009-July

HP, computer networking was becoming the hot technology. Fortunately, Larson met Bob Metcalfe, the father of a friend and one of the founders of 3COM and inventor of the Ethernet. Later, Larson took his knowledge that networking was “the place to be,” and taught engineering groups at HP how to write software that optimized the use of HP’s computer network.
As he describes himself, Larson was “a computer guy before I was a robotics guy,” but
he always had a passion for robotics. He began seriously developing this passion while working
at a dot.com, which like many dot.com companies, ended up imploding in 2001. While working there, he became very involved in the monthly San Jose Home-Brew Robotics Club at Carnegie Mellon West, known as a big robotics university. There he met the future co-founder of OLogic, Bob Allen.
Larson and Allen, in the last few years, “teamed up to build robotic projects together, and their productivity soared. Allen, an expert in electronics and mechanical design, and Larson, an expert in software and electronics, made the ideal team for constructing difficult robotic projects. Together,
they formed OLogic, Inc. to market adaptations of the technologies, and bring robotic technology to everyday products.”
OLogic partnered with Uncle Milton Toys and NeuroSky, which developed brain-wave technology, while OLogic developed the electronics design and software for the upcoming fall toy, “The Star Wars Force Trainer.” Scheduled to be launched this fall, The Star Wars Force Trainer (expected to be priced at $130), comes with a headset that uses brain waves to allow players to manipulate a ball
within a clear, 10-inch tower. A
player uses mind power to
make the ball rise within
the tower. The deeper a
player concentrates,
the higher the ball will rise. Everyone can progress from Padawan to Jedi Master as he or she masters “The Force” through 15 levels of training. Instructions from Jedi Master Yoda and additional Star Wars sound effects let players know of their accomplishments and provides encouragement.
Start bragging, Priory students and alumni. Ted Larson, a Priory graduate, has made “The Force” come alive.
The Star Wars Force Trainer
OLogic martini serving cart robot, that balances on two wheels.
OLogic outdoor navigation robot sponsored by a Minnesota based motor manufacturer.
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