Archiv des Autors: Sebastian Trella

2020 Commercial UAV Expo Americas to Take Place Virtually Next Week

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UAS Solutions Providers and Thousands of End-Users will Gather Online Sep 15-17 for Expo and Conference Focused on Commercial Drones.

PORTLAND, MAINE (PRWEB) SEPTEMBER 10, 2020

With Commercial UAV Expo Americas slated for September 15-17, organizers of the event have announced that they are expecting the participation of thousands of UAS professionals from around the world. The 2020 edition of the event, originally scheduled to take place at Paris Las Vegas, will instead take place virtually due to ongoing health and safety concerns stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic.

Attendees represent industries such as construction, drone delivery, energy and utilities, forestry and agriculture, infrastructure and transportation, mining and aggregates, public safety and emergency services, security, surveying and mapping, and many more.

Commercial UAV Expo Americas Virtual will kick off on Tuesday, September 15 with Virtual “Outdoor” Flying Demonstrations open to all registrants. Leading UAS vendors will demo their drones and software in action, providing insight into their capabilities. Vendors participating in the demos include Iris Automation, Doosan, Sundance Media Group, Sabrewing Aircraft Company, Inc., and Autel Robotics. Following the demos are Emerging Technology Showcases in which UAS solution providers will present their newest technology.

The highly anticipated conference program, organized by conference planners with input from Commercial UAV Expo Americas’ Advisory Board, kicks off at 9:00 AM PT on Wednesday, September 16 with a keynote presentation from FAA Administrator Steve Dickson, the first of three highly anticipated keynote speakers. Mr. Dickson will share how over the past year the industry and the FAA have made substantial progress related to UAS. Immediately following Mr. Dickson, Scott Breor, Acting Deputy Assistant Director, CISA, will provide an update on threats in critical infrastructure, securing facilities, and resources available to the industry. The third keynote speaker, U.S. Chief Technology Officer Michael Kratsios, will provide an update from the White House on Thursday, September 17, preceding a keynote panel presentation from the UPS Flight Forward Team. The remainder of the 40+ hours of conference content is made up of various panels, plenaries, breakout sessions, and roundtables. The full agenda can be viewed here.

Returning to Commercial UAV Expo Americas is the ever-popular DRONERESPONDERS Public Safety Summit which unites drone operators and program managers across law enforcement, fire rescue, and other emergency services for strategic discussions and workshops surrounding the evolving use of unmanned aircraft systems. This year’s digital environment will allow attendees from around the world to engage in targeted educational content to learn how first responders are using sUAS to save lives. Topics will include program development and management, training standards and certification, mutual assistance, and more.

In addition to the Virtual “Outdoor” Flying Demonstrations and Emerging Tech Showcases, leading solutions providers will showcase the latest UAS technology as part of the Virtual Exhibit Hall. Virtual Exhibit Hall hours will take place from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM PT on both Wednesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 17. Live interaction within the Virtual Exhibit Hall including one-on-one meetings with staff, product demonstrations, and much more will take place during “Power Hours.” Virtual Exhibit Hall “Power Hours” will take place from 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM PT and 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM PT on both Wednesday, September 16 and Thursday, September 17.

For the first time at Commercial UAV Americas, The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Support Center will be available to attendees in the Virtual Exhibit Hall. The Support Center virtual booth serves as the FAA’s front door for people who are new to flying UAS, are looking for guidance on how to operate safely in various environments, want to learn more about waivers and authorizations, or just have questions about the role UAS play in the broader aviation community. The Support Center is a team of well-informed and professional aviation specialists who seek to help usher in the next generation of flight.

Drone professionals, including professionals from leading companies and government agencies from throughout the United States and 50+ countries, will attend Commercial UAV Expo Americas Virtual this year, drawn by the education, exhibits, and opportunity to connect with one another. Attendees and exhibitors will find it easy to make connections through the robust AI-powered networking tool Commercial UAV Expo Connect powered by Grip and sponsored by DroneUp.

REGISTRATION

A full conference pass costs $395 and includes full access to all the live and pre-recorded content from September 15-17 as well on-demand for 30 days following the event. An exhibit hall pass is free and includes access to Keynotes, Virtual Exhibits, AI-Powered Matchmaking, Virtual “Outdoor” Flying Demonstrations, Emerging Tech Showcases, and the Company Spotlight Gallery.

Registration will remain open throughout the expo and conference, but event organizers encourage professionals to register early to take advantage of everything the event has to offer. To register, please visit virtual.expouav.com/page/1554247/register?promo=209223.

About Commercial UAV Expo Americas

Commercial UAV Expo Americas, presented by Commercial UAV News, is the leading international trade show and conference in North America for the commercial drone market. Its sixth edition, September 15-17, 2020 will take place virtually. For more information, visit http://www.expouav.com.

Service robotics at a small price thanks to new low-cost robot joint from igus

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igus introduces revolutionary ReBeL joint with plastic strain wave gear, BLDC motor and control system

Serving orange juice, loading the dishwashing machine or sorting purchases. The low-cost robotics concept from igus is intended to make these tasks possible. Under the name ReBeL, igus developed a new kind of joint, driven by a strain wave gear as a single component and also a study of a 6-axis service robot. The new joint is fundamentally different to the previous robolink models: Instead of stepper motors, brushless direct-current motors are used in the joints for the first time. Thanks to maintenance-free injection-moulded parts, the new ReBeL series is set to become a real bargain for robot manufacturers.

A practice household assistant for the home or in the office. Easy to program at a reasonable price. Who does not want this? The topic of collaborative robotics – interaction between people and machines – has now been taken up by igus with its low-cost robotics in the form of robolink. The requirements for the components were that they must be light and cost-effective. The result is the ReBeL joint. „Alexa, bring me a glass of orange juice!“ could thus become reality when the product is used in combination with a voice control system. The new low-cost robotics concept is fundamentally different to that of the previous robolink joints and makes it possible for robot manufacturers to generate new solutions. Instead of stepper motors, brushless direct-current motors (BLDC motors), which already belong to the state of the art in industrial robotics, are used.

A flyweight due to plastic components

Due to their small size, the BLDC motors can be installed in the maintenance-free strain wave gear of a ReBeL joint. The control equipment is also built into the axes and thus renders an external control cabinet superfluous. „The cables can now be routed directly inside a robot arm as a BUS system“, explains Alexander Mühlens, head of low cost automation at igus GmbH. „A further idea is to equip new joints with absolute encoders, that remember the position of an arm even when a power failure occurs“, continues Mühlens. The ReBeL makes it possible to have the 6th rotation axis in the modular robolink system and thus allows all positions to be reached. For bearing purposes, lubrication-free and smoothly operating xiros plastic ball bearings are used. As the gearboxes are also mostly made of polymers, the ReBeL system is very light. The BLDC motors also contribute to weight reduction as they are lighter than the previously used stepper motors.

A butler for everyone thanks to the low price

Injection-moulded parts ensure the small price of a ReBeL joint and therefore of the robot arms. „Our vision is that manufacturers will be able to offer 6-axis service robots for a price of 1,000 euros without control unit or for a maximum of 5,000 euros with integrated control unit“, says Alexander Mühlens. „We want to make cost-effective robot arms and applications possible for mechanical engineering companies and even private persons.“ The ReBeL system is suitable not only for tasks in the private area but also for other functions such as collection and delivery services or pick-and-place applications in factories, especially in the case of mobile applications where the robot arm is mounted on a moving platform.

Bloomberg Media and Intelligence Squared U.S. present a new limited debate series “That’s Debatable” hosted by Award-Winning Journalist and Moderator John Donvan and featuring AI from IBM Watson

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The one-hour program will premiere on Bloomberg Television on Friday, October 9 at 7:00 PMAudiences can join the conversation now by submitting their arguments at IBM.com/debatable on the first debate topic: “It’s Time to Redistribute the Wealth”

NEW YORK September 3, 2020 — Bloomberg Media today announced a new interactive debate series titled “That’s Debatable,” to debut on Bloomberg Television Friday, October 9 at 7:00PM ET. Presented in partnership with Intelligence Squared U.S. and hosted by four-time Emmy Award-winning journalist, broadcaster and Intelligence Squared’s longtime debate moderator John Donvan, the program will feature industry leaders, economists, policy makers and public intellectuals debating some of today’s most pressing issues. “That’s Debatable” is sponsored exclusively by IBM.

Filmed in front of a live virtual audience, “That’s Debatable” will be conducted in the traditional Oxford-style format with two teams of two subject matter experts debating over four rounds. The live audience will select a winner via mobile, to be announced at the conclusion of the program.

The show will also demonstrate how AI can be used to bring a larger, more diverse range of voices and opinions to the public square and can help uncover new perspectives to enhance the debaters’ arguments. The general public is invited to submit a short argument for or against each episode’s position statement. During the debate, IBM Watson plans to use Key Point Analysis, a new capability in Natural Language Processing (NLP) developed by the same IBM Research team that created Project Debater, which is designed to analyze viewer submitted arguments and provide insight into the global public opinion on each episode’s debate topic.

“Bloomberg Media’s global audience regularly turns to Bloomberg Television as a critical source of news and information,” said Al Mayers, Global Head of Bloomberg Television and Radio. “By partnering with Intelligence Squared for ‘That’s Debatable,’ we will provide viewers with thoughtful discourse and insights into some of the most important subjects currently at the forefront of national and global conversation.”

“Globally, we are facing unprecedented and complex challenges,” said Intelligence Squared U.S. CEO Clea Conner. “In this era of seemingly endless soundbites and social media echo chambers, it is harder than ever before to truly engage with the other side of an issue. At this historic moment, we are calling for a return to civilized and substantive debate to help us navigate a rapidly changing world. Together with Bloomberg TV, and our exclusive sponsor IBM, ‘That’s Debatable’ will explore multiple viewpoints of the most important topics of our time — and give a voice to a global audience with Watson’s advanced AI analysis.”

The debut episode’s debate topic is: “It’s Time to Redistribute the Wealth.” As nations around the world face a reckoning on race and social justice and work to combat the economic impacts of the pandemic, “That’s Debatable” will take a hard look at the hotly contested question with leading experts on both sides of the argument.

Audiences can join in the discussion by submitting a short argument for or against the motion: „It’s time to redistribute the wealth“ starting today through September 14 at www.ibm.com/debatable. Then tune into “That’s Debatable” on October 9 to see a debate fueled in part by your submission.

„Our ambition for ‘That’s Debatable’ is simple — to showcase one of the many ways AI can be used for good by helping people understand nuanced viewpoints, discover and surface critical insights, and inform high stakes decision making,” said Daniel Hernandez, General Manager, IBM Data and AI. “What we learned from over 30,000 Watson client engagements inspired IBM Research to create cutting-edge innovation in language, automation and building trust, which will be demonstrated in the series and made available in Watson for all businesses to use.”

About Bloomberg Media:

Bloomberg Media is a leading, global, multi-platform brand that provides decision-makers with timely news, analysis and intelligence on business, finance, technology, climate change, politics and more. Powered by a newsroom of over 2,700 journalists and analysts, it reaches influential audiences worldwide across every platform including digital, social, TV, radio, print and live events. Bloomberg Media is a division of Bloomberg LP. Visit BloombergMedia.com for more information.

About Intelligence Squared U.S.:

A non-partisan, non-profit organization, Intelligence Squared U.S. was founded to address a fundamental problem in America: the extreme polarization of our nation and our politics. Their mission is to restore critical thinking, facts, reason, and civility to American public discourse. The award-winning debate series reaches millions of viewers and listeners through multi-platform distribution, including public radio, podcasts, live streaming, newsletters, interactive digital content, and on-demand apps including Roku and Apple TV. With over 180 debates and counting, Intelligence Squared U.S. has encouraged the public to „think twice“ on a wide range of provocative topics. Author and ABC News correspondent John Donvan has moderated IQ2US since 2008.

About IBM Watson:

Watson is IBM’s AI technology for business, helping organizations to better predict and shape future outcomes, automate complex processes, and optimize employees’ time. Watson has evolved from an IBM Research project, to experimentation, to a scaled set of products that run anywhere. With more than 30,000 customers, Watson is being applied by leading global brands across a variety of industries to transform how people work. To learn more, visit: https://www.ibm.com/watson.

To learn more about Natural Language Processing and how new capabilities like Key Point Analysis are designed to analyze and generate insights from thousands of arguments on any topic, visit: https://www.ibm.com/watson/natural-language-processing.

Parrot Jumping Sumo Drone

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A new drone in my collection. It can not fly, but jump. It’s release is some years old, so you can find it in new condition for about 30$. It reminds me of the drone that you used to steer in the video game „watch.dogs 2“.

Automatisierung direkt beim Kunden: igus ist mit Low Cost Automation Roadshow unterwegs

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igus zeigt Produktneuheiten rund um kostengünstige Roboter- und Automatisierungslösungen beim Anwender vor Ort

Köln, 7. September 2020 – Produktlösungen für eine kostengünstige Automatisierung kennenlernen und anfassen trotz Abstands- und Hygieneregeln? Zu diesem Zweck schickt igus jetzt eine Low Cost Automation Roadshow durch Deutschland und besucht Anwender mit robolink Gelenkarm-, Delta- und Portalrobotern. Außerdem stellt igus mit der igus robot control eine neue Simulations- und Steuerungssoftware zur einfachen und intuitiven Auslegung und Programmierung aller igus Roboterkinematiken vor.

Messen fallen aus und Kundenbesuche in den Büroräumen sind, wenn überhaupt, nur unter strengen Auflagen möglich: Wie also die Produkte und Neuheiten direkt zum Kunden bringen? Diese Frage hat sich igus gestellt und daher jetzt seine Neuheiten und Lösungen rund um die Low Cost Automation in einen Transporter gepackt. „Mit der Low Cost Automation Roadshow können wir uns direkt auf den Parkplatz oder Innenhof des Kunden stellen. Alle Interessenten haben hier die Möglichkeit, sich unsere Lösungen in aller Ruhe anzuschauen. Natürlich mit Maske und/oder Sicherheitsabstand, Desinfektionsmittel und unter freiem Himmel,“ so Jacob Geber, Low Cost Automation Experte bei der igus GmbH. Für den Schutz bei hochsommerlichen Temperaturen hat igus außerdem einen Pavillon mit dabei. Mit der Roadshow können zwei igus Experten allen Interessenten Produkte für eine kostengünstige Automatisierung vorstellen: vom Delta-Roboter über den Portalroboter bis hin zum robolink-Gelenkarm. Außerdem präsentieren die Firmenvertreter den Besuchern die neue kostenlose igus robot control Software, mit der sich alle igus Kinematiken vor einem Kauf simulieren und später auch programmieren lassen. Natürlich dürfen aber auch die igus Energieketten, Leitungen, Gleitlager und Linearführungen nicht fehlen. „Je nach Kundenbesuch passen wir unser Sortiment an, ähnlich wie bei unserer mobilen Hausmesse, mit der wir jedes Jahr bei Anwendern weltweit unsere Neuheiten vorstellen. Mit der Low Cost Automation Roadshow richten wir unseren Fokus auf die direkte Umsetzung einer Anwendung beim Kunden vor Ort, die einen schnellen Return on Invest bringt“, so Geber. Mit dem flexiblen Messekonzept ist der Stand in 30 Minuten auf- und wieder abgebaut. „Das Konzept ist klasse! Unsere Mitarbeiter aus der Forschung und Entwicklung können sich hier in Ruhe und nacheinander informieren und das trotz der besonderen Situation mit einem persönlichen Kontakt“, so Dr. Stefan Sommer von der Günther Heisskanaltechnik.

Preisverleihung auf der Roadshow

Auch für besondere Events wie eine Preisverleihung bietet sich die Low Cost Automation Roadshow an. Die Firma Günther Heisskanaltechnik, die Heisskanäle zum Beispiel für Spritzgussmaschinen herstellt, nahm bei einem Gewinnspiel während der igus Keynote „Konstruieren, simulieren, kontrollieren… das alles aus dem Home Office“ auf den Hannover Messe Digital Days teil und gewann einen Delta-Roboter inklusive Steuerung. Übergeben wurde der Roboter von Jacob Geber und Julian Ruwe an Dr. Stefan Sommer und Lucas Schulze „Wir freuen uns sehr, den Delta Roboter bei uns zu Testzwecken einsetzen zu können“, freut sich Dr. Sommer über den Gewinn. „Unsere dualen Studenten haben so die Möglichkeit, sich in der Entwicklungsphase mit dem Thema Automatisierung direkt auseinanderzusetzen.“

Im Video können Sie sich ein paar Eindrücke von der Low Cost Automation Roadshow machen: https://youtu.be/wJ-idPt-sms

Interessenten für die Roadshow können online einen Termin vereinbaren: www.igus.de/lca-roadshow

Schauen Sie sich alle igus Vorträge der Hannover Messe Digital Days an: www.igus.de/digitaldays

Robo Wunderkind: Programmieren lernen, spielerisch wie nie zuvor

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Wien, September 2020 – Ab heute lassen sich die neuen Roboter-Kits für zu Hause und für die Schule von Robo Wunderkind vorbestellen. Die Roboter-Sets des innovativen EdTech-Unternehmens aus Wien fördern spielend die kognitiven Fähigkeiten und die Problemlösungskompetenz von Kindern ab 5 Jahren. Dadurch erwerben Kinder bereits in jungen Jahren wertvolle Skills, die den Grundstein für den späteren Ausbau ihrer MINT-Fähigkeiten legen und ihre Erfolgschancen im weiteren Leben erhöhen.

Spielend den Entdeckergeist wecken

Die Roboter-Sets bestehen aus mehreren dreidimensionalen Modulen, die Kinder zu verschiedensten Strukturen, wie Leuchttürmen, Figuren oder Autos zusammensetzen können. Dabei sind der Kreativität der Kinder keine Grenzen gesetzt, da die Roboter-Kits auch mit LEGO Technic-Teilen kompatibel und damit beliebig erweiterbar sind. In Kombination mit den Apps von Robo Wunderkind fördern die Roboter-Sets das räumliche Denken, die Problemlösungskompetenz und die kognitiven Fähigkeiten von Kindern. Diese Skills sind entscheidend für die spätere Weiterentwicklung von MINT-Fähigkeiten. Mit den Roboter-Kits und Apps von Robo Wunderkind können Eltern und Lehrer somit spielend die Grundlagen für den späteren Erfolgs ihrer Kinder und Schüler legen.

Für die neuen Roboter-Kits Explorer Lite, Explorer Prime und Explorer Pro hat Robo Wunderkind die Vorgängerversionen umfassend analysiert und anhand von Kundenfeedback zahlreiche Verbesserungen vorgenommen. So sind die einzelnen Module der Roboter-Sets aus robusteren Materialien gefertigt und die Seiten wurden abgeflacht, damit Kinder mit ihren Teilen von Lego Technic noch leichter kreative Konstruktionen und Ideen entwickeln können. Die zusätzlichen Module bieten eine verbesserte Haptik und noch mehr Platz, um die verschiedenen Sensoren anzuschließen. Mit der dritten Generation der Roboter-Kits präsentiert Robo Wunderkind die Robo Blocky App, um weitere Möglichkeiten zur Weiterentwicklung von Programmierfähigkeiten zu schaffen. Die App ermöglicht es Kindern, sich mit nur einem Roboter-Kit von der einfachen Fernsteuerung bis hin zur komplexen, block-basierten Programmierung vorzuarbeiten. Damit finden Kinder jeden Alters Aktivitäten und Aufgaben, die ihren Interessen, Vorlieben und Kompetenzen entsprechen.

Kinder – die Programmierer und Entwickler der Zukunft

Das Besondere am Ansatz von Robo Wunderkind: Das Unternehmen verknüpft die physischen Spielzeug-Module mit Apps, über die sich die Roboter programmieren lassen. Insgesamt stehen drei Applikationen für Smartphones und Tablets zur Verfügung: Robo Live, Robo Code und Robo Blockly. Darüber können Kinder die von ihnen gebauten Roboter so programmieren, dass sie beispielsweise beim Umherfahren bei einem bestimmten Abstand zu einem Objekt stehen bleiben. Alternativ können Kinder die Lichtaufsätze so steuern, dass sie je nach Abstand zu einem Gegenstand in verschiedenen Farben leuchten.

Über die App lernen Kinder also spielend erste Programmierfähigkeiten. Das fördert nicht nur Technik-Skills, sondern weckt ihre Begeisterung für entsprechende Aufgaben. Die Roboter Kits von Robo Wunderkind setzen bei der Entwicklung von Kindern also auf zwei Komponenten. Der physische Aspekt, das Zusammenbauen der Module, fördert die kognitiven Fähigkeiten, während Kinder durch die Kombination mit der Software-Komponente zudem wertvolle technische Skills und Problemlösungskompetenzen erwerben. Mit diesem Ansatz erlernen Kinder mit Spaß Fähigkeiten, die für ihren Erfolg im weiteren Leben entscheidend sind. Mit den Roboter-Kits von Robo Wunderkind wächst die nächste Generation an Programmierern und Entwicklern heran.

Über Robo Wunderkind

Robo Wunderkind ist ein EdTech-Unternehmen mit Hauptsitz in Wien/Österreich und hat bereits Anwender in über 60 Ländern. Das innovative Start-Up-Unternehmen hat es sich zum Ziel gesetzt Kinder zu inspirieren, damit sie durch Technologie kreativ sein können. Schon ab 5 Jahren können Kinder mit den Roboter-Kits von Robo Wunderkind ihre eigenen Roboter und Gadgets bauen und programmieren.

Das österreichische Unternehmen erarbeitet mit Experten und Lehrern Unterrichtspläne, die es erleichtern die Roboter in den Vorschul- und Schulunterricht zu integrieren und so die MINT-Fähigkeiten von Kindern zu entwickeln und auszubauen. Robo Wunderkind ist bereits in mehr als 500 Schulen im Einsatz und kooperiert mit ausgewählten europäischen Non-Profit-Organisationen wie SSPCA, Get Your Wings, Digitale Wolven. Das Unternehmen startete außerdem die Initiative Robo Makers Marathon für das den Unterricht zu Hause. Hunderte von Kindern und Eltern auf der ganzen Welt nahmen an Webinaren und Online-Aktivitäten teil und lernten so, bequem von zu Hause aus zu programmieren.

Weitere Informationen erhalten Sie unter: www.robowunderkind.com/de

Public award announced for Low Cost Automation in drones, pharmacies and factories

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ROIBOT competition shows how customers can quickly implement Tech up and Cost down with affordable robotics

The more than 70 submissions to the ROIBOT Award 2020 make it clear that entry into automation can be achieved easily and cost-effectively. This year, in addition to the expert jury, for the first time the public also has the chance to vote for their personal favourite. At www.roibot.de you can find many innovative examples of how Low Cost Automation from igus can be used profitably: from Bathroom mirror cabinet with sound system up to the automated „Chocomatic“ praline dispenser.

igus‘ goal is to enable modern medium-sized companies, research institutes and creative individual engineers to enter the world of automation at a reasonable price with its Low Cost Automation. From various robotics modular systems to ready-to-connect linear robot solutions and intuitive control software, the motion plastics specialist offers users a wide range of cost-saving solutions for a fast return on investment (ROI). The numerous submissions to this year’s ROIBOT award show how this can be achieved in practice. For the first time, a jury of experts and the public will choose their favourites.

ROI can be achieved quickly thanks to Low Cost Automation from igus

The ROIBOT competition recognises Low Cost Robotics applications that have led to a quick return on investment, such as robolink articulated arm robots, drylin delta robots and linear robots from igus. A jury of experts from research, the specialist press and manufacturers will select the winners and award prize money of 5,000 euros to the first, 2,500 euros to the second and 1,000 euros to the third place. For the first time this year, the prize will be given together with a public vote. At www.roibot.de interested parties can obtain not only ideas and inspiration for their own project, but can also vote for their  favourite until 30th September. For example, for pick-and-place applications like the pilot plant at VW plant in Emden, where a robolink D undertakes the automated continuous handling of components for the Passat/Arteon. In the Apostore system, a robolink D carries out the pick & place of medicines at the chemist. In both cases, the cost-effective automation of monotonous and simple tasks directly saves operating costs. Another example is the manipulation robot – a drone with a robot arm – from the University of Seville. It can easily and quickly reach remote or high-altitude work areas, making it suitable for inspection and maintenance applications at oil and gas refineries, power cables or wind and solar power plants. The Cartesian 2-DOF manipulator consists of two lightweight and low-maintenance linear guide systems and three carriages.

These and other submissions can be found at www.roibot.de.

Recycled Robots Invade North America “We Come In Peace,” Declare Funky Fobots

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Raleigh, NC –Not many people can say that the economic downturn has changed their lives for the better. But for Raleigh, NC artist Amy Flynn, it has been the catalyst that has taken her from a comfortable, 27 year career as an illustrator, to a whole new world of galleries, art fairs and Fobots.

Fobots? That would be short for Found Object Robots, and Amy can’t build them fast enough. Incorporating cool vintage junk found at flea markets, scrapyards, basements and auctions, she creates each one as a one-of-a-kind sculpture, with its own name, number, and personality. As it says on their tags, “They are not functional, they are not toys, and they will not go on a rampage while you sleep”.

“I’d been a professional illustrator, working for giftware and greeting card companies, for most of my life,” explains Amy. “But I’d never faced economic conditions so bad. Clients were backing out of contracts, failing to pay me, going bankrupt. I was at my wit’s end”. Finally, her husband said “Why don’t you take some time off and make some of your robots? You’re so much happier when you’re making robots”.

The Fobots had been born of Amy’s love of flea markets and robots. She likes to tell people that they combine two of her favorite passions—making stuff, and shopping. So she went upstairs to her workshop and made some bots. And the recession got worse. She made some more, just to keep the creative juices flowing until business picked up. It didn’t. Soon, the mantelpiece was full, and people were starting to joke about robots taking over the house. Encouraged by a local gallery to start selling them as a business, the Fobots made their debut at the Buyers Market of American Craft, a national wholesale show in Philadelphia. “We sold out of our inventory of 100 bots, and had orders for more. Other artists encourage me to apply to some of the big outdoor art festivals. The first one we applied to was Saint Louis in 2009, and what do you know?–they accepted us! It’s like saying you want to be an actor, and getting cast in the first show you audition for—on Broadway!” Since that auspicious beginning, the Fobots have appeared in many of the country’s top shows, from Miami to Sausalito. They’ve even been on television, gracing the sets of “Ugly Betty” and the ESPN show, “Pardon the Interruption”.

It’s easy to see why Amy’s little metal friends are so popular. The junk they’re made from is cool to start with—vintage cameras, funky old tins, little toy refrigerators with the food printed on the inside of the doors, car parts, and metal spinning tops transform themselves into faces, bodies, arms and legs. And, like the Tin Man, they all have a little brass heart inside. Then there are the names—Hermaphrobot, Steampunky Brewster, Robama, Sigmund Droid, Cyborg Young, Queen Elizabot, Love Machine, Roboticelli…you get the picture. And some of them…well, let’s just say that in some cases, it’s easy to tell the boys from the girls.

Amy is so much happier now making Fobots. And that’s something that never would have happened if things hadn’t first gotten so bad. Reflects Amy. “I keep hearing that the Chinese characters for “crisis” and “opportunity” are the same. I looked it up—turns out, they’re not, that’s just a myth. But they SHOULD be.”

Amy Flynn is the Senior Fobotologist and creative genius behind FOBOTS. To see more of her little metal friends, visit iFobot.com.