Robotical launches new STEM robot with added features to help kids learn to code

EDINBURGH, SCOTLAND (PRWEB) OCTOBER 22, 2019

Today Robotical launched a crowdfunding campaign for their versatile STEM robot, Marty 2.0, a low cost, fully programmable walking, dancing, soccer-playing robot designed for kids, makers, and educators to learn coding and robotics skills. It is now available on Kickstarter for the starting price of $120.

Marty 2.0 is the updated version of Marty the Robot. Like its predecessor, the newest robot can be coded by users from ages 8-18 in languages including Scratch and Python. Marty is compatible with single board computers like Raspberry Pi, is expandable, and can be customized with 3D printed parts. Marty comes as a kit or pre-built, so users can either build from the ground up or jump straight into coding the robot to walk, turn, dance, kick a football and more.

“Building and creating the first Marty was a dream come true and we’re thrilled to launch the new and improved Marty 2.0,” said Founder and CEO Alexander Enoch. “Marty 2.0 was built with a passion to help kids learn how to code intuitively and easily progress into using coding programs like Scratch or Python. It’s also fun. You can even teach Marty to floss!”

Marty 2.0 is pose-able, mimics lifelike behaviors, speaks in short phrases, plays music and uses distance, position and other sensors to detect the world around him. Robotical has added a new modular expansion interface and a new learning platform and learning journey for students. The platform comes with nine all metal-geared smart servos with built-in position and force feedback, so users can teach Marty new moves by demonstrating them.

“With Marty 2.0, our hope is to continue making STEM education accessible to children of all ages across the globe. Marty already helps children across more than 50 countries, including the UK, US, Australia and in schools in Rwanda. With these newly added features, we’re hoping that Marty 2.0 will expand further with its unique fun and educational approach,” said Myles Bax.

The new Marty has been built based on feedback accumulated since 2016 when Marty 1.0 launched. The result is a second-generation robot with new features like sound and position sensing, and upgrades across the board to improve connectivity, usability, and buildability.

“We want to help continue to shape the future of education. Learning to code is a lifelong skill that helps teach kids not just employment-relevant skills of programming, but also life skills like
Problem-solving, patience, and creativity,” said Enoch.

Marty 2.0 is recommended for ages 10+. A simplified build variant is available for kids 7+. It connects with WiFi, Bluetooth or USB and is compatible with Scratch, Python, Javascript and ROS interfaces.

The estimated delivery date of Robotical is February 2020. For more information on pledge levels, please visit the Kickstarter campaign. Media wishing to interview their personnel should contact PR agent, Jessica Sanchez at [email protected].

About Robotical

Robotical Ltd is a startup based in Edinburgh, UK, owned and run by Alexander (Sandy) Enoch. Sandy started Robotical because he wanted a real robot to help his niece learn how to code, and also wanted to provide something real to the massive community of makers, educators, and hackers at a reasonable price.

LittleBot Buddy 3D Printed Arduino Social Robot Launches on Kickstarter

LittleBot Buddy is the 9th robot to come from the Slant Concepts line of LittleBots STEM kits. This addition is the most personable of all. Buddy is an interactive robotics kit that is simple to build and designed to help kids get excited about creating a robotic companion.

Buddy is the culmination of nearly 2 years of work. LittleBots has been experimenting with variants of Buddy since the first LittleBots kits were released. They finally found a design that was both highly interactive and simple to build.

Buddy works by observing the world around him. When something changes he generates completely unique reactions, just as a living creature would do. He is completely spontaneous. This helps Buddy to maintain kid’s attention longer as they build and work with him.

The kit can be built in under an hour, does not require any soldering, and has fewer than 15 screws. This makes is simple to build even for the most inexperienced users. 

The main chip is arduino and can be reprogrammed using standard or graphical programming tools, such as the Arduino IDE or Makeblock.

Adding to the uniqueness of Buddy is the fact that he is 3D Printed. LittleBots made this choice to both create a cleaner design with fewer parts and to invite kids to edit and build on the robot. “When the robot is 3D printed kids know they are allowed to 3D print more parts using the printer in a classroom,” stated Gabe Bentz, lead designer of the LittleBots Project.

All together Buddy is a very interactive robotics kits that is simple to get started with but packs a good amount of complexity into a simple little package.

The kit is currently available for preorders on Kickstarter and was 25% funded within it first 12 hours of going live. Preorders are expected to start shipping in December 2019.

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/slantrobotics/littlebot-buddy

Picoh – The Programmable Assistant

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ohbot2/picoh-an-expressive-little-robot-head

In an ever-advancing digital world people are understanding less of the tech they use – Picoh was built to change that. We interact with robots at checkouts, speak to AIs on our phones and have our news feeds and adverts dictated by algorithms. To truly flourish in this digital age as many people as possible need to be able to understand, program and interact with machines – but sometimes it’s hard to know where to start.

Picoh is the new robot head from the makers of the award winning Ohbot. It has three motors and can display a range of emotions on its LED matrix face. You can program Picoh to talk, move and show expression using our block-based app or using our open-source Python Library.

Alongside speech and movement, we have also included tools to help you create your own personal assistant. Picoh can listen, react to certain words and phrases and read other inputs such as a webcam or sensors.

At Ohbot, education is at the heart of what we do. Out of the box Picoh doesn’t do anything – all of its features need to be unlocked. Picoh is a platform for exploring robotics coding and AI which can be as simple or as complex as you like.

Dan Warner, co-founder of Ohbot says: “We have developed simple software that allows everyone to control their Picoh, give them opinions and show personality. When I ask my Picoh what’s the best football team in the world it smiles and says Forest Green Rovers – the team that’s local to where we make our robots in Stroud, UK. This is all done with simple block programming that’s used to get Picoh to speak and move when it hears a particular word or phrase”.

Mat Walker of Ohbot continues: “We’ve been having a lot of fun with Picoh getting it to lip synch to singing and responding to what we say to it in unexpected ways. Picoh is really expressive with a moving mouth and customizable eye shapes. We’ve been developing robots for children for the past 4 years and we’ve learned so much in that time – Picoh is our chance to share what we’ve learned with everyone.”

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/ohbot2/picoh-an-expressive-little-robot-head

MOREbot, 3D Printed Robotics Platform That Teaches STEAM Skills to Next-Gen Innovators, Launches on Kickstarter

MOREbot is easy enough for beginner tinkerers ages eight and up and grows to appeal to expert-level users

Fayetteville, Arkansas – Today on Kickstarter.com, MORE Technologies launches its expandable, modular STEM learning robotic ecosystem, MOREbot, that teaches people of all ages invention skills related to coding, 3D printing, electronics and more. As users learn and grow, the MOREbot ecosystem grows with them, accommodating different add-ons that help transform the robot into anything they can imagine.

“Robotics is a great way to introduce kids to and teach tech skills, but current robotics platforms are expensive and don’t scale with kids as they learn. Simply put, there’s no single robot platform that can take someone from beginner to expert,” said CEO Canon Reeves. “Our platform makes quality robot kits affordable, based on designs that teach real engineering skills. MOREbot is tangible enough for a beginner, yet it still maintains the ability to teach them at expert levels. We will inspire kids to explore tech skills and then provide them with the tools to take their learning wherever they desire. Regardless of whether they become an engineer, they still benefit from being able to adapt to tech quickly—an invaluable skill in any career.”

MOREbot starts with a Base Robot that users can build and then control via mobile application. Next, creators can expand the Base Robot by incorporating add-on kits to transform MOREbot into creations like a catapult or a robotic arm. By integrating such components as Motion Kits, Structure Kits and Sensor Kits, MOREbot users can reconfigure parts to invent anything imaginable, stretching the bounds of such capabilities as remote-driving MOREbot with a Bluetooth-controlled app.

MOREbot teaches valuable technology skills related to coding, 3D printing and electronics using the Arduino software platform. It also prepares makers of any age to adapt to a fast-changing world by teaching critical skills like problem solving and design thinking. MOREbot is available at a fraction of the cost of those produced by leading competitors, all while offering unprecedented customizations and deeper learning outcomes because almost all of the parts are 3D-printed and snap together with readily available wooden dowels.

The Base Robot contains one Bluetooth module, two motors, one Arduino Uno, one Arduino motor controller shield, eight (8) batteries and one (1) battery pack, over thirty (30) 3D-printed parts, CAD files, twenty-two (22) wooden dowels, four (4) jumper wires, one (1) screwdriver, two (2) rubber bands and free tutorials.

MOREbot is currently available on Kickstarter ,starting at $69 for the Base Robot. For more information or to pre-order, visit pr.go2.fund/morebot.

About MORE Technologies, LLC

MORE Technologies believes kids have the power to change the world with technology, so they are making robots that put exploration, creativity and innovative thinking at the heart of the learning process. The company’s 3D printed, customizable robotics kits are designed for the classroom, home or anywhere a maker’s mind can imagine. MORE Technologies is preparing next-generation innovators for a fast-changing world and empowering them to solve the world’s most pressing problems. For more information, visit https://moretech.co.

Maker Faire Eindhoven 2018

Maker Faire Ruhr 2018

T3D, 3D Printing Directly From You Mobile Devices Launches on Kickstarter

San Francisco, CA. September 19, 2017– T3D, an innovative technology company specializing in light- sensitive chemical resin development, announces the crowdfunding campaign launch of their newest mobile 3D printing solution on Kickstarter on 9/19/2017. During the month-long campaign, limited super early bird rewards will be available for as low as $169 (45% off the retail price of $299).

T3D works with any mobile device, smartphones or tablets. Weighing at only 32 ounces, allows for 3D printing on the go, anytime anywhere. By applying the patented visible light-active resin, T3D enables open air printing, giving Makers a front row access to the printing experience. And with the exclusive App, users of all experience levels can have access to over 5,800 3D models in the cloud gallery and become a professional in 3D printing.

Key product features:

  • Open air printing – Prints directly from your smart device without a cover
  • Multi-color kit – Print different colors instantly with add-on kit
  • Multi-functional – Flexible 360 degree 3D scanning module
  • Certified 3D models – Tested and pre approved models to ensure quality printing
  • Open source – Printer specification made available for personalization

The campaign has a goal of $35,000 and will begin reward fulfillment in March 2018. The various reward pledges include:

  • Limited Super Early Bird option for $169 (45% off retail)
  • Pair Bundle Special for $339 (50% off retail)
  • Super Early Bird Multi-Functional Package (multi-color + scanning kit) for $749 (42% off retail)

“T3D will definitely be a game-changer to the 3D printing industry.” say Dr. Jeng, founder of T3D. “Whether it is speed or precision, T3D packs a lot of punch considering its small form factor. At an estimated retail price of $299, you are not going to find anything comparable out in the market, plus it is truly mobile because it works with all your mobile devices.”

For more information, visit : www.myt3d.com

Hitbot announces the Kickstarter launch of Z-Arm: An affordable & easy to use four-axis collaborative robotic arm

The Hitbot Z-Arm brings incredible versatility and convenience to hobbyists, makers and manufacturers. This one of a kind robotic arm can perform any number of tasks including 3D printing, soldering, engraving and assembly guided by a unique and intuitive set of programming tools that anyone can use.    

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/62697072/z-arm-affordable-collaborative-robotic-arm-for-eve?lang=de

Never before has the convenience and versatility of a SCARA (Selective Compliance Articulated Robot Arm) been so accessible and user friendly. This type of advanced robotic arm uses a parallel axis joint layout which articulates in a similar way to a human arm, making it faster and more accurate than mechanical arms of previous generations.  

These incredible robotic arms have been used in the most advanced manufacturing facilities for sorting, circuit building and even automobile assembly. Now, with the release of the Hitbot Z-Arm, this powerful technology is available to hobbyists, makers, inventors and robotics enthusiasts. This programmable robotic arm can be anything from a personal assistant to a useful tool or dependable production line component. The Z-Arm will change the way people use technology and provide a completely new type of easily programmable robotic tool.   

Unlike the complex and expensive industrial robotic arms that inspired it, the Z-Arm is extremely easy to program for virtually any task. No special programming knowledge is necessary, making it simple for anyone to use. It uses an integrated driver and motion controller that can be programmed with an intuitive App using a simple graphical interface. It can even be manually programmed by moving the arm itself to create repeatable motions for different tasks. 

The list of applications that can be applied to the Z-Arm is endless. It can perform 3D printing, laser engraving, circuit board design, soldering and PCB assembly. It can play games, write, cut, perform repetitious actions or simply help out around the house as a personal assistant. It is even equipped with a camera for accurate visual identification, perfect for sorting and organizing. It handles objects of all types, even carefully gripping fragile items with ease.  

For more complex processes, multiple Z-Arms can be programmed to work together. Z-Arm can also work alongside humans with its safety-rated monitored stop, which stops the robot if a human enters its collaborative workspace. As a programmable robotic arm with high precision, its uses are only limited by the imagination.  

In terms of specifications the Z-Arm has an impressive list including 0.02mm Repeatability, a 400 mm Reach, and a front arm Rotation of 360 degrees. Add to that, a 430°/s Speed and a Payload capacity of up to 2kg which allows it to deliver industrial grade performance in a cost-effective manner. It is simply one of the most versatile robotic arms available today.   

 “Our group of designers and robotics experts wanted to encourage innovation by making the most affordable industrial-quality robotic arm that had intuitive tools which make it easy to use for novices. The Z-Arm is the culmination of our dream, a mechanical arm for the masses that will make the power of robotics accessible to everyone.” Jun Tian, CEO Hitbot LTD 

The team behind Hitbot are designers, developers and robotics experts who have years of experience in the field and a passion for creating powerful robotics for consumers. Their unique products are designed to make robotics easy for anyone to program and use.  

The Hitbot Z-Arm is being launched via Kickstarter campaign so the company can reward their community of early adopters with special deals and pricing.