Some computer science students at the University of Oklahoma are building a robot based on the Pioneer 3AT platform and controlled by a Mac Mini. Right now, they control it via a wireless ssh connection, using an iSight camera and iChat to see what's happening.

It sounds like they have plans to make it fully autonomous at some point, guided by lidar (and possibly the iSight cam).

Check out other hacks here, and make sure to contribute your own.

Here is a really great case mod and howto for embedding a Mac Mini into a wall.

Lilmuckers tricked out his mini and created a custom faceplate that sits within the kitchen wall, providing access to the USB ports, video connection, and power button. The result looks very pro - no wires, clean design, and matches the other wall plates that surround it.

This sort of thing makes me wish Moore's law wasn't still in effect, but a nice mod like this should continue to impress for at least a few years before an upgrade is in order. Either way, I'm jealous.

[via slashdot]