Microsoft’s new robot plays soccer

Well, maybe soccer is a little extreme. But the robot did kick a ball. ZMP of Japan showed off the two-legged walking robot today. It was built using Microsoft’s new robotics software, Microsoft Robotics Studio, which is free to non-commercial users.

The software is a platform that eases the development of robotic movements, such as, well, kicking a ball. It shipped a year ago and, according to a story in the Associated Press, ZMP’s device is the first biped to run on it.

The device was demonstrated today using a Microsoft Xbox 360 remote. The robot is 14 inches tall, weighs 5.5 pounds and has six motors in each leg, the story reports. It costs a mere $5,345 and can perform the fabulous function of walking. It is expected to be available in the robot-loving county of Japan in January. you can get more info on how to download the software here.

If you want to save the $5 grand and build your own robot,