New Robot Companion Unveiled on Kickstarter

Adelaide, Australia – September, 2023 – The new Ortomi Generation 4 has been released on  Kickstarter, and they’re simple, comforting and interactive little friends, designed to make people smile. They’re a creation from Ortomi, a small Australian start-up on a mission to capture the joy and  comforting presence of real pets. 

An Ortomi has a simple face that changes with different expressions and moods – both randomly and  interactively. They respond to gestures such as being petted, prodded and picked-up; and respond differently based on their mood – such as when they are happy, sad, asleep, angry or bored. As well  as now making cute beeps and boops (with a silent mode), the new Generation 4 has a larger screen,  more expressions, moods & interactions, and a smooth injection moulded shell – benefitting both  aesthetics and manufacturability. 

The Kickstarter launched on August 29th, and met its goal of AU$23,000 in under 10 hours. It  currently sits at AU$46,000, as people continue to rally behind project and help fund subsequent  stretch goals: 

1. AU$50,000 Custom Expression Creator: 

Users will be able to draw, share and browse custom expressions that they can teach  their Ortomi. 

2. AU$70,000 Silicone Cases: 

Squishy, silicone, key-ring cases will be developed and produced, improving the  portability and personalisation options of Ortomi, as well as adding a satisfying tactile feel. 

3. AU$100,000 Interactions between Ortomi: 

Wireless capability will be developed for Ortomi to interact with each other, enabling everything from cute reactions to complex relationships. 

As well as being completely portable with a 20hr battery life, Ortomi are set apart from other robots  on the market by their personalisation. Like dogs, or goldfish – Ortomi are a whole species, and each  one is meant to be unique. They come in many different colours, with different accessories, have  different personalities, and are usually even given their own name by their owner. 

The Ortomi 4 is set to ship in November 2023, and is set to mark a new chapter for the young  Australian company in terms of scale and impact. 

More details on the Ortomi Generation 4, including the launch video, can be found here:  https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ortomi-robotics/ortomi-an-adorable-robot-companion

Tiertime Announces Launch of Cetus2: Revolutionary 3D Printer with On-the-Fly Material Switching

3D printing experts Tiertime, recently announced the launch of Cetus2, an advanced printer that uses an innovative new print head design making it possible to use one nozzle and switch seamlessly between multiple materials and colors on the fly. No need for nozzle alignment and no need to stop or print purge tower, Cetus2 is time and material saving, and capable of fast material switching during printing. This unique time & material saving feature has never before been possible with traditional FDM 3D printers and opens a new world of creativity for users. This exciting new product is perfect for makers and professionals who wish to elevate their 3D printing efficiency and creativity. Cetus2 is available now. Learn more here: [link]    

Cetus2 is able to seamlessly switch between 2 materials and colors on-the-fly for multi-color & multi-material 3D Printing. There is no need to stop printing during the switch. Composite materials and colors are mixed at a ratio of 0-100%, resulting in brand-new printing effects and material properties – something completely new for FDM printing.  This advanced material switching process is very fast, compared with traditional dual-extruder printing, which greatly accelerates model making and saves material. Although the technology in Cetus2 is advanced, the operation is simple and intuitive thanks to fully automatic leveling and Z-Level calibration along with powerful software that allows users to customize the path of the model outline and material switching points, which can produce special textures, colors, and effects. 

The newly developed software for the Cetus2 multi-material system allows you to define every position of material switching on the model with a simple setup. Cetus2’s self-developed software is powerful yet simple to use for voxel-level 3D printing. With built-in tools to customize the path of the model outline, simple setups of material switching points, the ability to produce special texture effects, and more, you will turn your 3D models into multi-color & multi-material masterpieces in no time.

“Hobbyists, makers, and professionals alike are using 3D printing for creativity, industry and fun. This groundbreaking technology gets better and more affordable continuously. The one drawback however has been the relatively slow process and the need for time-consuming setups that are required when printing models of differing materials and colors. Cetus2 revolutionizes that process with a totally new print head design for seamless material and color switching that elevates and expands what you can do with 3D printing. ” Tiertime, CEO

In addition to the revolutionary on-the-fly material switching, Cetus2 is packed with powerful features for advanced 3D printing such as single/dual extruder options, automatic build platform, touch screen

control, internet remote control support and full Gcode support. As a creative tool, Cetus2 offers endless possibilities. Whether printing something for fun from PLA, or producing functional prototypes from engineering materials – Cetus2 can handle any task with ease and blended creativity. 

Cetus2 with on-the-fly material and color switching is available now with special deals and discounts for early adopters.

Kickstarter Campaign for QBii the Multi-Function Robot

Supporters will be able to help donate robot kits to schools to support STEM education

Toronto, Ontario, Canada – Nov 2021 – Quantum Robotic Systems Inc. (QRS) announced the launch of a Kickstarter campaign for QBii, an affordable, multi-functional and expandable service robot. 

QBii (pronounced “cue + bee”) is about the size of a shoebox and weighs only 9 lbs. While most other service robots are limited to only one function, QBii performs a host of useful tasks in the home and in the workplace, including 

  • Carrying heavy items like grocery bins or boxes (up to 50 lbs)
  • Sweeping, mopping and vacuuming floors
  • Towing carts with payloads (up to 200 lbs)

QBii is also programmable and customizable. “People have the option of purchasing QBii as a kit, which makes it a powerful resource for STEM educators,” says QRS president, Dr. Frank Naccarato. “In fact, supporters of our Kickstarter can contribute towards the donation of QBii Kits to schools.”

QBii’s Kickstarter campaign starts today and runs until December 5th. The campaign page may be found here: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/qrsrobotics/qbiithemultifunctionservicerobot  

Founded in 2016 by Dr. Frank Naccarato, Quantum Robotic Systems Inc. (QRS) is a Toronto-based company that makes unique mobile autonomous robots. QRS has developed and patented a novel stairclimbing technology that allows users to carry heavy, bulky loads up and down stairs in an easier, faster and safer way. The company has incorporated this technology into its Robotic Stairclimbing Assistant (ROSA), a service robot that can carry things while climbing up and down stairs, and Doll-E, a stairclimbing moving cart capable of lifting 500 lbs. 

Revopoint POP 2 3D Scanner Launched on Kickstarter

The upgraded and even more feature-rich version of Kickstarter’s Most Funded 3D Scanner Ever was launched today

Shenzhen—Following its successful Kickstarter story with the platform’s most funded 3D scanner ever, Revopoint is launching today the second generation of the device, offering a new version that supports more functions and an enhanced 3D scanning performance. Catering to the requirements of 3D printing creators, VR/AR model makers, reverse design creators, and high-tech enthusiasts in general, Revopoint POP 2 3D Scanner has been launched at <https://bit.ly/30tcYiJ>.

POP 2 adopts a Binocular and Micro-Structured Light formula for an exceptionally high precision and texture scanning performance. The device uses a proprietary micro projecting chip to ensure that the fast acquired 3D point cloud data is captured with a high accuracy of 10 frame rates, achieving a 0.1mm single-frame accuracy. 

POP 2 has a built-in high-performance 3D calculation chip that supports fast 3D scanning. Its embedded 6Dof Gyroscope also enhances a fluent shape, marker point and color feature point cloud stitching. „And the user can enjoy these amazing features with any ordinary smartphone, tablet, or laptop due to POP 2’s intelligent algorithms, which ensure speed and accuracy for the scanner regardless of the computer you use it with,“ Miss. Vivian, the co-founder of Revopoint, added.

The 3D scanner launched today allows users to explore expanded scanning possibilities, including using it as a handheld scanner for big statues and other big figures outdoors, or to mark points to scan large or featureless objects. POP 2 also innovates by using an invisible eye-friendly infrared light source to project and scan. This makes it possible for users to scan human and animal faces and body parts without producing any discomfort to the scanned subject.

„This is a professional-grade 3D scanner with a wealth of high-end features offered at a consumer-grade price. Everyone can buy it and use it,“ said Vivian. The versatile device supports high-precision handheld and turntable scanning, featuring impressive accuracy combined with a simplified one-button operation.

Designed for professionals and demanding hobbyists, POP 2 is a compact 3D scanner that can be carried and used anywhere. Its single cable can be used to charge and connect to the user’s smartphone, tablet, or laptop.

The scanner’s software is also simplified and user-friendly, allowing for the operation to be displayed on its interface. „If there’s an error, you can simply roll back, correct it, and keep moving forward with no worries,“ Vivian assured. The software works with Windows, Mac, Android and iOS, unlike conventional 3D scanner software, which only supports Windows.

The company representative further clarified that the device is especially designed for 3D printing, human body scanning, large-scale sculpture scanning, a plethora of cultural and creative design applications, reverse modeling, different medical applications, and advanced VR/AR and 3D modeling applications.

The Revopoint POP 2 3D Scanner campaign on Kickstarter at <https://bit.ly/30tcYiJ> is seeking to raise $9,975 to fund the large-scale production of the scanner. Backers who support the campaign gain early and discounted access to the device.

About Our Company 

Revopoint focuses on the research and development of cutting-edge structured light and 3D imaging core hardware technology. The company’s core technical team leverages many years of experience in 3D imaging and artificial intelligence technology research and development, having developed different devices in the field, from chips to complete machines, focusing on 3D cameras and 3D scanner products.

UDOO KEY hits the $10,000 Kickstarter goal in 90 minutes

UDOO KEY, the world’s most flexible AI platform, is a brand-new AI-first solution based on Raspberry Pi RP2040 and ESP32. It enables machine learning applications in the most popular programming languages and libraries, including TinyML, TensorFlow Lite, MicroPython, C, C++ etc. The board, designed for Edge AI projects, marks the fifth crowdfunding campaign by UDOO, which already raised more than 2 million dollars in previous Kickstarter campaigns.

Link to the campaign: key.udoo.org

UDOO KEY combines Raspberry Pi RP2040 and a fully programmable ESP32 into a single powerful piece of hardware. The board comes in two versions: UDOO KEY and UDOO KEY PRO. Both feature Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and BLE; UDOO KEY PRO also features a 9-axis IMU and a digital microphone. The board is fully compatible, both hardware and software-wise, with Raspberry Pi Pico and ESP32.

UDOO KEY also grants access to Clea, the upcoming AI as a service platform by SECO Mind, SECO’s daughter company. Clea is an extensible AI & IoT platform for professional developers, startups, R&D departments and hobbyists. . It allows users to quickly build, monitor and deploy Artificial Intelligence models and apps over a fleet of remote-controlled devices. It comes with a set of pre-built AI models and apps called Clea Apps, all developed by SECO. Last but not least, it’s natively compatible with UDOO KEY, Raspberry Pi as well as Arm and x86 processors. 

Maurizio Caporali, Co-CEO of SECO Mind, said, „Today, AI is very misunderstood. Many AI use cases don’t require a powerful processing unit, and that’s where UDOO KEY comes in. For the first time ever in the world of Edge AI, the user has the option to build an AI project on their terms, using either Raspberry Pi RP2040, ESP32, or both. Several companies we are in touch with find it difficult to take advantage of the AI revolution. UDOO KEY and Clea make this as easy as it gets.”

Shipping will start in January 2022. The Early Bird UDOO KEY is available at $4, while the Early Bird UDOO KEY PRO is available at $9. Both are limited to 1,000 units. 

UDOO has also made available two special kits, built in collaboration with two equally special companies: Arducam and Seeed Studio. 

The first kit, in collaboration with Arducam, is named „Early Bird UDOO KEY PRO Cam Kit + Clea “ and includes 1x UDOO KEY PRO, a 2MB SPI Camera and access to Clea.

The second kit, in collaboration with SeeedStudio, is named “Early Bird UDOO KEY PRO Grove Kit + Clea” and includes 1x UDOO KEY PRO, access to Clea and 14 handpicked Grove Modules, including 5 sensors/ 5 actuators/ 2LED/ 1 LCD display/ 1 Grove shield.

More details on UDOO KEY

The Raspberry Pi Pico-compatible part of UDOO KEY is built upon a Raspberry PI RP2040 dual Arm Cortex-M0, featuring a QSPI 8MB flash memory, 133 MHZ clock, and 264KB of on-chip SRAM.  The ESP32 is based on a dual-core Xtensa 32-bit LX6, with 16 MB flash memory, 8MB PSRAM, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and Bluetooth Low Energy. The two microcontrollers can talk to each other via serial port and SWD.

The user can program the two microcontrollers in an easy way via a USB-C connector and decide whether to talk with RP2040 or ESP32 via jumper. The UDOO KEY provides many more interfaces: three fully programmable LEDs, and the same pinout of Raspberry Pi Pico, making it 100% compatible with it, both hardware and software-wise. Last but not least, the UEXT connector is accessible from the ESP32, which exposes the I2C, UART and SPI interfaces.

The UDOO KEY also mounts two powerful sensors: a 9-axis IMU and a digital microphone, plus a standard UEXT connector to easily add sensors and other interfaces. Thanks to the on-board ESP32 microcontroller, the UDOO KEY features full Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n connectivity, Bluetooth and BLE v4.2.  

Link to the Campaign: key.udoo.org

Quantum Integration Launches Its Complete IoT Platform on Kickstarter

The Quantum platform gives electronic enthusiasts, educators and developers total control of their IoT network. Built for novices and experts alike, anyone can control anything from a remote temperature sensor to an automated home and even robots with ease.

SANTA BARBARA, Calif., July 28, 2020 (Newswire.com) – Quantum Integration is announcing the launch of its Kickstarter campaign for the Quantum platform, beginning Tuesday, July 28, 2020.

Built from the ground up with a complete set of hardware and software, the Quantum platform allows anyone to build custom plug-and-play IoT devices that easily communicate with each other any way the user desires. With a graphical user interface for creating custom firmware for IoT devices and the applications that control them, programming is not required.​

“We’re incredibly excited to open up this kind of technology to the mainstream,” says Michael Barnick, CEO and founder of Quantum Integration. “Hobby electronics and the IoT space in general can be intimidating for some, and platforms require a degree of programming knowledge. Our platform’s features like the drag-and-drop App Builder and automated Firmware Generator make developing complex projects simple, and users easily create and take on their own projects in record time.”

With a goal of $25,000, the Kickstarter campaign will run from July 28, 2020, to Aug. 31, 2020. Products will be ready to ship in September 2020.

Backers can choose from a variety of pledges, which are:

  • The Q-Server Central Core – The heart and power of the IoT platform which provides complete control of the entire IoT network.
  • Q-Client Builder Base – The easiest way for users to build their own custom IoT devices; can add virtually any sensor or device to the network.
  • Starter Kit – A wide variety of electronic components ready for immediate use on the Quantum IoT platform​.

Limited quantities at an incredible discount are available for early backers. For more information and to become a backer, visit the Quantum Kickstarter campaign.

About Quantum Integration Inc.​​

The Quantum IoT platform enables electronics hobbyists to create wireless devices from a simple button to complete home automation and robots, and control it with custom apps and firmware without coding, all through a central server. The power of making!​​

For more information, visit www.quantumintegrate.com.

ROYBI to become a game changer for children learning languages

Interactive robot designed to teach new languages to young children to be produced after its successful crowdfunding campaign on Indiegogo.com

November 6, 2019ROYBI today unveiled its plans to make its AI-powered robot—that teaches languages and skills to children—available to the general public, as well as put it into mass production.

All parents want a bright future for their children. However, with the growing requirements of the modern age, kindergartens and schools do not always succeed in this mission of giving them the specific skills needed in an uncertain future. 

The current education system treats all children the same way, often failing to take into account the abilities, skills and interests of an individual child. Children don’t always have the opportunity to practice the knowledge they learn at school. And when parents are busy, children often become addicted to screens to overcome their boredom. ROYBI has been designed with all these issues in mind. 

“As we prepare children to become leaders in a future far different from our own, we at ROYBI feel it is necessary to revise our current educational practices to meet children’s changing needs better,” says Elnaz Sarraf, CEO of ROYBI.

The robot uses over 70,000 words and 500 topics to teach children different languages at their own pace. Thanks to this personalized approach, the robot can also be used by children with speech delay to develop their speaking and give them plenty of practice. 

Besides language teaching, ROYBI also introduces children to STEM and primary skills. The AI-powered robot easily adjusts its interactive lessons, games, stories, songs and the rest of its engaging content to a child’s abilities, needs and interests. To make learning even more fun, ROYBI uses a tiny screen on its belly to visualize the taught content and give feedback.  

In addition, ROYBI is equipped with facial recognition, which means that it starts socializing with the child once it notices them around and offers them emotional support when needed. 

The intuitive app on iOS and Android allows parents to not only customize lessons for their children, but also track their progress.

The robot is powered by a huge digital library of educational materials, which can be constantly updated

With its long list of unique features, ROYBI is a game changer. It is indeed the next evolutionary step in the field of language learning and education. 
The robot can be pre-ordered on the campaign’s Indiegogo page with 40% off.

All the information on ROYBI can be found on the campaign page:

https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/roybi-world-s-1st-smart-toy-to-teach-7-languages#/

Sphero gives hackers and makers a mobile canvas with launch of RVR—the go anywhere, do anything, fully programmable robot

BOULDER, Colo., February 19, 2019 ‒ Sphero, the industry leader in robotics fused with STEAM learning, announced today its Kickstarter launch of RVR – a ready-to-drive, fully programmable and customizable robot with endless coding possibilities. The campaign begins today on Kickstarter with pledge levels starting at $199 (MSRP for $249) and initial shipments will be available starting in September 2019. Backers who support the RVR project within the first week of launch will be eligible to be selected for an all-expenses paid trip to Sphero HQ in Boulder, CO to compete in an all-day RVR Hackathon on March 14, 2019.

RVR is drivable right out of the box, making it approachable and accessible to coders of all levels, including beginners. In addition, its advanced features are geared specifically for those looking for a more complex coding experience — the first of Sphero’s products to do so. For advanced coders, RVR can be fully customized through a universal expansion port, full suite of on-board sensors and an advanced control system.

“RVR is the kind of robot I wish I had growing up,” said Adam Wilson, Sphero co-founder and chief creative officer. “For makers, developers and anyone who loves to build things, RVR’s advanced capabilities bring to life everything that makes coding exciting. That creative experience is at the core of why we first started Sphero.”

RVR is fast, exceptionally nimble and fun to drive for coders of all abilities. It sports a fine-tuned, high- resolution motor encoder, allowing it to be driven with extreme agility, accuracy and torque that can easily scale a 45-degree angle.

Beyond its out-of-the-box base, RVR’s universal expansion port has the ability to connect to third-party hardware like Raspberry Pi, Micro:Bit or Arduino, allowing users to customize the robot however they want.

The robot is outfitted with several onboard sensors that will get any maker’s imagination going: a color sensor, light sensor, IR, magnetometer, accelerometer and gyroscope, as well as a roll cage and clear protective plate that are removable. RVR’s ambient light, color and 9-axis IMU are able to send and receive signals to interact with other Sphero robots. The large battery inside RVR is removable, making charging easier and faster.

“This is truly a professional-level robot, without the hefty price tag,” said Wilson. “By connecting your hardware of choice to the expansion port, the customization possibilities are endless and entirely up to you. For example, you can hook up a camera to RVR and program facial recognition to do a dance every time your best friend walks by.”

To support customization with the expansion port, Sphero is partnering with SparkFun Electronics to build kits that inspire users to take the RVR to the next level – from adding camera vision and GPS to building a complete autonomous vehicle. SparkFun is also backing the KickStarter through the „Get a Bot, Give a Bot“ initiative, where they will match the first 50 RVR’s purchased with a donation of 50 RVRs to schools.

With RVR, like all of Sphero’s products, users have access to the Sphero EDU app, which connects a vibrant, active community of DIYers, makers, programmers, hackers and educators to share tips, questions and commentary. This unique community enhances the product experience, providing users with resources to take on new challenges, solve problems, be creative and share creations. Sphero will roll out an initial wave of RVR content on the app in conjunction with its launch.

To learn more about RVR, visit http://sphero.com/RVR or the Kickstarter project site. Follow Sphero on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.

ABOUT SPHERO: Founded in 2010 and based in Boulder, CO, Sphero’s ongoing mission is to inspire the creators of tomorrow. We’re available in 80+ countries around the globe and have sold more than four million robots to date… and counting. Touted as “the best day of school” for kids, we aim to be all that and more as we continue to explore new technologies in the realm of creative play. We firmly believe that play is a powerful teacher, and as long as we’re sparking imaginations around the world, we’ll keep fueling that fire.

ABOUT SPHERO EDU: Sphero Edu uses app-enabled robots to foster creativity through discovery and play, all while laying the foundation for computer science. The Sphero Edu program goes beyond code with collaborative STEAM activities, nurturing students’ imaginations in ways no other education program can. Cross-platform apps

are approachable for all skill levels, allowing us to reach as many minds as possible. To date, the Sphero Edu team works with more than 30,000 educators, in more than 20,000 schools across the globe. More than 1.3 million students have been positively impacted through Sphero Edu and its work to educate kids surrounding technology and computer science. For more information, visit sphero.com/education or follow @SpheroEdu on Twitter.

Der InMoov-Androide soll erstmals nach Deutschland kommen

Heute ein Gastbeitrag von Roman Kessler, Gründer Make Rhein-Main. Vielen Dank für diesen Beitrag.

 

Von Roman(ä)make-rhein-main.de

Der InMoov-Androide ist ein Roboter aus dem 3D-Drucker, der aussieht wie ein wissensdurstiger Student. Das Open-Source-Projekt des Franzosen Gael Langevin hat sich schnell weltweit verbreitet. Die Frankfurter Maker-Community will den UrVater des InMoovs und seinen hochentwickelten Androiden jetzt erstmals nach Deutschland holen – und du kannst helfen.

Je nach Version und Ausbaustufe kann der InMoov verschiedene Dinge: Von komplizierten Handbewegungen, bis hin zur Bewegung im Raum und Spracherkennung. Und sogar Dance-Moves! Angefangen hat alles 2012 mit einer Hand. Der französische Designer Gael Langevin beschäftigt sich eigentlich mit Skulpturen, der InMoov ist aber viel mehr eine Vorform von Commander Data.

Insgesamt soll es auf der ganzen Welt schon rund 250 InMoovs geben. Auch im Rhein-Main-Gebiet gibt es einen InMoov, den Studenten von Prof. Neser gedruckt und zusammen gebaut haben. Der kleine darmstädter Bruder des großen Vorbilds aus Paris war bei lokalen bisherigen Maker-Messen www.make-rhein-main.de immer ein großer Hingucker. Jetzt wollen wir den Erfinder Gael zu unserer 5. “Make Rhein-Main” (vom 18.-19. März 2017) nach Frankfurt holen – quasi die deutsche, blauäugige und die französische Version einander vorstellen.

Seit 2014 veranstalten wir rund um Frankfurt die “Make Rhein-Main” in unregelmäßigen Abständen. Wir sind eine unabhängige (!), eigenständige Community, die klein angefangen hat. Bei unserer ersten Messe, waren vielleicht knapp 300 Besucher. Inzwischen ist das Projekt gewachsen und hat eine Eigendynamik entfaltet. Das liegt auch daran, dass wir alle Überschüsse immer wieder in die Messe stecken (ähm,… haben… und nun gerade pleite sind, aber dazu unten mehr).

Nicht nur erreichen wir jetzt weit mehr als 1.000 Besucher – wir waren im Mai 2016 auch zur “European Maker Week” nach Brüssel eingeladen. Klar: Da waren Politiker und Lobbyisten – aber wir haben auch Gael und seinen InMoov getroffen. Uns hat das Ding echt umgehauen, weil es so… ja, menschlich war. Und der InMoov wurde eben nicht von einem japanischen Konzern erschaffen, sondern wird auch in der Open Source-Community ständig verbessert.

Der Plan war schnell gefasst: Der InMoov von Gael aus Paris muss zu uns kommen! Denn bislang war unsere „Make Rhein-Main“ immer eine eher regionale Veranstaltung – eben von und mit den Nerds aus der Nachbarschaft. Die haben Eltern und Kindern erklärt, wie man mit moderner Technik bastelt.

Aber was wäre, wenn wir plötzlich einen solchen internationalen Szene-Star bei uns präsentieren würden? Würde das nicht alle anderen Maker zusätzlich inspirieren und motivieren? Der Gedanke treibt uns an.

Als wir dann endlich wieder eine Zusage für eine Halle hatten (in einer Stadt wie Frankfurt ist die Suche ein Albtraum!!) haben wir Gael dann über Twitter angefragt. Er erinnerte sich sofort an uns und schrieb uns von einem Trip aus Indien, wo er gerade den InMoov vorstellte.

Gael war mit dem InMoov auch schon in aller Herren Ländern. Lustig, ist nur, dass Gael den InMoov noch nie in Deutschland vorgestellt hat. Dabei sind wir doch fast Nachbarn. Wir sind daher extra stolz über die Zusage des InMoov-Erfinders!

Wie kommt der InMoov aus Paris nach Frankfurt?

Allerdings müssen wir natürlich die Reisekosten für Gael, seine Frau und den Bot übernehmen – und zwar VOR der nächsten “Make Rhein-Main”. Das ist nur fair. Nur: Da wir gerade die hohe Kaution für die Hallen bezahlt haben, sind wir mehr oder weniger pleite.

https://www.startnext.com/make-rhein-main-2017

Du kannst uns aber helfen, den großen, tanzenden und sprechenden InMoov zum ersten Mal nach Deutschland zu holen! Noch bis zum 20. Februar 2017 läuft die Crowdfunding-Aktion hierfür auf startnext, damit wir die Reise-Tickets und Unterbringung vor der Messe bezahlen können. Im Kern ist das ein Vorverkauf für die Make-Tickets – aber wir haben auch “Dankeschöns” für alle, die nicht mal eben vorbeikommen können. Zum Beispiel unser Armband oder unser T-Shirt.

Das Crowdfundig soll die unabhängige „Make Rhein-Main“ 2017 zu einer echt europäischen Messe machen. Und den InMoov samt Erfinder und Anhang endlich mal nach Deutschland bringen.

Wenn das Geld reicht, wollen wir versuchen zwei weitere europäische Ausstellern für euch nach Frankfurt zu holen: Paula Pongratz aus Österreich und das Team von Precious Plastic aus den Niederlanden.

Zu Paula Pongratz: Postapokalyptische Schmuck-Workshops für Kinder und Erwachsene

Paula Pongratz aus Österreich bastelt “postapokalyptischen Schmuck.” Also Schönes aus dem, was von unserer Zivilisation übrig bleiben wird: NATO-Draht, Elektronikbauteile, Verschlüsse aus Plastik. Paulas Favorit: die Borsten großer Straßenkehrmaschinen. In ihren Händen werden daraus Ringe, Armbänder, Ohrringe oder Diademe.

In den letzten Jahren war die Kommunikationsdesignerin mit ihren Werken zum Beispiel beim 33C3, dem jährlichen Kongress des Chaos Computer Clubs in Hamburg, und verschiedenen Maker-Messen in halb Europa. Mit ihren Workshops bietet Paula vor allem Kindern die Gelegenheit, selbst mit dem zu basteln, was wir meistens achtlos wegwerfen: “Das kann man doch noch weiter verwenden” ist Paulas Credo.

Zu Precious Plastic: Mit der mobilen Plastikwerkstatt zu einer sauberen Umwelt

Von Precious Plastic haben wir aktuelle noch keine Bestätigung, dass sie kommen, wenn wir die Kosten übernehmen. Aber es sieht ganz gut aus.

Das Projekt des Niederländers Dave Hakkens dreht sich rund um Recycling: Ihn störte der Plastikmüll an Stränden. In den wenigsten Ländern besteht überhaupt ein System, das altes Plastik wieder nutzbar macht. Und so landet der Abfall, den die Natur nicht abbauen kann, im Meer. Eine Möglichkeit, dies zu unterbinden, hat Hakkens mit seinem Projekt “Precious Plastic” gefunden: Aus vier billigen Maschinen zum Selberbauen besteht seine “Plastikwerkstatt”. Sie schreddern das Plastik, schmelzen es ein und bringen es in neue Formen. Der WWF Brasilien fand die Idee großartig, in einer Favela entstand bereits eine mobile Plastikwerkstatt.

Zusammengefasst: Wir die Make Rhein-Main Community, versuchen gerade den InMoov-Androiden zum ersten Mal aus Paris nach Deutschland zu holen. Wenn das Geld reicht, kommen sogar Paula aus Österreich und Precious Plastic. Im Crowdfunding kannst du uns unterstützen, auch wenn du nicht zu unserer nächsten Messe kommen kannst.

Neugierig geworden? Dann unterstütze uns bei startnext und lerne die uns und den InMoov im März persönlich kennen!

https://www.startnext.com/make-rhein-main-2017

 

Meet the Droneball, the world’s first collision-tolerant consumer drone

If you love using drones, then you know there’s nothing more irritating than steering slightly in the wrong direction, and watching your drone fly right into a wall and shatter into pieces. For all the money you put into them, shouldn’t they withstand more than that? Finally the perpetual fear of your drone being destroyed on day 1 through careless steering is a thing of the past.

We are proud to introduce The Droneball, created by iMaze Toys, the people behind Angry Birds and Air Terminators,  is the world’s first collision-tolerant drone, and its unique design allows it to simply bounce back from collisions that destroy others.

Innovative Design

Created to go the distance, the design of the Drone Ball begins with an exceptionally powerful quadcopter craft with a 6-axis gyroscope, adding a greater level of control compared to most drones on the market. But the big innovation is the cage the surrounds it. This cage, along with its multi-axis running ring track, allows the Droneball to simply bounce off walls and obstacles that wreck other drones.  With multi-axis maneuverability, the Droneball remains level inside the cage after a collision, removing the need to regain control and keeping you in the air for as long as you want. No matter where you are or what obstacles you’re navigating through, you don’t need to worry about the copter’s safety with Droneball.

 

Sharing Made Easy

Droneball brings you 5.8GHZ Transmission technology ultra strong signals are achieved with anti interference capabilities and long distance video image transfer. Droneball’s camera is not only capable of recording stunning 1080p HD video, it can also take high resolution photographs. This allows user to instantly share footage on their smartphones or tablets,  from high quality photography to aerial footage.  Even when beyond visual range,  you can still capture the scene!

 

 Highlights

  • 6-AXIS GYROSCOPE Paired with accelerometers delivers increased motion detection through lateral movement and rotation
  • MULTI-AXIS MANEUVERABILITY Droneball quadcopter is mounted so it remains level inside the cage after a collision
  • RESILIENT The sturdy cage keeps the quad from striking obstacles for less risk of broken parts
  • AGILE Its gyro stabilization and 4.5-channel radio allows it to effectively fly through tight spaces
  • REAL TIME HD DIGITAL VIDEO TRANSMISSION 5.8GHZ Transmission technology collects high quality photography and live 1080p HD aerial footage
  • FUTURE PROOF Camera can be upgraded and easily swapped out for future upgrades or repairs
  • ALL-IN-ONE FPV SOLUTION Compatible with most FPV glasses Droneball’s wide field of view camera is specifically designed for FPV flight.

The Droneball launched on January 3th on Indiegogo with a goal of $ 75,000 to fund the first wave of production.  In addition, iMaze Toys has partnered with Walkera Technology to bring this to market, and they have decades of experience developing and manufacturing quadcopters, FPV camera drones, racing drones and other UAVs for the consumer market, commercial users and governmental agencies. Early backers of the project receive the  Droneball for only $399, nearly half the price of the final retail version, alongside goodies like a rucksack for carrying and a red light pack.